The Secretary of State for Defence

David Timothy Newell

Peter Richard Rushforth

Projectile launch apparatus () for use in a fluid environment. The apparatus () comprises a launch tube () having a supercavitating projectile () with cavitator () received within the launch tube (). A means for generating expulsion gas (not visible) is arranged to provide expulsion gas to propel the projectile () from the launch tube (), with means for bleeding expulsion gas () being provided to bleed a portion of expulsion gas around the projectile (). This allows expulsion gases to contribute to the formation of the gas cavity around the supercavitating projectile () as the projectile () is launched from the launch tube (). Particularly suited to the deployment of supercavitating projectiles underwater, such as in underwater mine disposal applications.

Projectile launch apparatus for use in fluid environments

A configurable fluid vessel including a flexible bladder having a fluid port through which a fluid such as water can be provided into the bladder. The fluid vessel includes an internal support frame within the flexible bladder to increase rigidity and can be manipulated into a predetermined shape. The fluid vessel is collapsible for storage whilst retaining rigidity when in use. The fluid vessel is particularly suited for use in explosive jet disruptors for tailoring the formation of a fluid jet.

Fluid vessel with configurable shape

A firing stand () for mounting a plurality of shaped charges. The firing stand () can be configured by a user between a transport configuration in which shaped charges are stored for transport, and at least a first firing configuration from which shaped charges can be deployed. Inter-connected rotating panels () may be used to provide user configurability to the firing stand (), with shaped charges optionally being mounted in panel apertures (). The firing stand provides for rapid and configurable deployment of multiple shaped charges.

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Salisbury, United Kingdom

David Timothy Newell