Abstract: The multipurpose launcher and controls disclosed herein relates to a modular, expandable system with several operational and combat mission options for surface ships. Particularly, the system enables growth in both structure and controls to enable a staged build up, an upgrade or a turnkey system which can launch different types of missiles, rockets, chaff and decoy. More particularly, the system's modularity in both structure and controls enables it to adopt to a variety of existing and future mission requirements. The multipurpose launcher provides trainability and pointing capability for optimal area coverage and for ordnance requiring precise target placement. The system is reconfigurable and modular to obtain a desired ship class mission capability.

Abstract: The serial arc plasma injectors device disclosed herein enables the formation of a segmented, isolated chain of plasma arcs which are incubated to form a specified energy level of plasma discharge tailored to initiate ignition and establish efficient combustion in a particular segment of a propellant mass. The device includes a capillary in which a conductive path comprising electrodes is maintained. Particularly, specialized electrodes provide geometric and dimensional flexibility to establish plasma arc and plasma discharge characteristics that are compatible with different zones of the propellant mass. The specialized electrodes in combination with discharge vents enable the development of a series of regions in the capillary through which plasma discharge is introduced into the propellant mass to selectively initiate ignition and promote efficient combustion.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling a flexible high energy coaxial cable wherein cooling fluid is circulated along the cable and through a heat exchanger to dissipate the cable heat generated by the high energy transferred by the cable. The cable has inner and outer concentric conductors separated by an inner dielectric layer and surrounded by an outer dielectric layer. Channels in the two dielectric layers provide for the fluid flow along the cable which carries away the heat.

Abstract: A material hand-off mechanism and process which utilizes a pendulating arm to deliver material to and or accept it from a load station which cooperatively engages the arm. The load station and the arm provide interceptive, interactive and linkless conveyance capable of independent and parallel operations to enhance efficiency and availability of the system. Particularly, the mechanism is suited to transfer ammunition from a storage station into a gun tube. The ammunition is rammed into the gun breech using a flick ram mechanism, which operates in cooperation with the arm, and enables a sure ram of ammunition comprising different modules.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method and device for removing weapon stowage trays particularly adapted to reconfiguration of a submarine weapon room. The device and method comprise of an adapter plate which is attachable to a shipping beam. The shipping beam is used to transport and enable the engagement of the adapter tray to a weapon tray to thereby allow the removal and transfer of the weapon tray.

Abstract: The method and apparatus disclosed herein relates to harnessing plasma to ignite, pressurize and distribute plasma, plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel throughout a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of a progressive burning surface whereby the propellant reaches maximum pressure controllably and losses pressure much more slowly thus creating high piezometric efficiency. More particularly, in gun-charge-projectile systems, by using radial perforations designed to provide a balanced plasma discharge through a capillary wall and by developing forward accelerating thrust components, induced by the plasma pressure on a plasma-ignited chemical fluid and fuel mixture, the propelling charge travels down the gun tube with the projectile thus exerting substantial uniform pressure throughout the tube length and yielding a high ballistic efficiency which results in the attainment of high muzzle velocities.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to a precision capillary discharge switch to deliver a predetermined power across a gap at the ends of electrodes enclosed in a containment envelop with a fluid media therein. A method of calibration is used to assign specific operating and arc triggering voltages based on a given gap dimension, ionization properties of the fluid or gas media and pressure within the containment envelope. The ends of the electrodes at the calibrated gap include tip geometry designed to reliably transfer power across the gap when the desired operating voltage range is reached.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein relates to plasma injection and distribution systems which release high energy plasma into a combustible mass to promote efficient combustion and maximize the muzzle velocity of a projectile. The devices inject plasma streams into a combustible mass in a coherent and directed manner such that pressure peaks and the resultant thermal and dynamic stresses are eliminated. Particularly, strategically positioned outlet orifices and nozzles enable the invasion of a propellant mass by plasma jet streams to create controllable uniform ignition and combustion therein.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to the generation of primary and fuel-enriched plasma to provide ignition and delivery for large amounts of electrical and electrothermal power to a propellant mass. Particularly, the present invention enables the creation of zones of controlled combustion by initially incubating primary plasma in a capillary chamber and mixing the primary plasma with fuel in a fuel chamber thus creating a fuel-enriched plasma. The primary plasma and the fuel-enriched plasma are segregatively, collectively and substantially simultaneously injected into the propellant mass via outlet ports and nozzles. The capillary and fuel chambers, and the nozzles and outlet ports undergo staged disintegration at reaching predetermined pressures and temperatures and are thereby consumed in the combustion process.