Missile launcher for aircraft
US4040334A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 20, 1976 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 1977 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 20, 1996 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF41F3/06
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A mechanism rapidly and repetitively launches missiles from inside an aircraft during flight. One or more missiles are carried and launched through a tube protruding through the front of the aircraft thus obviating the necessity for bomb bay or other sizeable, open doors. The aircraft interior may be used as a large accumulator so that pressurized internal air is utilized as the propellant when admitted to a breech. Thus, a "cold" launch is achieved negating the possibility of a "hang fire". Multiple missiles can be carried in revolving chambers which are capable of rapid rotation into firing position. The advantages of the system include the ability to launch at high aircraft altitudes and speeds with the missile moving toward the target.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.