Rocket launcher tube post-launch rear closure
AssigneeGeneral Dynamics Corporation
InventorEdward T. Piesik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A rear door for a rocket launch tube provided to prevent rocket exhaust gas flow into an empty launch tube from an associated multiple-rocket plenum chamber. The door is maintained in a stored position while a missile is in the launch tube and is activated when the missile leaves the launcher. The door may be latched open and released by a sensor device at a selected position of the missile as it is leaving the launch tube. Preferably, gases from the launching missile power closure of the door, once the door is released from its open latched position. Once the door closes, a second latch locks it in place to seal off the launch tube from the plenum chamber.
Claims14
Launch tube closure apparatus comprising:
- a door pivotably mounted at the bottom of a missile launch tube at the junction thereof with an associated plenum chamber for closing off the launch tube from the plenum chamber, the door being pivoted for movement between a stowed position and a closed position;
- means for stowing the door recessed into the wall of the launch tube;
- first latching means for retaining the door in the stowed position;
- second latching means for locking the door in the closed position;
- and
- means responsive to the movement of the missile during launching from the launch tube for releasing the first latching means to permit the door to move from the stowed position to the closed position.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.