Foldable Ramp Missile Launcher Flame Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional missile launchers for small naval surface ships face issues with heat damage to the deck and radar visibility, as well as limited mobility and visibility concerns, due to the aft flame of launched missiles and the large, conspicuous design of traditional ramps.
Innovation Solution
A foldable ramp system with pivotable support elements and a lifting device that displaces the aft flame away from the ship, reduces radar and visual visibility by folding, and maintains dynamic stability through balanced payload distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If tall ramps are used to orientate canisters at considerable height over the deck, then heat damage to the deck is reduced, but the ramp becomes very heavy and impractical for small sized surface ships
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp is designed as a foldable structure with multiple support elements that can be dynamically deployed and folded. During launch, the ramp extends to position canisters at sufficient height to direct flame away from the deck. When not in use, it folds compactly to minimize weight and space requirements, making it practical for small surface ships.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp structure is divided into multiple segmented support elements (rear support element, intermediate support elements, front support element) that can be independently positioned and folded. This segmentation allows the ramp to achieve the necessary extended height for flame deflection while maintaining a compact folded state that reduces overall weight and complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional stationarily mounted launchers are used, then missile launching capability is provided, but radar visibility and eye visibility pose potential risks
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher system incorporates foldable support elements that allow the ramp to be deployed only when needed for missile launch. During normal operations and patrol, the ramp folds compactly against the ship's structure, significantly reducing its radar cross-section and visual profile. This dynamic deployment maintains full launching capability while minimizing detection risk during piece time.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If heat endurable layers such as ceramics are applied to the deck, then protection from heat damage is achieved, but special processing is required and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the deck with heat endurable coatings, the solution extracts the heat deflection function to a separate foldable ramp structure. The ramp physically redirects the missile flame away from the deck through its extended configuration, eliminating the need for special deck treatments and associated maintenance requirements while still providing adequate heat protection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The foldable ramp effectively mitigates heat damage and radar visibility while ensuring the safety of personnel and maintaining ship stability, allowing for secure and covert missile launches from small naval vessels.
Implementation Method 1
A lifting device (14) lifts the front end of the frame (10) whereby the rear end of the canisters (11) displace a horizontal distance towards the rear of the ramp as said lifting device lifts the front end of said frame (10)
Implementation Method 2
at least one rear support element (12) and at least one front support element (13), which are pivotably attached to the frame (10) and which are adapted to pivotably connect to the launching platform so as to allow rotary movement of the frame (10) with respect to the launching platform
Data Source
AI summary
The foldable ramp is intended to store, carry and launch relatively large size tube-launched missiles typically on board of relatively small sized naval surface ships. Accordingly, the foldable ramp comprises a frame suitable for carrying one or more canisters for launching rockets or missiles and support elements, which are pivotably attached to the frame and which are adapted to pivotably connect to the launching platform so as to allow rotary movement of the frame with respect to the launching platform. A lifting device lifts the front end of the frame whereby the rear end of the canisters displace a horizontal distance towards the rear of the ramp as said lifting device lifts the frame. Adverse effects of the aft flame of the launched rocket or missile is securely displaced to the outside of the vehicle while foldability of the ramp enables to prevent or reduce radar and eye visibility of the launcher, particularly when mounted on a naval surface ship.