Multi-Shoot Launcher Comprising a Load-Redirecting Pusher Plate

Abstract

Stacked munitions are launched at high velocity from a launcher by redirecting, to the barrel of launcher, the static load that would otherwise be borne by the nose the projectile in position three for launch. This is accomplished via a load-redirecting pusher plate comprising a load-receiving surface and a plurality of compression members.

Description

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made with Government support under N00014-07-C-1103 awarded by the U.S. Navy. The Government has certain rights in the invention.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to munitions in general, and, more particularly, to weapons capable of launching multiple stacked projectiles underwater.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts a partial, simplified view of barrel 102 of multi-shoot grenade launcher 100. In launcher 100, three grenades 104-1, 104-2, and 104-3 are “stacked” one behind another in barrel 102. Grenade 104-1 is in position 1 (i.e., first to be launched), grenade 104-2 is in position 2 and grenade 104-3 is in position 3 as the third grenade to be launched. This “stacked” grenade launcher technology is available from Metal Storm Inc. as the “3GL” 3-shot semi automatic modular grenade launcher.

Attached to the aft end of each grenade is propulsion base 108. The propulsion base contains propellant that is used to launch the grenade. Pusher plate 106 is disposed between each grenade and its accompanying propulsion base. The pusher plate transmits the pressure generated by the propellant to the grenade being launched. The purpose of the pusher plate is to distribute the force across the surface of the tail of the munition, thereby preventing damage.

The stacked-round approach discussed above is useful for other weapons applications as well. For example, it would be desirable to use stacked rounds to create a multi-shoot gun that fires “supercavitating” projectiles underwater and to create a multi-shoot gun that fires projectiles at high speed through air. But these applications present a problem that does not plague the multi-shot grenade launcher. In particular, relatively little energy (i.e., propellant) is required to launch grenades from launcher 100 because they are launched at relatively low velocity. As a consequence, only moderate pressure develops within barrel 102 upon launch. This moderate pressure is readily withstood by the other grenades remaining in the barrel (i.e., grenades 104-2 and 104-3). But to achieve the high muzzle velocities required for these other applications, more propellant (or more energetic propellant) must be used. When this propellant is ignited, tremendous pressure is developed in the barrel. Projectiles that remain in the barrel will be exposed to extreme static loads—loads that can damage the projectiles.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a way to launch stacked projectiles at high velocity from a multi-shoot weapon.

In the illustrative embodiment, the propellant for launching the first of three stacked projectiles is stored in a cartridge that is housed in an annular cavity in the barrel of the launcher. This cartridge is disposed aft of the tail end of the first projectile and encircles the nose of the second projectile. Gas ports lead from the cartridge to the bore of the barrel. Likewise, a second propellant cartridge is provided in the analogous location for the second projectile and a third propellant cartridge is provided in the analogous location for the third projectile.

The body of each projectile substantially fills the bore of the barrel. The forward portion of each projectile, however, has a reduced diameter relative to the body. As a consequence, there is free volume in the bore around the nose and forward section of each projectile. When the propellant for the first projectile is ignited, pressure rapidly rises in the barrel. The gas ports conveying that propellant gas lead directly to the region of free volume surrounding the forward section of the second projectile, exposing that portion of the second projectile to very high pressure. The second projectile is able to withstand this static load since it is distributed over the forward portion of the projectile.

The only support for the second projectile (against the static load it experiences) is what's behind it in the barrel. If what is behind the second projectile is the third projectile (or a conventional pusher plate disposed between the tail of the second projectile and the nose of the third projectile), then substantially all of the static load experienced by the second projectile will be transferred to the tip of the nose of the third projectile.

Unlike the situation for the second projectile, the static load is not distributed over the forward portion of the third projectile. Rather, it is concentrated at the tip of the nose. This is because the body portion of the second projectile and the pusher plate that's behind it substantially prevent the gas generated on propellant ignition from surrounding the forward section of the third projectile. The nose of the third projectile therefore experiences a stress that has been calculated to be about eighty-five percent greater than that experienced by the nose of the second projectile. In fact, the third projectile can be damaged by the load that it experiences.

To summarize, when launching stacked projectiles at high speed, the launch of the projectile in position 1 generates a static load that is likely to damage the projectile in position 3 for launch. In accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the invention, to avoid this damage, a unique load-redirecting pusher plate is disposed behind the projectile in position 2.

