Segmented Launcher Housing for Munition Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional munition launchers fail to adequately protect sensors in smart munitions from the exhaust plume of neighboring missiles during launch, leading to compromised performance and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A launcher system comprising a first housing with a tube for munition transport and a second housing that combines with the first to form a continuous tube for launch, with electrical connectivity and mechanical couplings that allow for secure communication and access without exposing sensitive electronics to exhaust plumes, ensuring the sensors in the nose of the munition remain protected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional single housing launcher is used, then the structure is simple, but the sensors are exposed to exhaust plume causing compromised performance
Solution Approach 1:
The launcher housing is divided into a first housing and a second housing that can be separated. The first housing contains the tube for munition insertion, while the second housing contains the electronics compartment. This segmentation allows the electronics to be positioned away from the exhaust plume exposure zone while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of operation
If the second housing is permanently attached, then the structure is rigid, but access to munition is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the first housing and second housing is made detachable rather than permanent. The second housing can be removed from the first housing to provide access to the munition in the tube, while being reconnectable for secure transport and launch. This dynamic configuration balances ease of operation with structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, a launcher configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle may comprise a first housing, circuitry, and a second housing. The first housing may define a tube configured to hold a munition for transportation. The circuitry may provide electrical communication with a munition present within the tube. The second housing may define a tube corresponding to the tube defined by the first housing. The second housing may be configured to mount to the first housing so that the tubes defined by the first housing and the second housing combine to house and launch a munition.