Launch tube closure
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorRichard A. Mussey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A closure for a missile launch tube comprising frangible glass ribs mounted n a support ring of the tube to form a dome shaped closure. The ribs are joined to one another externally of and on the longitudinal axis of the launch tube, and a plastic or polymeric cover is mounted on and encloses the glass ribs. The external surface of the plastic cover is provided with a linear-shaped explosive charge and detonator. When the missile begins to move in the launch tube, the detonator is fired to detonate the linear-shaped explosive charge which cuts the plastic and fragments the glass ribs into small granules. The missile may then exit the launch tube without obstruction.
Claims10
A closure for a missile launch tube comprising:
- frangible glass means mounted on said launch tube so as to form a dome shaped closure, said frangible glass means comprising:
- a plurality of arcuate shaped glass ribs forming a dome shape;
- means for joining said glass ribs;
- and
- a plastic cover support by and covering said glass ribs and joining means;
- means for securing said frangible glass means to said launch tube;
- and
- explosive means mounted on said dome shaped closure so as to fragment said frangible glass means prior to missile launch.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.