Apparatus and method for directing the launch of a projectile
AssigneeLockheed Martin Corporation
InventorUmang R. Patel
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus for directing the launch of a projectile from a canister includes a pusher plate disposed in the canister, the pusher plate having a sliding, sealing engagement with the canister to define a closed volume, the projectile being disposed in the canister and resting on the pusher plate; and means for generating exhaust gas into the closed volume to urge the pusher plate and the projectile toward an opening of the canister. The apparatus further includes means for directing exhaust gas to affect the trajectory of the projectile.
Claims14
A projectile system, comprising:
- a canister;
- a pusher plate retained in the canister, the pusher plate having a sliding, sealing engagement with the canister to define a closed volume;
- a projectile retained in the canister and resting on the pusher plate;
- means for generating exhaust gas into the closed volume to urge the pusher plate and the projectile toward an opening of the canister;
- and
- means for directing the exhaust gas to create a lateral force on and affect the trajectory of the projectile.
A method, comprising:
- generating an exhaust gas into a closed volume defined by a pusher plate and a canister to launch a projectile from the canister;
- and
- selectively routing a portion of the exhaust gas to a space proximate the projectile to create a lateral force on and affect a trajectory of the projectile.
A projectile system, comprising:
- a canister;
- a projectile retained in the canister;
- a pusher plate, retainable in the canister with the projectile configured to rest thereon, having a sliding, sealing engagement with the canister to define a closed volume;
- and
- launching engine configured to generate exhaust gas into the closed volume to urge the pusher plate and the projectile toward an opening of the canister, wherein the pusher plate is configured to selectively direct the exhaust gas to create a lateral force on and affect the trajectory of the projectile.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.