USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

John W Pennington, Iii

Kenneth G Thorsted

Joseph F Sharrow

An improved launching system for use on a platform and for selectively and ontrollably dispensing one or more elements of predetermined shape in carrying out its mission as used on any suitable platform; such as, e.g., an aircraft. The system is generally made up of elongated sleeve means being closed at one end and also having an aerodynamic profile as required. Depending upon the requirements of the system, it can be provided with external or internal control means. The system is generally comprised of selectively programmable motor-driven, feed-screw propelling means. The propelling means is arranged within the sleeve means such that the propelling means when in a retracted position provides a chamber for receiving one or more elements to be temporarily stored in nested but axially aligned relation to each other until selectively dispensed. Resiliently biased means are provided for positively retaining one or more elements between the propelling means and the outer open discharge end of the sleeve means until each element is dispensed by the propelling means. Also, resiliently biased locking means are provided for positively retaining the propelling means in its fully extended position so as to prevent accidental dispensing thereof during system use.

Launching system

An erodable spin turbine having a plurality of turbine blades affixed to the outer periphery of a missile nozzle. When the missile is fired in its launch tube the exhaust gas stream flows across the turbine blades to impart an angular torque to the missile as it traverses the launch tube. As the missile traverses the launch tube the exhaust gas stream is also eroding the spin turbine such that when the missile exits the launch tube the missile has reached its terminal spin rate and the spin turbine is effectively eroded so that it no longer interacts with the exhaust gas stream. The spin rate of the missile in its free-flight trajectory is maintained by airflow over canted fins and canards mounted on the missile's airframe.

Erodale spin turbine for tube-launched missiles

An anchoring system comprising a pointed anchor body having either a wire apped therearound in one embodiment thereof or a coiled wire disposed within a hollow portion of the anchor body in a second embodiment thereof. One end of the wire is fixed to the pointed end of the anchor body and the other end projects through a pusher plate at the other end of the anchor body, behind which is an explosive or propellant charge for actuating the anchor. When the charge is ignited the anchor body is driven out of the charge housing, which is configured to retain the pusher plate, causing the wire to unwind as the anchor body embeds itself.

Growing community of inventors

Spotsylvania, VA, United States of America

John W Pennington, Iii