Abstract: A missile is guided and/or supported within a canister by a collapsible support structure. In one embodiment the collapsible support structure is part of a railcar running on a rail within the canister. Each railcar includes a missile-engaging guidance and/or support structure, a rail engaging element, and a hinged pantograph-like collapsible support extending between the missile-engaging structure and the rail engaging element. A hinge of the pantograph is locked in a storage state and during part of motion during the missile launch. The hinge is unlocked, and travel of the rail engaging element is stopped. The missile-engaging support structure momentarily continues its motion, and the pantograph collapses. Capture elements engage parts of the railcar or the canister during collapse to prevent rebound of the missile-engaging support structure toward the missile.