Raytheon Company

Philip C Wright

Jayson Kahle Bopp

Robert Alan Bailey

Stephen A Streib

James Traylor

Brian R Kavalar

David R Campbell

Robert A Bailey

A rail launch mechanism and method for launching a payload is configured to release payload lugs of a payload from a platform. A rack for launching a payload includes multiple rails that separately engage lugs in the respective payload of the rails, and a force actuator for launching the payload by accelerating the payload along the rails, causing the lugs to separate from the respective rails. A launching system for launching the payload from the platform may include a rail, at least one payload release shoe that carries a payload lug along the rail, and a force actuator for accelerating the payload release shoe such that inertia of the payload causes the payload lug to be released from the payload release shoe.

Rail-launching munition release

An ejector system for ejecting/separating a store, such as a weapon, from a launch platform includes a pair of spring assemblies that each include nested springs that are contained in a housing when the spring assemblies are in a compressed configuration. To separate the store from the aircraft the spring assemblies each move from the initial compressed configuration to an extended configuration, using the potential energy stored in the springs when compressed. The extension of the springs extends the springs mostly out of the spring assembly housings, extending telescoped sleeves of the spring assemblies. The extension of the spring assemblies provides a safe and steady way of separating the store from the launch platform, while having the advantages of being reusable, low cost and low weight, not producing any debris, and providing a softer push than may be produced by other separation mechanisms, such as the use of pyrotechnic devices.

Vehicle device separation system with telescoping piston springs

Growing community of inventors

New Palestine, IN, United States of America

Philip C Wright