Abstract: A magazine for storing ammunition bodies having a plurality of adjacently arranged storage spaces, wherein a retaining apparatus for retaining an ammunition body is allocated of each of the storage spaces and wherein a convey device is provided for conveying an ammunition body from a retaining apparatus to an adjacent retaining apparatus. The disclosure furthermore relates to a method for storing ammunition bodies in a magazine.

Abstract: A Gatling-style platform has a control system to limit the number of ammunitions that can be fired a single or multiple times. The control system is operably coupled to an electronic motor that can be coupled to multi-barrels for rotating the multi-barrels and a delinker to feed the ammunition. The electronic firearm further includes an electronic rotary trigger that has multiple discrete intervals that correspond to the number of ammunition or rounds of ammunition to be fired, wherein the electronic rotary trigger can be rotated to any desired level from the multiple discrete intervals, the rotation of the electronic rotary trigger actuates the delinker and/or motor to start firing.

Abstract: An aircraft pylon is provided, configured for mounting to the underside of an aircraft wing projecting from a fuselage and for carrying an external payload suspended therefrom. The pylon comprises an attachment mechanism configured for facilitating mounting of the pylon to the aircraft wing, and a carrying arrangement configured for carrying the payload and being pivotally articulated to the attachment mechanism. The pylon is configured to selectively pivot the carrying arrangement about a pylon axis between a vertical position in which it is suspended in a substantially vertical orientation, and a tilted position in which it is tilted toward the fuselage.

Abstract: An ammunition management system for firing mixed ammunition in an automatic cannon. The ammunition management system includes a rotatable ammunition magazine including ammunition shot, a breech casing and an ammunition feed device for feeding of ammunition shot between the ammunition magazine and the breech casing. A drive device drives the ammunition magazine via a chain drive mechanism disposed in the ammunition magazine. A decoupling device engages and disengages the ammunition magazine with respect to the ammunition feed device, so that ammunition can be moved between different positions in the ammunition magazine, via an alternating process including: feeding of ammunition from the ammunition magazine to the ammunition feed device, disengagement of the ammunition magazine, rotation of the ammunition magazine, engagement of the ammunition magazine, and feedback of ammunition from the ammunition feed device to the ammunition magazine. A method for sorting ammunition in a ammunition magazine.

Abstract: A system and method for launching non-vertical launch munitions with a non-vertical launch trajectory from a launcher that is operationally coupled to a vertical launching system (VLS). The inventors of the present invention recognized that munitions that are unsuitable for vertical launches were unavailable for use with vertical launching systems, thus foreclosing important defense, attack, and cost-savings opportunities for VLS-equipped platforms. A VLS could be substantially more versatile if it accommodated munitions such as torpedoes, counter-measures, direct-fire munitions, point-and-shoot munitions, and a variety of other missiles and equipment. The launcher according to the present invention is also stowable in an upward orientation within a cell of the host vertical launching system.

Abstract: A retractable turret rotatable on a platform, including an active system orientable in vertically extendable elevation, and in azimuth, a protective cowling for the active system and for closing a caisson, wherein the turret includes, for vertically extendable deployment and rotation of the active system, first and second arms forming a deformable quadrilateral on either side of the active system, a first manual means for controlling deployment of the active system by activating the first arm, and a second manual means for controlling the orientation in vertically extended elevation and in horizontal azimuth of the active system by moving the second arm.

Abstract: Apparatuses, vehicles, and methods to reduce loads applied to a store when the store is launched from the vehicle are disclosed. A particular apparatus includes a launch chamber and a flap. The launch chamber has a first portion configured to receive a store. A second portion is configured to be positioned over an opening in a hull of a vehicle. The chamber has a forward end and an aft end. The flap is positioned a distance from the aft end of the launch chamber. The flap has a first end rotatably mounted proximate to the first portion of the launch chamber and has a second end extending toward the second portion of the launch chamber. The flap is configured to rotate about the first end when the store impacts the flap due to the forces applied to the store by the fluid when the store is launched.

