Modular interchangeable weapons sub-assembly system for warships

Abstract

The weapons units of a warship may be formed in remotely prefabricated modular sub-assemblies which are capable of interchangeable mounting at different locations on the warship by an arrangement which includes a standardized adapter device structurally formed as part of the warship and defining the opening of a compartment into which the modular sub-assembly of the weapons unit is mounted. The weapons unit modular sub-assembly consists of a container within which the weapons unit is prefabricated. The weapons unit container and the adapter unit on the warship are both formed with mating structural parts having standardized sizes and configurations in order to enable interchangeability of the sub-assemblies. Although each sub-assembly may be formed with a different weapons unit, the container for the weapons unit of each sub-assembly is uniformly structured in a standardized manner complementing the adapter unit on the warship. The container unit is formed with a horizontal flange which overlies a horizontal flange of the adapter unit when the weapons sub-assembly is in mounting position. A pair of L-shaped rims, one each on the container unit and the adapter unit, respectively, form a L-shaped annular gap about the weapons sub-assembly within which resilient sealing means are poured in order to effect a fluid-tight seal between the weapons sub-assembly and the ship's structure. The horizontal flange of the adapter unit forms a platform for mounting the weapons sub-assembly and for enabling adjustment of the position and orientation of the sub-assembly prior to rigid connection thereof to the warship. Pins extending vertically upwardly from the flange of the adapter unit are located around the opening of the ship's compartment for mating engagement with alignment holes through the flange of the weapons container to effect lateral alignment of the weapons unit sub-assembly in mounting position. Adjustment of the orientation of the weapons unit is effected by screw means which extend upwardly from the adapter unit flange for abutment with the underside of the flange of the container of the weapons sub-assembly. By adjustment of the screw means, tilting of the weapons sub-assembly may be effected to adjust its orientation into a desired attitude whereby the sub-assembly may be rigidly connected to the warship by pouring of the sealing means and by fastening of attachment bolts.