Systems and Methods for Launching Munitions

Abstract

Systems and methods for launching munitions are provided. In some embodiments, the system may include a cover for use with a munitions launcher including a housing with a face. The cover may include a lid, a defined passage through the lid, and an actuator. The lid may be configured to mount to the face of the munitions launcher. The defined passage through the lid may be sized to allow a munition to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher. The actuator may be configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher. Movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher may uncover at least one munition that was substantially covered prior to the movement of the defined passage and substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to munitions, and in particular, systems and methods for launching munitions.

BACKGROUND

Munitions such as air to ground missiles (AGM), air to air missiles (AMM), and rockets can be carried and launched from various vehicle types including aircraft vehicles (e.g., fighter jets, helicopters, unmanned air vehicles (UAVs)), land vehicles (e.g., tanks, BMPs), and/or watercraft (e.g., aircraft carrier, submarines, other surface craft and/or undersea craft). Launchers, fixed to the vehicle, may be used to secure the munitions during transportation as well as used to deploy the munitions. Conventional munition launchers include a rail or tube structure for holding the munitions and electromechanical apparatus for fixing the munitions to the launcher. A release mechanism arms the munitions and releases it for launching. For example, the launcher may include power supply equipment that controls the fusing and firing of the munitions.

The next generation of munitions may include further developments in target viewing, seeking, and/or detection (e.g., smart rockets). Individual munitions with target viewing, seeking, and/or detection features may require improvements in launcher technology, including changes in the rail structure, electromechanical apparatus for fixing the munitions to the launcher, and/or the release mechanism. In other applications, munitions and their respective launchers may be used without an associated vehicle, instead being adapted for transportation by an individual and/or alternative forms of transportation.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides techniques for launching munitions that substantially eliminates or reduces at least some of the disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems.

In some embodiments, the system may include a cover for use with a munitions launcher including a housing with a face. The cover may include a lid, a defined passage through the lid, and an actuator. The lid may be configured to mount to the face of the munitions launcher. The defined passage through the lid may be sized to allow a munition to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher. The actuator may be configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher. Movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher may uncover at least one munition that was substantially covered prior to the movement of the defined passage and substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher.

In other embodiments, a launcher configured to retain a munition during transport by a vehicle is provided. The launcher may comprise a housing, at least two tubes, circuitry, a lid with a defined passage, and an actuator. The housing may have a face through which munitions pass when launched. The at least two tubes may be disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to hold munitions for transportation. The circuitry may provide electrical communication with munitions present within the at least two tubes. The lid may be configured to mount to the face of the munitions launcher. The defined passage through the lid may be sized to allow a munition launched from a first tube to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed in a second tube. The actuator may be configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher. Movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher may uncover a munition held in the second tube and substantially cover the first tube.

In some embodiments, a method for launching a munition from a launcher coupled to a vehicle is provided. The system may include a housing, couplings, tubes, a lid, a defined passage through the lid, and an actuator. The housing may have a face through which munitions pass when launched. The housing may be coupled to a vehicle and configured to retain at least two munitions during transport by the vehicle. The couplings may provide mechanical connection between the vehicle and the housing and electrical connectivity between the vehicle and the housing. The couplings may be configured to route electrical signals from the vehicle to the at least two munitions. The tubes may be disposed at least partially within the housing and configured to hold the at least two munitions for transportation. The lid may be configured to mount to the face of the housing. The defined passage through the lid may be sized to allow a munition launched from a first tube to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed in a second tube. The actuator may be configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the housing. Movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher may uncovers a munition held in the second tube and substantially cover the first tube.

The systems and methods of the present disclosure may provide an improved system for launching munitions capable of target viewing, seeking, and/or detection (e.g., smart rockets). For example, in contrast to known systems, the teachings of the present disclosure may protect sensors associated with a guidance and control unit housed in the nose of a munition. In known systems, the nose of a munition may be exposed to the exhaust plume of a neighboring munition once launched. The systems and methods of the present disclosure may provide improved performance and/or reliability of munitions, including associated electronic circuitry, sensors, and/or guidance and control functions. Other technical advantages will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims. Moreover, while specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include all, some or none of the enumerated advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and advantages thereof may be acquired by referring to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate like features, and wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates an aircraft vehicle with an example launcher transporting munitions, in accordance the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B illustrates the launcher of FIG. 1A, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example munition that may be launching in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows the launcher of FIG. 1A during a launch of a munition, in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates an example launcher incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 5A and 5B show the launcher of FIG. 4 during successive launches of munitions, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments and their advantages are best understood by reference to FIGS. 1 through 5B, wherein like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

FIG. 1A illustrates an example vehicle 1 that includes an example launcher 2, 110 in accordance with teachings of the present disclosure. Vehicle 1 may be an aircraft vehicle such as a helicopter, an unmanned aerial system (UAS), fighter jets (e.g., F-16, F/A-18, etc.) and/or other aircraft vehicles configured to transport and launch munitions. While FIG. 1 illustrates an aircraft vehicle, other vehicles are also contemplated. For example, vehicle 1 may be a land vehicle (e.g., tankers, transporter erector launchers, and/or military vehicles), a watercraft vehicle (e.g., submarines, surface ships, etc.) or other suitable vehicle.