Abstract: The foldable ramp is intended to store, carry and launch relatively large size tube-launched missiles typically on board of relatively small sized naval surface ships. Accordingly, the foldable ramp comprises a frame suitable for carrying one or more canisters for launching rockets or missiles and support elements, which are pivotably attached to the frame and which are adapted to pivotably connect to the launching platform so as to allow rotary movement of the frame with respect to the launching platform. A lifting device lifts the front end of the frame whereby the rear end of the canisters displace a horizontal distance towards the rear of the ramp as said lifting device lifts the frame. Adverse effects of the aft flame of the launched rocket or missile is securely displaced to the outside of the vehicle while foldability of the ramp enables to prevent or reduce radar and eye visibility of the launcher, particularly when mounted on a naval surface ship.

Abstract: Stores launch tubes and vehicles equipped with stores launch tubes are disclosed. According to a particular illustrative example, a stores launch tube includes a tube member and a flexible seal. The flexible seal couples an exterior of the tube member to a hull. The flexible seal acts as a pressure barrier against an ambient environment.

Abstract: The invention is related to a modular missile launching assembly, more particularly, a compact modular missile launching assembly that is easily attachable to smaller sized watercrafts, allowing for quick installation. The missile launching assembly is encased in a substantially rectangular container with a launching lid to which one or more missiles are attached. A hydraulic lifting device within the substantially rectangular container is used to lift the launching lid from a closed or stowage position to an open or operational position.

Abstract: An exemplary stores launch tube includes an outer tube and an inner tube. The inner tube is disposed interior the outer tube and is configured to reduce load as a store exits therefrom. The inner tube may be made of a flexible material. At least one load-reducing device may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The inner tube may be received within a canister that has an outer casing that is attachable to the outer tube. Alternately, the inner tube may be attached directly to the outer tube. The inner tube may include more than one tube section. If desired, filler material, such as foam, may be disposed between the inner tube and the outer tube. The outer tube may have a substantially circular cross-section, or an oval cross-section, or any cross-section as desired to accommodate structural considerations.

Abstract: A weapon system, especially for a ship, having a rocket launcher and an ammunition compartment for storing rocket containers designed to each accommodate at least one rocket. Disposed in the ammunition compartment is a guide mechanism on which at least two ammunition carriages, designed to accommodate the rocket containers, are displaceably disposed, whereby they can be shifted out of a parked position into a loading position in which the rocket container is disposed essentially below a slide-in structure of the rocket launcher. Securing mechanisms are provided for securing the ammunition carriages in place on the guide mechanism.

Abstract: A modular launch-cell system for a launch vehicle. The method includes a number of launch-cells, a base and an upper attachment arrangement. The launch-cells include a missile and are arranged in a structure which includes a number of layers, each of the layer includes two or more launch cells. The launch-cells are substantially directly reversibly mechanically connected to the base. One of the launch-cells includes a lower attachment arrangement configured for reversibly mechanically connecting one launch-cell to one or more of the base and another of the launch-cells disposed below the one launch-cell. The upper arrangement is designed for reversibly mechanically connecting one launch-cell to another of the launch-cells disposed above the one launch-cell.

Abstract: A launcher includes a plurality of launch tubes for stowing and launching a plurality of air vehicles. A central air manifold is operatively connected to an air storage tank; a first launch tube air manifold is operatively connected to a first group of the launch tubes and operatively connected to the central air manifold. The first launch tube air manifold has a separate port corresponding to each launch tube of the first group of launch tubes. A release valve mechanism is removably mounted in one of the ports of the first launch tube air manifold, the release valve mechanism controlling the passage of launch air between the first launch tube air manifold and the launch tube corresponding to the port in which the release valve mechanism is mounted. A plug is removably mounted in each of the ports not occupied by the release valve mechanism.

Abstract: A rocket launcher system and a method for controlling a rocket launcher system. The rocket launcher system is placed below deck on a ship to improve the ship's stealth capability and includes a launcher, a charger and a magazine containing one or more different types of rocket missiles. According to the method for controlling the rocket launcher system, an operating signal including preparation data is transferred to the rocket launcher system from one or more operators. The preparation data is transferred to a rocket missile and a charger takes the rocket missile from a magazine and charges a launcher. A hatch in the ship's deck is opened, and the launcher sights the rocket missile at a target area.

