Hydraulically Lifted Apparatus, And Methods Of Use, For Launching Vehicles From Ships

Abstract

Devices, kits, systems and methods for hydraulically launching vehicles from ships. A hydraulically lifted launcher, which may be mounted on the top surface of the hull of ships, may retain a vehicle at varying angles prior to launch. A bottom member may receive the vehicle and may have hydraulically adjustable legs extending upward from the top surface of the ship. The launcher may be tilted at a horizontal orientation for loading the vehicle and a raised orientation for launching the vehicle. The position of the loaded vehicle may be aligned by rotating the vehicle within the bottom member. An alignment fixture may engage alignment protrusions on the surface of the loaded vehicle. A top member may be attached to secure the aligned vehicle within the launcher. The secured vehicle may be launched from the ship by releasing the vehicle into the water below.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.