Torpedo launch mechanism and method

A method of launching a vehicle from a tube comprising the steps of:

• restraining the vehicle prior to launch;
• releasing the vehicle from restraint;
• firing a plurality of gas generators to generate sufficient gas pressure to propel the vehicle from the tube at a predetermined exit velocity and force;
• firing the plurality of gas generators in a controlled timed sequence;
• and
• providing about a 20 millisecond time delay between the sequential firing of each successive gas generator.

An assembly for launching lightweight torpedoes on surface ships comprising:

• a tube for holding a torpedo, said tube having a forward end and a rear end;
• a firing mechanism disposed on said rear end of said tube, said firing mechanism comprising a plurality of automotive air bag inflators;
• a restraint device for holding said inflators;
• a cover for providing a gas tight seal at said rear end of said tube;
• a controller for sequentially firing the automotive air bag inflators to expel the torpedo from the forward end of said tube at a predetermined exit velocity;
• a weapons securing mechanism for restraining a torpedo, said mechanism including jaws for grasping a tail of the torpedo;
• and
• an electrically activated firing device for generating a gas that is conducted to a mechanism for opening the jaws of the weapons securing mechanism.

A method of launching a lightweight torpedo from a tube on a surface ship comprising the steps of:

• restraining the torpedo prior to launch;
• releasing the torpedo from restraint;
• sequentially firing with a controlled, timed sequence a plurality of automotive air bag inflators to generate a gas pressure sufficient to propel the torpedo from the tube at a predetermined exit velocity and force;
• and
• providing about a 20 millisecond time delay between each sequential firing of an inflator.

A vehicle launch assembly comprising:

• a tube for holding a vehicle, said tube having a forward end and a rear end;
• a firing mechanism disposed on said rear end of said tube for expelling the vehicle from said tube, said firing mechanism comprising a plurality of gas generators for releasing a gas into said tube;
• a restraint device for holding said gas generators;
• a locking flange having a locking mechanism compatible with a locking assembly on an existing tube;
• a breech plate mounted onto said locking flange, said breech plate including said restraint device;
• a controller mounted to said breech plate for controlling operation of said gas generators;
• and
• a removable cover covering said breech plate.

A method of launching a vehicle from a tube comprising the steps of:

• restraining the vehicle prior to launch;
• releasing the vehicle from restraint, said releasing step comprising the step of firing an explosive device to generate a gas that is conducted to a mechanism for opening jaws holding the vehicle;
• and
• firing a plurality of gas generators to generate sufficient gas pressure to propel the vehicle from the tube at a predetermined exit velocity and force.

A method of launching a vehicle from a tube comprising the steps of:

• restraining the vehicle prior to launch;
• releasing the vehicle from restraint;
• firing a plurality of gas generators to generate sufficient gas pressure to propel the vehicle from the tube at a predetermined exit velocity and force;
• and
• electrically actuating a cylinder to remove an electrical connector plug from the vehicle prior to firing the gas generators.

A vehicle launch assembly comprising:

• a tube for holding a vehicle, said tube having a forward end and a rear end;
• a firing mechanism disposed on said rear end of said tube for expelling the vehicle from said tube, said firing mechanism comprising a plurality of gas generators for releasing a gas into said tube;
• a restraint device for holding said gas generators;
• a cover for providing a gas tight seal at said rear end of said tube;
• a controller for controlling operation of said gas generators;
• and
• a cylinder operable to retract an electrical connector plug from a vehicle upon receipt of a signal from said controller.