USA As Represented by Secretary of the Navy

Michael J Wroblewski

Michael T Ansay

Harry Zervas

James T Broadmeadow

William A Hardin

Douglas G Arnold

An underwater missile launch system includes one or more missile loading modules for supporting a plurality of missiles in a stackable, in-line configuration within a pressure vessel. The missiles are arranged inside the modules, which may be stacked in groups inside a single pressure vessel, or payload bay. Each module is preferably substantially identical including a common size, shape, and payload of missiles in common with the module above and below it. A one-way positioning latch is provided that prevents the upper missiles from dropping down on top of the lower missiles, while allowing the lower missiles to later pass up through the same launch tube as the upper missiles, after the upper missiles have been ejected.

Stackable in-line surface missile launch system for a modular payload bay

An underwater missile launch system includes one or more missile loading modules for supporting a plurality of missiles disposed within protective capsules in a stackable, in-line configuration within a pressure vessel. The missiles are arranged inside the modules, which may be stacked in groups inside a single pressure vessel, or payload bay. Each module is preferably substantially identical including a common size, shape, and payload of missiles in common with the module above and below it. A one-way positioning latch is provided that prevents the upper missiles from dropping down on top of the lower missiles, while allowing the lower missiles to later pass up through the same launch tube as the upper missiles, after the upper missiles have been ejected.

Stackable in-line underwater missile launch system for a modular payload bay

A safety switch is provided to detect when a tube launched which exits the tube. The switch is located within the vehicle having a switch plunger extending to the periphery of the vehicle. The plunger is biased to provide outward pressure against a lever on the exterior of the vehicle. The lever rides within the bore of the launch tube such that, when the vehicle is within the launch tube, the lever contacts the interior bore of the tube. The lever contacting the tube bore prevents the plunger from extending to activate the switch. When the vehicle exits the tube, the lever is free to rotate away from the vehicle allowing the plunger to extend and activate the switch which may be a single or multi-pole switch.

Growing community of inventors

Portsmouth, RI, United States of America

Michael J Wroblewski