Underwater projectile launcher

Abstract

Disclosed is an underwater gas generator projectile launcher which includes tubular barrel having a forward muzzle end and an opposed rearward end. A projectile is positioned in this tubular barrel adjacent the forward end. An expellable closure for the forward muzzle end of the barrel means is provided. A projectile propelling piston assembly is positioned in the tubular barrel and includes a shell axially movable in the tubular barrel. This piston includes a shell having a front wall adjacent the projectile and an opposed rear wall which encloses the rearward end of the tubular barrel. This interior space is traversely segmented into a front chamber and a rear chamber by an interior plate, and this interior plate is positionable in a stationary position relative to said tubular barrel. A gas generator is positioned in the front chamber of the interior space. When the gas generator is activated, force is simultaneously applied to the front wall of the shell and the interior plate of the projectile propellant piston to move the shell of said piston in a forward direction to propel the projectile from said tubular barrel. External ocean pressure on the closure for the forward muzzle end of the tubular muzzle is equalized by force extracted in the opposite direction on the rear wall of the moveable shell by external ocean pressure.