Abstract: A missile launcher assembly for launching a missile from an airborne, shipborne, or ground-installed platform has a carriage mounted for limited forward and rearward movement on a track provided on the platform. The carriage supports the missile in fixed relation to the carriage by hooks having an inclined surface that engage mating surfaces within the missile body and a pivotally mounted restraint pawl that engages a surface within the missile body so as to keep the missile from sliding off the hooks. A camming surface engageable with a pawl-restraining rocker link is located on the platform so that when the missile and carriage are moved forward upon ignition of the missile motor, the front end of the link is cammed downward, forcing its rear end upward and releasing the pawl. The pawl, upon being released, rotates upward out of the missible body, allowing the missible to slide off the hook.

Abstract: A self-retracting bomb suspension lug assembly for being releasably supported by a hook or the like of an airplane bomb rack. The lug is mounted within a housing for axial movement and has an outer surface conforming to the shape of the bomb so as to eliminate aerodynamic drag when the bomb is released. Springs, such as a stack of Belleville springs, are disposed for biasing the lug inward when the bomb is released and the weight of the bomb no longer bears on the lug. Finger springs and pawls engagable with a groove in the bottom surface of the lug are provided to maintain the lug in partially extended loading position wherein the top of the lug is accessible for being grasped. To cock the lug, it is moved slightly inward against the force of the lug biasing spring, and the finger springs are forced radially inward to engage the groove.