Launcher 2 coupled to vehicle 1 may be configured to house munitions 20 (see FIG. 2) during transport. In some embodiments, launcher 2 may include electrical contacts through couplings 12 providing electrical communication between each of munitions 20 and a user (e.g., pilot of vehicle 1, mission control in communication with vehicle 1, etc.). In some embodiments, during deployment of vehicle 1, a user (e.g., a pilot of vehicle 1 or mission control remotely located from vehicle 1 and in communication with vehicle 1) may launch munitions 20 by communicating with munitions 20 via the electrical communication provided by launcher 2. The communication may include signals defining the coordinate information of a specific target and/or other information that allows munitions 20 to accurately strike the target, reducing or substantially eliminating incidental or collateral damage.

FIG. 1B illustrates launcher 2 of FIG. 1A in more detail. In some embodiments, launcher 2 may include housing 10, couplings 12, and tubes 14. Launcher 2 may be configured to secure munitions 20 during transportation (e.g., during flight and/or ground travel) and provide continuous electrical communication to munitions 20 until time of launch, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Launcher 2 may be configured to house munitions 20 in tubes 14. Launcher 2 may also include optional housing 10 configured to enclose various electrical components that couple with munitions 20 as well as munitions 20. It is noted that launcher 2 shown in FIG. 1B is an example. Other suitable types of apparatuses or system configured to launch a munition will be understood by persons having ordinary skill in the art.

Housing 10 may include any device, component, and/or features of launcher 2 configured to enclose various components of launcher 2 and couple to vehicle 1. Housing 10 may be integrally formed as a part of launcher 2 or may be secured to launcher 2. In some embodiments, housing 10 may enclose one or more electrical components disposed therein and may route the appropriate electrical components to each munition 20 in housing 10.

Housing 10 may include one or more electrical transmission wires or cables and/or any other transmission component configured to provide a communication channel between a user (e.g., a pilot or mission control in communication with vehicle 1) and munition 20. In some embodiments, electrical components of housing 10 may transmit signals sent from a user to one or more munitions 20, where the signals provide details about a launching including, for example, GPS coordinates of a target, launch time, etc.

Couplings 12 may include any component, device, and/or feature of launcher 2 and/or housing 10 configured to attach launcher 2 to vehicle 1. Couplings 12 may include electrical connections between vehicle 1 and launcher 2 and/or munitions 20. For example, in some embodiments, couplings 12 may include both mechanical attachment points and electrical connectors. Couplings 12 may be configured to mate with matching and/or corresponding features of vehicle 1, depending on the type of vehicle 1 in use.

Couplings 12 may include one or more conductors that provide electrical communication between vehicle 1 and munition 20. Couplings 12 may include electrical adaptor or interface configured to connect electrical components of vehicle 1 to launcher 2. In some embodiments, couplings 12 may include small computer system interface (SCSI), male or female electrical connectors, and/or other adaptors and/or interfaces.

Tubes 14 may include any component, device, and/or feature of launcher 2 and/or housing 10 configured for use with munitions 20. For example, tubes 14 may provide a housing for individual munitions 20, including protection from physical impact, contact, and/or contamination during storage, transport, and/or launching of neighboring munitions 20. Tubes 14 may be arranged within launcher 2 and/or housing 10 in various stacking patterns. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, in the example embodiment, housing 10 provides 19 tubes 14 for munitions 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example munition 20, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Munition 20 may be a precision-guided munition (PGs), smart bomb, smart weapon, guided bomb unit (GBU), guided missile (e.g., laser guided missile, infrared guided missile, etc.), smart rocket, and/or other weapon that may include electronics. Munition 20, as directed by commands sent via electrical components by the pilot or mission control in communication with vehicle 1, may be configured to precisely hit a specific target with greater reliability and/or accuracy which may, in turn, reduce collateral damage.

Munition 20 may include a nose 22, a body 26, and a propulsion unit 28. Although one particular embodiment is shown in FIG. 2, persons having ordinary skill in the art will be able to apply the teachings of the present disclosure to a variety of munitions as described above.