The load-redirecting pusher plate comprises a body and two or more compression members. The forward end of the load-redirecting pusher plate comprises a load-receiving surface, which abuts the tail of the projectile in position 2 for launch. In the illustrative embodiment, the proximal end of each compression member is rotatably attached to the aft end of the body of the pusher plate. The distal end of each compression member is seated within respective recesses in the barrel. In the illustrative embodiment, these recesses are the propellant gas ports.

When the propellant for the first projectile is ignited, the second projectile receives the static load. The load is transfer through the second projectile to the load-receiving surface of the load-redirecting pusher plate. The pusher plate is supported against the barrel (i.e., in the recesses) via the compression members. The static load is therefore transferred through the compression members to the barrel. In this fashion, the static load that would have been experienced by the nose of the third projectile is redirected to the barrel.

As a consequence of the load-redirecting pusher plate, the “design space” for such a launcher is greatly expanded. That is, unimpeded by the spectre of an extreme static load, there is greater freedom in the design of the projectiles.

In embodiments in which the multi-shoot launcher is intended to fire only three projectiles, one load-redirecting pusher plate is required. That pusher plate abuts the tail of the second projectile, thereby protecting the third projectile. In embodiments in which the multi-shoot launcher is intended to fire more than 3 projectiles, all projectiles except for the first projectile and the last projectile require load-redirecting pusher plates. More generally, for a multi-shoot launcher that fires a number, n, of projectiles, wherein n≧3, load-redirecting pusher plates are required for projectiles 2 through n−1. Any projectiles in the barrel that do not require a load-redirecting pusher plate can use a conventional pusher plate. Of course, for convenience, all projectiles in the barrel can use a load-redirecting pusher plate.

In the illustrative embodiment, the multi-shoot launcher comprises a plurality of substantially identical flanged segments. Each segment is appropriately configured to receive a propellant cartridge and provide propellant gas ports that, in the illustrative embodiment, double as seating surfaces for the compression members of each load-redirecting pusher plate.

In some embodiments, the multi-shoot launcher is intended for use under water and fires suitably-shaped projectiles at a sufficient velocity to enable the projectiles to enter a supercavitating mode of movement. In this supercavitating mode, the projectile is engulfed in a bubble of vapor as it moves through the water. Since the projectile is effectively moving through “air,” not water, it experiences greatly reduced drag and can move at much higher speeds and for much greater distances than would otherwise be possible. Embodiments of the multi-shoot launcher that are for use underwater include some type of sealing mechanism for keeping the launcher barrel free of water. In some other embodiments, the multi-shoot launcher launches projectiles at high velocity into the air.

Some embodiments of the invention provide a launcher for launching stacked munitions, comprising:

a barrel having a bore, wherein the bore is dimensioned to contain at least a first munition in a first position for launch, a second munition in a second position for launch, and a third munition in a third position for launch, and wherein the munitions are arranged one behind another; and

a load-redirecting pusher plate, wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has a load-receiving surface and at least two compression members, and wherein the load-receiving surface abuts an aft end of the second munition, and further wherein a distal end of each compression member is in physical contact with and supported against the barrel so that a load generated upon launch of the first munition is received by the load-receiving surface and transferred through the compression members to the barrel.

Some additional embodiments of the invention provide a launcher for launching stacked munitions, comprising:

a barrel having a bore, wherein the bore is dimensioned to contain at least three munitions that are arranged one behind another; and

a load-redirecting pusher plate, wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has a body having a load-receiving surface and wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has at least two compression members that are pivotally coupled to an aft end of the body, and further wherein:

• • (i) the load-redirecting pusher plate is dimensioned and arranged so that the load-receiving surface receives a static load generated upon launch of one of the munitions;
  • (ii) a distal end of each compression member is received by a respective slot on the inside surface of the barrel, the distal end of the compression members thereby extending radially beyond the bore of the barrel into the slots; and
  • (iii) the pivotal coupling is arranged so that the distal end of each compression member is capable of moving in a radial direction with respect to the barrel.

Some further embodiments of the invention provide a method for launching stacked projectiles, wherein the method comprises:

loading at least three projectiles, one after another, into a first launch position, second launch position, and third launch position in a bore of a barrel of a launcher;

igniting propellant for the munition in the first launch position; and

redirecting, into the barrel, a static load caused by propellant ignition that the projectile in a third launch position would otherwise be exposed to.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a partial view of a multi-shoot launcher in the prior art.

