Abstract: A missile or rocket detent and positive release mechanism is actuated by the thrustor of a rocket (10). The mechanism is mounted on a housing (42) to which a rocket launcher tube (15) is secured. A spring-loaded lever (50), having a notch (52) and a cam follower (55) at opposite ends, lies parallel to the rocket and is pivoted to the housing. Its notched end extends into the launch tube for positively locking the rocket into place. A spring-loaded sear (62) also lies parallel to the housing, is reciprocable on the launcher, and has a cam (64) which rests against the first lever's follower. At its other end, the sear is pivoted to a toggle (44) lying perpendicular to the housing so that one end (48b) nests against a housing end surface (46) and its other end (48a) extends into the path of the exhaust from the rocket's thrustor.