Systems and Methods for Launching Munitions
AssigneeRaytheon Company
InventorRobert A. Bailey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, a launcher configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle may comprise a first housing, circuitry, and a second housing. The first housing may define a tube configured to hold a munition for transportation. The circuitry may provide electrical communication with a munition present within the tube. The second housing may define a tube corresponding to the tube defined by the first housing. The second housing may be configured to mount to the first housing so that the tubes defined by the first housing and the second housing combine to house and launch a munition.
Claims18
A munitions launcher for transporting and launching munitions, the launcher comprising:
- a first housing defining a tube configured to hold a munition for transportation;
- circuitry providing electrical communication with a munition present within the tube;
- a second housing defining a tube corresponding to the tube defined by the first housing;
- the second housing configured to mount to the first housing so that the tubes defined by the first housing and the second housing combine to house and launch a munition.
A system for launching munitions from a vehicle, the system comprising:
- a first housing defining a tube configured to hold a munition for transportation, the munition having a length longer than a length of the tube of the first housing;
- couplings providing mechanical connection between the vehicle and the housing and electrical connectivity between the vehicle and the housing;
- the couplings configured to route electrical signals from the vehicle to the first housing;
- a second housing defining a tube corresponding to the tube defined by the first housing;
- the second housing configured to mount to the first housing at a junction so that the tubes defined by the first housing and the second housing combine to house and launch a munition;
- and
- the second housing removable from the first housing without decoupling the first housing from the vehicle so that a user may access the munition at a point on its length corresponding to the length of the first housing.
A method for accessing a munition housed in a launcher attached to a vehicle for transport, the method comprising:
- removing a second housing of the launcher from a first housing without decoupling the first housing from the vehicle;
- exposing a portion of the munition protruding from the first housing;
- accessing the exposed portion of the munition;
- replacing the second housing of the launcher;
- and
- covering the exposed portion of the munition for transport.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.