Fluid pressure discharge safety system

Abstract

Improved fluid pressure discharge safety system for automatically detecting nd simultaneously suppressing opposed exhaust streams of an accidentally fired and stored missile. The system is generally made up of first and second nozzles for discharging sprays of fluid under pressure. The first nozzle is provided with an exhaust detection arrangement. This arrangement includes a discharge control plug that maintains the first and second nozzles in a securely closed condition for preventing discharge of pressure fluid from either nozzle. However, the detection arrangement, when impacted by an exhaust stream, causes ejection of the fluid pressure discharge control plug from the first nozzle thereby opening the first nozzle for discharge of pressure fluid therefrom. A first valve of novel construction is operatively associated with the plug and controls the operation of a second valve. The second valve controls the discharge of pressure fluid from the second nozzle. When the discharge control plug is ejected and the second valve is opened, both nozzles discharge separate sprays of pressure fluid that envelope the opposed exhaust streams of an ignited and stored missile associated therewith. This envelopment by either spray is in effect a fluid pressure safety shield that effectively reduces hazards to personnel and adjacent stored missiles.