Abstract: A missile launcher is provided with pyrotechnically-operated means for jettisoning the missile. The missile is hung under a sub-rail latched to the underside of the main launcher body and upon operation of the jettisoning means the sub-rail/missile combination is slid rearwardly to disengage the latches after which the combination is given a downward thrust away from the launcher body, the thrust being imparted just forward of the collective center of gravity of the missile/launcher combination to cause its downward departure to be assisted by negative lift. The jettisoning means may consist of a lever and linkage actuated by a gas-operated piston-and-cylinder.

Abstract: A powered linear actuator is provided primarily for releasing stores from aircraft, having dual closed loop servo motor systems driving a screw jack. The dual motors, which have samarium cobalt permanent magnets, drive the screw jack through differential gearing and each has an armature lock which functions automatically if a motor circuit fails thereby enabling the other motor to continue driving the actuator alone. Potentiometer feedback is applied to dual error amplifiers or polarized relays that compare the feedback position signal with the input command signal and drive separate motor energization channels. A replaceable plug-in resistor is provided in series with the potentiometer track so that the actuator stroke can readily be changed by changing one value plug-in resistor for another.