Raytheon Company

Jennifer B Weesner

Arthur J Schneider

Wayne V Spate

Stanton L Winetrobe

Michael J Kaiserman

Michael T Rodack

A modular missile assembly includes a pair of modules which are separately transported and handled until just prior to firing, when they are coupled together. A forward payload-carrying module includes a forward canister which encloses a missile payload section, for example, consisting of a penetrator rod, fins, and ancillary sub-assemblies. An aft booster module includes a missile propulsion section, encased in an aft canister. Prior to firing, suitable forward and aft modules are selected, are individually loaded into a launch tube, and are coupled together. In this coupling the missile payload section and the missile propulsion section are coupled together to form a missile, and the forward and aft canisters are likewise coupled together to form a combined canister assembly. Division of the missile into separate payload and booster modules facilitates handling as compared to unitary missiles. The modular design also allows increased flexibility.

Growing community of inventors

Tucson, AZ, United States of America

Jennifer B Weesner