Multi-missile canister gas management system

An exhaust gas management system for a multi-missile arrangement wherein at least two cells for containing missiles are arrayed side-by-side in a vertical launching orientation, said system comprising:

• a first transition section which is variable in cross-sectional dimension and shape between an inlet and an outlet end,
• said inlet end having means defining an opening mating with the exhaust ends of said cells, said outlet end being generally rectangular in cross section for mating with an adjacent exhaust chamber;
• at least two aft closures individually associated with said at least two cells, said closures being pivotably mounted at a common hinge mechanism situated between said cells and equidistant from the central axis thereof, said closures extending downwardly and outwardly from said common hinge mechanism to a region of contact with a wall of an associated cell at an acute angle with the axis of said cell;
• at least one divider wall positioned downstream from said cells and in line with said hinge mechanism to divide said first transition section into equal volume spaces, each space providing room for movement of a corresponding aft closure therein between open and closed positions, said divider wall having means for arresting further movement of adjacent aft closures away from the closed position thereof;
• and
• means for controlling exhaust gas flow to automatically drive an open aft closure from an open position toward the closed position and to maintain a closed aft closure in the closed position in response to reverse exhaust gas glow toward said aft closure from an adjacent exhaust chamber.