Abstract: The eyepiece (14), objective lens assembly (24), long wavelength infrared sensor (27), missile guidance electronics (30), and all component parts are arranged in a consolidated package for mounting onto a portable missile launcher (10).

Abstract: A tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire guided (TOW) portable guided missile system (10) includes a launch tube (16) mounted on a tripod (18) or vehicle, and an optical/thermal sighting and tracking assembly (22) mounted on and aligned with the launch tube (16). The system operator (20) mechanically trains the assembly (22) to maintain a target (38) visually centered in a reticle, thereby establishing a line-of-sight (40) to the target (38). The assembly (22) tracks the target (38) optically or thermally, and feeds guidance signals to the missile (14) through a wire (46) to maintain the missile flight path coincident with the line-of-sight (40). An improved missile guidance electronics unit (44) is environmentally sealed in a small housing (60) which removably fits into a compartment (52) in the sighting and tracking assembly (22), thereby enabling the optical/thermal sighting and tracking elements (26,28) and guidance electronics (88) to be integrated into a compact, unitary assembly (22).

Abstract: A missile launching system with an open-ended cylindrical container (10) having a bore in which a slidable piston (20) is located between the missile (12) and a gas generator (14) adjacent the container aft end (16). The piston (20) area is substantially the same as the container bore at the aft end (16). An internal ring (42) forms a reduced area throat for gas exiting via the aft end of the container (10) with the ratio of the piston area to the throat area, A.sub.p /A.sub.t, being functionally related to the propellant physical characteristics.