Abstract: A stealth weapon module (10) including a weapon support cage (11) and a weapon (12), with the weapon module (10) able to be stowed beneath a retractable hard roof (15). The roof (15) is raised and lowered by a hydraulic motor (16), and includes a stabilizing cloth (15b) that keeps the roof (15), made of interconnected slats (15a), from pulling apart or otherwise changing shape as it is raised and lowered, even at rates of travel of several inches per second. The weapon module (10), with any of various different roof designs including the retractable hard roof (15), can be incorporated into either a transportable shell (20), able to be moved from one application to another, or can be built into (and so specially adapted to) a structure, such as the back/cab of a sports utility vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the adaptation of a container of artillery rockets to a launcher apparatus for such rockets. A box-like launcher frame is disposed on a support structure, especially a vehicle chassis, and is pivotable in elevation and azimuth. At least one container, which has a right-angled cross-section and contains a plurality of artillery rockets, is adapted to be inserted from one end into the launcher frame. At least one adjustment module in the form of an essentially rectangular flat panel is provided. For a container having outer dimensions smaller than inner dimensions of the launcher frame, the adjustment module is disposable on the upper side and/or the underside of the container and is securable thereto. The outer dimensions of the adjustment module are such that when an adjustment module or modules are disposed on the container, the unit formed thereby has outer dimensions that correspond to the inner dimensions of the launcher frame.

Abstract: A rocket assisted payload launch system includes a heavy gauge metal shipping container that houses an array of containerized concentric launch tubes, or canisters. Spacers on each containerized concentric launch tube contact the adjacent tubes and retain the centers of the tubes a predetermined distance apart, and in a vertical orientation. A missile including rocket assisted payload (RAP) can be inserted into the open upper end of each tube, which also has a curved, closed bottom end. Umbilical cords are connected to each tube for providing target location information to the missile placed therein. A sequence controller selects the rocket assisted payload to be fired, and initiates the firing sequence by delivering power, via the umbilical cord, to the selected missile. The sequence controller may be manually operated, or may be operated, automatically, via a datalink, in the preferred mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the adaptation of a container of artillery rockets to a launcher apparatus for such rockets. A box-like launcher frame is disposed on a support structure, especially a vehicle chassis, and is pivotable in elevation and azimuth. At least one container, which has a right-angled cross-section and contains a plurality of artillery rockets, is adapted to be inserted from one end into the launcher frame. At least one adjustment module in the form of an essentially rectangular flat panel is provided. For a container having outer dimensions smaller than inner dimensions of the launcher frame, the adjustment module is disposable on the upper side and/or the underside of the container and is securable thereto. The outer dimensions of the adjustment module are such that when an adjustment module or modules are disposed on the container, the unit formed thereby has outer dimensions that correspond to the inner dimensions of the launcher frame.

Abstract: An elongated missile launcher cell is structured to allow arraying into multiple-cell array. Each missile launcher cell of the array includes a support structure which accommodates a canisterized missile. Each cell also includes its own chimney and exhaust gas plenum, so that it may be used individually. Since each cell has its own missile exhaust capability, there is no need to keep one or more bays of a missile launcher array vacant to provide for venting of exhaust gases.

Abstract: A launcher platform including a support structure and a number of rails mounted on the support structure for supporting missiles thereon, each adjacent rail elevated above the other rails to accommodate additional missiles and different type missiles while maintaining low center of gravity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a loading device for a medium or large caliber weapon supplied with rounds constituted by a projectile and modular charges. It comprises means to receive a projectile and modular charges, a vehicle incorporating at least two housings and suitable support means to allow the vehicle to move from a starting replenishing position to a final weapon loading position in which the projectile housing then the modular charge housing are successively brought into said position. The support means are constituted by a cage having two sides between which the vehicle travels. The vehicle is constituted by a slide and a drum provided with housings at its parallel edges each intended to receive a container. Application of 155 mm 52 caliber weapons.

Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The mulit-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.

Abstract: A launch canister for a missile, including an outer canister shell and a concentric inner liner. The inner liner augments the canister shell with structural load capability and bending inertia to enhance canister stiffness. The inner liner can be constructed from structural load carrying composite materials, and also acts as a thermal and ablative insulator to enable vertical plume venting away from the enveloped missile. A shock and vibration isolation layer can be laminated between the inner liner and canister shell.