Abstract: A release mechanism for facilitating launching a spin-stabilized self-propelled missile. A missile support includes a rotary turbine having a receptacle defining a spin axis, and a fixed support for supporting the rotary turbine for rotation about the spin axis and for movement axially of the spin axis. A nozzle assembly extends from the missile into the receptacle and includes a fusible joint for heating by high temperature exhaust gases expelled by the missile to release the missile, and an aft nozzle section movable away from the missile on fusing and separation of the fusible joint. An abutment on the rotary turbine is disposed in the path of movement of the aft nozzle section for striking by the aft nozzle section to effect rapid movement of the rotary turbine and receptacle axially away from the missile on fusing and separation of the fusible joint.

Abstract: A projectile release mechanism is disclosed for facilitating launching a jet-propelled projectile in the form of a spherical spin-stabilized missile. The mechanism includes a nozzle extending from the projectile, including fusible joint means for heating by high-temperature exhaust gases expelled by the projectile to release the projectile. A projectile support includes an open-ended receptacle generally coaxial with the nozzle for receiving the nozzle and thereby supporting the projectile. Forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders on the support engage complementary rearwardly and forwardly facing shoulders on the nozzle for retaining the nozzle in the receptacle and permitting fore and aft sections of the nozzle to move out of the open ends of the receptacle on fusing and separation of the fusible joint means. The forwardly facing shoulder on the support means and the rearwardly facing shoulder on the nozzle comprise conical sections generally concentric with the axis of the nozzle.