Mcdermott International, Inc.

Gayle C Brown

Juan J Campo

Philip F Heiser

Steven M McKnight

A marine vessel launch apparatus utilizing cradle wedges that are released by explosive triggers. The cradle wedges are located above each skidway and directly support the vessel. The cradle wedge is shaped and sized to provide a direct means of connecting the cradle wedge to the vessel tieback/support. The tieback/support for the cradle wedge is rigidly attached to the skidway. The tieback/support and cradle wedge are held together with bolts and frangible nuts. Explosive charges are used on the frangible nuts to release the cradle wedges from the tieback/support and launch the vessel. Jacks provide positive horizontal pressure on the cradle wedges to break static friction between the cradle wedges and skidways to initiate vessel motion down the skidways and into the waterway.

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Gretna, LA, United States of America

Gayle C Brown