In some embodiments of munition 20, nose 22 may house electronic components (e.g., sensors) configured to view, search for, and/or detect targets as part of a guidance and control (G&C) unit of munition 20. For example, G&C may include a signal processing unit, a global positioning system (GPS), an inertial measurement units (IMUs) configured to provide needed inertial guidance to the munitions, imaging system, and/or other components. One or more of the components of the G&C unit of munition 20 may be used to precisely guide munition 20 during launch and/or after launch. In other embodiments, the G&C unit may be used to track, view, and/or identify potential targets for munition 20 prior to launch.

Nose 22 may include one or more sensitive electronics components subject to compromised performance when dirty, obscured, and/or impacted. In some embodiments, nose 22 may include a leading surface 24. Leading surface 24 may include different materials than the rest of nose 22, those materials selected to be transparent to one or more sensors in nose 22. For example, leading surface 24 may be transparent to infrared sensors, thermal sensors, visible light, etc.

Body 26 may include any component, device, and/or feature of munition 20 configured to provide structure and/or housing for the various components, including a G&C unit, nose 22, and/or propulsion unit 28. In some embodiments, munition 20 may have a roughly cylindrical shape. For example, body 26 may include a metal cylinder housing propellant for use by propulsion unit 28, electrical conductors for communication between a G&C unit and various components of launcher 2 and/or vehicle 1.

Propulsion unit 28 may include any component, device, and/or feature of munition 20 configured to provide thrust to munition 20 for launching. For example, propulsion unit 28 may include a jet engine, a rocket, and/or other forms of propulsion (e.g., chemical rockets, solid-propellant rockets, liquid-propellant rockets, hybrid rockets, and/or thermal rockets). Some embodiments may include a chemical rocket generating thrust by the combustion of rocket propellant. Some embodiments may generate thrust by expelling propellants that exit propulsion unit 28 at great velocity. The exit of propellant from propulsion unit 28 through exhaust 30 may create an exhaust plume 32. Exhaust plume 32 may include flame, combustion products, noise, unburned propellant, etc.

Referring to FIG. 3, a view of launcher 2 and munitions 20a and 20b is shown, with portions of housing 10 removed, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Munition 20a, secured in launcher 2, and specifically in tube 14 of launcher 2, may be in continuous contact with vehicle 1 and/or mission control in contact with vehicle 1. The electrical signals communicated between vehicle 1 and munition 20a may include, for example, GPS coordinates of a target, launch time, and/or other mission-specific information regarding the intended target.

At time of launch, after appropriate signals and/or other information are sent to munition 20, launcher 2 may launch munition 20. As shown in FIG. 3, munition 20a may exit tube 14 of launcher 2. Launching munition 20a may include igniting propellant in propulsion unit 28a and generating exhaust plume 32a. During the launch of munition 20a, various components of a G&C unit in nose 22a may gather information and/or data through leading surface 24a of nose 22a. As leading surface 24a of nose 22a always remains ahead of exhaust plume 32a, the materials and/or energy of exhaust plume 32a is unlikely to impinge on leading surface 24a of nose 22a of munition 20a.

In contrast, however, the leading surface 24b of munition 20b may be exposed to exhaust plume 32a as munition 20a exits housing 10 of launcher 2. Exhaust plume 32a may deposit dirt, film, unspent propellant, combustion products, and/or heat on leading surface 24b of nose 22b of munition 20b, as well as any other munitions 20. The contents and/or force of the propellant exiting exhaust 30a may detrimentally impact the performance and/or operation of munition 20b and/or other remaining munitions 20.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example launcher 40 with a rotating munitions cover 50 incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure. Launcher 40 may include housing 42 and cover 50. Housing 42 may include any components, devices, and/or features as described in relation to housing 10, including couplings 44, and tubes 46. As shown in FIG. 4, however, tubes 46 in launcher 40 may be arrayed around a centerline 48 at a matching radius, R. In other respects tubes 46 may include any components, devices, and/or features as described in relation to tubes 14. In the embodiment shown, launcher 40 may include twelve tubes 46 arrayed near the perimeter of a face 43 of a generally cylindrical housing 42. Such an array of tubes 46 may allow the use of rotating cover 50 as shown in FIG. 4. FIGS. 5A and 5B show launcher 40 during successive launches of munitions 20, in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

Cover 50 may include any device, component, and/or feature of launcher 40 configured to define a passage for a munition 20 as it is launched and, at the same time, protect one or more other munitions 20 mounted in launcher 40. For example, cover 50 may include a flat panel generally matching the shape of face 43 of housing 42. Cover 50 may include a hole 52 generally configured to match the shape of tube 46. For example, hole 52 may be a circular opening in cover 50 with a diameter similar to the diameter of a cylindrical tube 46. Although substantially round tubes 46 and hole 52 may be depicted, any shape or configuration may be used as may be appropriate depending on the form and function of munition 20. Hole 52 may also be configured to allow a G&C unit housed in nose 22 of munition 20 to view, seek, and/or detect a target prior to its launch from launcher 40.