FIG. 2 depicts a partial view of a multi-shoot launcher in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of a load-redirecting pusher plate for use with the multi-shot gun depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B depicts an exploded, perspective view of the load-redirecting pusher plate of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A depicts a longitudinal cross-section through a portion of the barrel of a multi-shoot launcher in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B depicts a radial cross-section through a portion of the barrel of a multi-shoot launcher in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5A through 5C depict various states of the load-redirecting pusher plate.

FIG. 6A depicts an embodiment of a multi-shoot launcher in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6B depicts an exploded view of the multi-shoot launcher of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7 depicts a fragmentary view of the multi-shoot launcher of FIG. 6B, showing additional details.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The terms appearing below are defined for use in this disclosure and the appended claims as follows:

• • “Operatively Coupled” means that a first object, which might be remote from a second object, can have some effect on the second object or have some effect on a third object through the second object, etc. For example, consider a rigid linkage having a first end and a second end. The first end attaches to a plate and the second end abuts a wall. The linkage is capable of transferring, to the wall, a force that is received at the plate. The linkage and the plate can therefore be considered to be operatively coupled for transmitting a force. Operatively-coupled objects need not be in direct contact with one another and, as appropriate, can be coupled through any medium (e.g., semiconductor, air, vacuum, water, copper, optical fiber, etc.). The coupling between operatively-coupled objects can transmit, as appropriate for the nature of the coupling and the objects, any type of force, signal, charge, electrical current, optical energy, etc. Consequently, operatively-coupled objects can be electrically-coupled, hydraulically-coupled, magnetically-coupled, mechanically-coupled, optically-coupled, pneumatically-coupled, thermally-coupled, fluidically-coupled, etc.
  • “Fluidically Coupled” means that, with respect to two regions, fluid (i.e., liquid, vapor, gas) can move between the two regions or that a change in pressure in one region can affect the pressure in the other region, etc.
  • “Projectile” means an object propelled by the exertion of a force that ceases after launch.
  • “Munition” means an object that is propelled by the exertion of a force that either ceases after launch or continues after launch.

The illustrative embodiment of the invention is directed to the launch of stacked projectiles from a multi-shoot launcher. FIG. 2 depicts a partial cross-section (cross hatching omitted for clarity) of multi-shot launcher 200 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Three projectiles 204-1, 204-2, and 204-3 are disposed in bore 203 of barrel 202.

Propellant reservoirs 212 are disposed within barrel 202 near to the aft end of each projectile. Additional detail about the structure of propellant reservoirs 212 is provided in conjunction with the discussion of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 7 later in this Detailed Description.

Conventional pusher plates 208 abut the tail of projectiles 204-1 and 204-3. These pusher plates are intended to distribute, across the tail of the projectile being fired, the static load that is generated when the propellant is ignited. Unconventional load-redirecting pusher plate 210 abuts the tail of projectile 204-2.

FIGS. 3A and 3B depict an embodiment of load-redirecting pusher plate 210 in accordance with the illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The load-redirecting pusher plate comprises body or housing 314, obturator band 321, and compression members 322.

The forward surface of body 314 comprises load-receiving surface 315. This surface abuts the tail or back end of a projectile (e.g., projectile 104-2 in FIG. 2). Load-receiving surface 315 receives the static load generated by propellant ignition for the preceding projectile (i.e., projectile 104-1 in FIG. 2), as transferred through the abutting projectile (e.g., projectile 104-2).

Obturator band 321 is dimensioned to fit over body 314. The obturator band, which is conventionally used with projectiles as well, is used for sealing combustion gases and guiding load-redirecting pusher plate 210 through the barrel of the launcher. The outside surface of the obturator band comprises two slightly raised regions that facilitate a seal, but also enable the band to readily move through the barrel. Those skilled in the art will be able to design an obturator band for use in conjunction with load-redirecting pusher plate 210.

Each compression member 322 includes relatively short base 323 at the proximal end thereof and relatively longer leg 327 depending therefrom. The leg angles radially outward from base 323 at an angle α. Base 323 of each compression member 322 includes oblong hole or slot 325. This slot receives pin 326.

