Device for launching a drone using spring thrust, method for launching drones using this device, and tool for implementing this method

A device for launching a drone using spring thrust, the device comprising:

• a longitudinal launch tube having a first rear end, which is closed, and a second front end, which is open, and the inside of the launch tube defining a launch chamber intended to receive the drone, and
• ejection means for ejecting the drone from the launch tube which the ejection means comprising:
• an ejection assembly comprising an ejection element, mounted so as to slide longitudinally in the launch chamber and intended to push the drone in order to eject the drone from the launch tube, and an ejection spring having a longitudinal axis coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the launch tube, wherein a first end of the ejection spring bears on the rear end of the launch tube and a second end of the ejection spring bears against the ejection element, the ejection assembly being able to be placed in an armed position, in which the ejection spring is compressed by the ejection element,
• locking means for releasably locking the ejection assembly in the armed position, the locking means comprising at least one retaining element connected to the launch tube and movable between a locking position, in which the at least one retaining element is engaged with the ejection element so as to hold the ejection assembly in the armed position, against the action of the ejection spring, and an unlocking position, in which the at least one retaining element is disengaged from the ejection element, and
• control means for controlling unlocking of the ejection assembly, by moving the at least one retaining element from the locking position to the unlocking position,
• wherein the control means comprise:
• a release housing, located at a rear of the launch tube and containing a release chamber able to be connected to a gas pressure source,
• at least one release element which, together with the release housing, delimits the release chamber and is movable, under the action of a gas pressure introduced into the release chamber, from a rest position in which the at least one release element allows the at least one retaining element to remain in the locking position, to a release position, in which the at least one release element moves the at least one retaining element from the locking position to the unlocking position, and means for returning the at least one release element to the rest position.