Cover 50 may be mounted to housing 42 by any device, component, and/or feature of launcher 40 configured to move cover 50 as necessary to define a passage for the various tubes 46 of launcher 40. For example, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, cover 50 may rotate around centerline 48 to move hole 52 to reveal various tubes 46 and, thereby, define successive passages for various munitions 20. Cover 50 may provide protection to munitions 20, and specifically leading surface 24 of nose 22 of munition 20. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the use of cover 50 during the launch of munition 20a may no longer subject the leading surface 24b to the exhaust plume 32a of munition 20a.

In one example embodiment, cover 50 may be mounted to launcher 40 by means of an actuator 54 mounted along centerline 48 of housing 42. Actuator 54 may include a rotating motor mounted between the array of tubes 46 in launcher 40. In some embodiments, cover 50 may be mounted to the rotor of an electric motor 54 controlled by the operation of electronic logic and/or circuitry associated with the firing mechanism of launcher 40 and/or munitions 20. In some embodiments, cover 50 may be mounted to housing 40 around the perimeter of face 43 using an appropriate bearing rather than at centerline 48. In some embodiments, cover 50 may be configured to cover a single tube 46 and be individually operated (e.g., one cover per tube).

Although the figures and embodiments disclosed herein have been described with respect to information handling systems, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alternations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as illustrated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A cover for use with a munitions launcher including a housing with a face, the cover comprising:

a lid configured to mount to the face of the munitions launcher;

a defined passage through the lid, the passage sized to allow a munition to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher; and

a actuator configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher;

wherein movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher uncovers at least one munition that was substantially covered prior to the movement of the defined passage and substantially covers any other munitions disposed at least partially within the munitions launcher.

2. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the lid includes a plate having a substantially equivalent shape of the face of the housing of the munitions launcher.

3. A cover according to claim 1, wherein the defined passage includes a hole passing through the lid, the hole having a diameter substantially equivalent to a diameter of a tube in the housing of the munitions launcher.

4. A cover according to claim 1, further comprising the lid mounted to a rotor of a motor.

5. A cover according to claim 1, further comprising the lid mounted to a perimeter of the face of the housing of the munitions launcher.

6. A launcher for launching munitions, the launcher comprising:

a housing having a face through which munitions pass when launched;

at least two tubes disposed at least partially within the housing, the at least two tubes configured to hold munitions for transportation;

circuitry providing electrical communication with munitions present within the at least two tubes;

a lid configured to mount to the face of the munitions launcher;

a defined passage through the lid, the passage sized to allow a munition launched from a first tube to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed in a second tube; and

an actuator configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher;

wherein movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher uncovers a munition held in the second tube and substantially covers the first tube.

7. A launcher according to claim 6, further comprising the launcher configured to mount to a vehicle.

8. A launcher according to claim 6, further comprising the launcher configured to mount to a vehicle and wherein the vehicle comprises an aircraft vehicle, a land vehicle, or a watercraft vehicle.

9. A launcher according to claim 6, wherein the munition is a precision-guided munition (PGM), a smart bomb, a smart weapon, a guided bomb unit (GBU), a guided missile or a smart rocket.

10. A launcher according to claim 6, wherein the lid includes a plate having a shape substantially equivalent to a shape of the face of the housing of the munitions launcher.

11. A launcher according to claim 6, wherein the defined passage includes a hole passing through the lid, the hole having a diameter substantially equivalent to a diameter of the at least two tubes.

12. A launcher according to claim 6, further comprising the lid mounted to a rotor of a motor.

13. A launcher according to claim 6, further comprising the lid mounted to a perimeter of the face of the housing of the munitions launcher.

14. A system for launching munitions from a vehicle, the system comprising:

a housing having a face through which munitions pass when launched;

the housing coupled to a vehicle and configured to retain at least two munitions during transport by the vehicle;

couplings providing mechanical connection between the vehicle and the housing and electrical connectivity between the vehicle and the housing;

the couplings configured to route electrical signals from the vehicle to the at least two munitions;

tubes disposed at least partially within the housing, the tubes configured to hold the at least two munitions for transportation;

a lid configured to mount to the face of the housing;

a defined passage through the lid, the passage sized to allow a munition launched from a first tube to pass through the lid when launched by the launcher and to substantially cover any other munitions disposed in a second tube; and

an actuator configured to operate the lid in a manner that moves the defined passage in relation to the face of the housing;

wherein movement of the defined passage in relation to the face of the munitions launcher uncovers a munition held in the second tube and substantially covers the first tube.

15. A system according to claim 14, wherein the vehicle comprises an aircraft vehicle, a land vehicle, or a watercraft vehicle.

16. A system according to claim 14, wherein the munition is a precision-guided munition (PGM), a smart bomb, a smart weapon, a guided bomb unit (GBU), a guided missile or a smart rocket.