The aft end of body 314 is configured to receive the proximal end of each compression member 322. In the illustrative embodiment, that configuration includes recessed region 316, which defines wall 317. The inner perimeter of wall 317 is contoured to accommodate the surface curvature of base 323 of the compression members. Holes 318 are disposed at appropriate locations through wall 317. The holes receive pins 326 to rotatably couple the compression members to body 314. This rotational coupling permits the free end of each leg 327 to move in a radial direction (with respect to the barrel of the launcher). Movement of the legs/compression members is discussed further in conjunction with FIG. 5C.

Recessed region 316 includes centrally-disposed stopper platform 319 having side surfaces 320. When compression member 322 is fully inserted in recessed region 316, flat “inside” surface 324 of base 323 of each compression member abuts one of the three side surface 320 of stopper platform 319. This is the state of load-redirecting pusher plate 210 prior to propellant ignition. See also FIG. 5A. The length of leg 327 and angle α are suitably selected so that in this state, the distal ends of each compression member 322 are displaced radially from the longitudinal centerline of load-redirecting pusher plate 210 sufficiently to seat in recesses in the barrel (e.g., for the illustrative embodiment, the recesses are propellant gas ports 428).

FIG. 4A depicts, via a sectional view, further detail of launcher 200 at region A of FIG. 2. FIG. 4B is a sectional view through FIG. 4A at B-B (cross hatching not shown to improve readability).

In the illustration depicted in FIG. 4A, the tail end of projectile 204-2 and the forward section of projectile 204-3 are depicted within bore 203 of barrel 202 (only projectile 204-3 is depicted in FIG. 4B). Propellant cartridge 434, which is an implementation of propellant reservoir 212, is disposed in an annular cavity formed between segments 429B and 430C of launcher 200. Cartridge 434 is filled with a propellant, such as SHP831, available from General Dynamics-Ordnance and Tactical Systems.

To launch projectile 204-2, initiation primers 436 ignite the propellant. Propellant gas ports 432 conduct the propellant gases that are generated upon ignition to bore 203. In the illustrative embodiment, three propellant gas ports 432 are disposed in barrel at the axial position corresponding to the location of propellant cartridge 434. A pressure reading can be obtained via pressure transducer 438. It is understood that, for the illustrative embodiment, a trio of initiation primers and a trio of propellant gas ports are located at each axial position corresponding to the location of a propellant cartridge. In the illustrative embodiment, there is one propellant cartridge per each projectile within the launcher. See, for example, FIGS. 6A and 6B, which include three sets of initiation primers, one set per each segment 642A, 642B, or 642C of the launcher. In some other embodiments, a greater or less number of initiation primers and propellant gas ports can be used in conjunction with each propellant cartridge. Also, in some embodiments, two or more propellant cartridges are used to launch each projectile.

It is to be understood that load-redirecting pusher plate 210 that is depicted in FIG. 4A is actively protecting projectile 204-3 against the launch of the projectile that is in position 1, which is not depicted in FIG. 4A (e.g., see, FIG. 2, projectile 204-1). It is not protecting projectile 204-3 against the launch of the projectile that is in position 2 (i.e., 204-2). The propellant that is ignited to launch the projectile in position 1 is not depicted in FIG. 4A. With reference to FIG. 2, the propellant that is ignited to launch the projectile in position 1 is the propellant in reservoir 212-1, not the propellant in reservoir 212-2 (i.e., not the propellant in cartridge 434 depicted in FIG. 4A).

Load-receiving surface 315 of load-redirecting pusher plate 210 abuts the tail end of projectile 204-2. Compression members 322 extend from aft end of the body of the load-redirecting pusher plate. In the illustrative embodiment, load-redirecting pusher plate 210 has three compression members (see FIGS. 3A and 3B), only one of which is visible in FIG. 4A. The distal end of each compression member 322 seats in respective propellant gas port 432. This arrangement supports projectile 204-2 against the static load it receives when the projectile in position 1 (not depicted in FIG. 4A) is launched. As a consequence of compression members 322, the load that would otherwise be borne by the tip of the nose of projectile 204-3 is transferred through the compression members to barrel 202.

Load-redirecting pusher plate 210 abuts the tail end of projectile 204-2; it is not permanently attached to that projectile. Similarly, conventional pusher plates 208 (FIG. 2) are not permanently attached to the projectiles they are used with. When projectile 204-2 is launched, load-redirecting pusher plate 210 is ejected from launcher 200 as well.

As previously indicated, when launching a projectile (position 1 in the barrel), load-redirecting pusher plate 210 is required at the tail end of the projectile in position 2 for launch to protect the projectile that is in position 3 for launch. To generalize, for a multi-shoot launcher that fires a number, n, of projectiles, wherein n≧3, load-redirecting pusher plates 210 are required for projectiles 2 through n−1. Any projectiles in the barrel that do not require a load-redirecting pusher plate can use a conventional pusher plate. Of course, for convenience, all projectiles in the barrel can use a load-redirecting pusher plate.

As an example, consider the launch of six stacked projectiles. Table 1 below provides a projectile-by-projectile summary of the launch as it pertains to the present invention. Table 1 lists, for launches 1-6, the identity of: the launched projectile, the “active” load-redirecting pusher plate, and protected projectile(s). Projectiles 1 and 6 abut a conventional pusher plate and projectiles 2-5 abut a load-redirecting pusher plate.

As can be seen in Table 1, projectiles in position 3 or greater for launch are protected by the load-redirecting pusher plate that abuts the projectile in position 2 for launch. And it is clear from Table 1 that a load-redirecting pusher plate is not required for

TABLE 1
Launcher for Six Stacked Projectiles
	PROJ. 1	PROJ. 2	PROJ. 3	PROJ. 4	PROJ. 5	PROJ. 6
1st Launch	Launching	Active	Protected	Protected	Protected	Protected
2nd Launch	—	Launching	Active	Protected	Protected	Protected
3rd Launch	—	—	Launching	Active	Protected	Protected
4th Launch	—	—	—	Launching	Active	Protected
5th Launch	—	—	—	—	Launching	Absent
6th Launch	—	—	—	—	—	Launching

projectile 1, since that projectile is never in position 2 for launch. Nor does projectile 6 require a load-redirecting pusher plate, since when that projectile is in position 2 for launch, no projectile is in position 3 for launch.

FIGS. 5A through 5C depict load-redirecting pusher plate 210 in various states, as a function of time with respect to propellant ignition. For clarity, the barrel is not depicted in these Figures. FIG. 5A depicts load-redirecting pusher plate 210 prior to propellant ignition. Compression members 322 are at full radial extension. The distal end of each compression member 322 is seated in the propellant gas ports (see, e.g., FIGS. 4A and 4B, item 432). Base 323 of each compression member 322 is fully seated in recess 316 of body 314.

FIG. 5B depicts load-redirecting pusher plate 210 during propellant ignition. As a consequence of slot 325 in base 323, when body 314 of pusher plate 210 begins to move forward (through the bore of the barrel), base 323 dislodges from its fully seated position in recess 316. As base 323 dislodges from recess 316, surface 324 of base 323 of each compression member 322 loses contact with a respective side surface 320 of stopper platform 319. As a consequence, compression members 322 are then free to collapse radially inward (FIG. 5C), thereby disengaging from propellant gas ports 432 (not depicted in FIGS. 5A-5C). This permits load-redirecting pusher plate 210 to be expelled from the barrel.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict an embodiment of launcher 200 comprising multiple flanged segments. The main body of launcher 200 comprises three identical segments 642A, 642B, and 642C. Aft segment 642C is sealed by breech portion 644.

For embodiments in which launcher 200 is intended for use underwater, the launcher includes water-seal section 640. The water seal can be implemented in any of a number of different ways, such as disclosed in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 12/165,060, 12/165,066, 12/165,071, 12/165,079, 12/165,090.

FIG. 7 depicts, via an exploded perspective view, further details of illustrative launcher 200 depicted in FIGS. 6A and 6B. This Figure depicts many of the features that are shown in FIG. 4A, including at least a portion of projectiles 204-2 and 204-3, load-redirecting pusher plate 210, propellant cartridge 434, initiation primers 436, pressure transducer 438, and propellant gas ports 432.

FIG. 7 provides further detail concerning the placement of propellant cartridge 434 within launcher 200. In particular, cylindrical-shaped propellant cartridge 434 fits over the reduced-diameter portion of section 430C of flanged segment 642C. Propellant gas ports 432 place the bore of barrel in fluidic communication with propellant cartridge 434. It is noted that cartridge 434 that is depicted in FIG. 7 is for launching projectile 204-2. There are two other propellant cartridges (for a three-projectile launcher) that are not depicted. The cartridge that contains the propellant responsible for launching projectile 204-1 would fit over reduced-diameter portion 430B of segment 642B. And the propellant cartridge for launching projectile 204-3 is disposed within segment 642C.

It is to be understood that the disclosure teaches just one example of the illustrative embodiment and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A launcher for launching stacked munitions, comprising:

a barrel having a bore, wherein the bore is dimensioned to contain at least a first munition in a first position for launch, a second munition in a second position for launch, and a third munition in a third position for launch, and wherein the munitions are arranged one behind another; and

a load redirecting pusher plate, wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has a load-receiving surface and at least two compression members, and wherein the load-receiving surface is configured to abuts an aft end of the second munition, and further wherein a distal end of each compression member is in physical contact with and supported against the barrel so that a load generated upon launch of the first munition is received by the load-receiving surface and transferred through the compression members to the barrel.

2. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has three compression members.

3. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has a body, wherein a forward surface of the body comprises the load-receiving surface and wherein the compression members are pivotally coupled proximal to an aft end of the body.

4. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate is attached to the aft end of the second munition.

5. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the barrel comprises slots, wherein the distal end of each compression members is disposed in the slots.

6. The launcher of claim 1 wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has a body, wherein the compression members are pivotally coupled, at a proximal end thereof, to an aft end of the body, wherein the pivotal coupling enables the distal end of each compression member to move in a radial direction with respect to the barrel.

7. The launcher of claim 1 wherein a forward end of the launcher comprises a physical adaptation for keeping water out of the bore of the barrel when the launcher is fired underwater.

8. The launcher of claim 1 wherein a body of the launcher comprises a plurality of flanged portions that are attached, end to end, to each other.

9. The launcher of claim 8 wherein the flanged portions are identical to each other.

10. A launcher for launching stacked munitions, comprising:

a barrel having a bore, wherein the bore is dimensioned to contain at least three munitions that are arranged one behind another; and

a load-redirecting pusher plate, wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has a body having a load-receiving surface and wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate has at least two compression members that are pivotally coupled to an aft end of the body, and further wherein: (i) the load-redirecting pusher plate is dimensioned and arranged so that the load-receiving surface receives a static load generated upon launch of one of the munitions; (ii) a distal end of each compression member is received by a respective slot on the inside surface of the barrel, the distal end of the compression members thereby extending radially beyond the bore of the barrel into the slots; and (iii) the pivotal coupling is arranged so that the distal end of each compression member is capable of moving in a radial direction with respect to the barrel.

11. The launcher of claim 10 wherein the compression members comprise maraging steel.

12. The launcher of claim 10 wherein a forward end of the launcher comprises a physical adaptation for keeping water out of the bore of the barrel when the launcher is fired underwater.

13. The launcher of claim 10 wherein there are a number, n, of munitions in the bore, wherein munitions in positions 2 through n−1 for launch comprise a load-redirecting pusher plate.

14. The launcher of claim 10 wherein each slot is in fluidic communication with a source of propellant.

15. The launcher of claim 14 wherein the source of propellant is a cartridge filled with propellant.

16. The launcher of claim 10 wherein the load-redirecting pusher plate abuts an aft end of the munition in the second position for launch.

17. A method for launching stacked projectiles, the method comprising:

loading at least three projectiles, one after another, into a first launch position, second launch position, and third launch position in a bore of a barrel of a launcher;

igniting propellant for the munition in the first launch position; and

redirecting, into the barrel, a static load caused by propellant ignition that the projectile in a third launch position would otherwise be exposed to by:

providing a load-receiving surface for receiving the static load; and

providing at least two compression members, wherein a first end of each of the two compression members is operatively coupled to the load-receiving surface to receive the static load therefrom and wherein a second end of each of the two compression members is operatively coupled to the barrel for transferring the static load thereto.

18. (canceled)

19. The A method of claim 17 for launching stacked projectiles, the method comprising:

loading at least three projectiles, one after another, into a first launch position, second launch position, and third launch position in a bore of a barrel of a launcher;

igniting propellant for the munition in the first launch position;

redirecting, into the barrel, a static load caused by propellant ignition that the projectile in a third launch position would otherwise be exposed to; and

preventing water from entering the bore after the munition in the first launch position is fired.