Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a viable, practical and useful alternative to conventional metal barbed wire that is both portable and easily deployed and has a long storage shelf life. This alternative is a cost effective alternative to metal barbed wire that is reusable, recyclable and unaffected by climactic conditions. There present invention also provides a means for rapid deployment of a permanent or temporary barrier for situations as varied as repairing a breach in a fenced enclosure or providing a no-cross zone in event of civil disturbance. This means is a self-deploying storage canister for the plastic barbed wire which uses a explosive charge for deployment.

Abstract: A shooting system providing a barrel with an open forward end and a closed rear end and a projectile containing a propellant under pressure located in the barrel. A wad in the bore has a forward holding member allowing the rearward portion of the projectile to be moved rearwardly in the bore and be longitudinally slidably frictionally fitted in the holding member while the holding member is in sealing engagement circumferentially of and between the barrel and the projectile whereby the projectile is in a loaded state. The holding member also allows the projectile to move forwardly out of the holding member in the firing state. The wad also has a rearward sealing portion in circumferential sealing engagement with the barrel and radially spaced from the rearward portion of the projectile whereby the closed rearward end of the bore, the sealing member, and the projectile form a firing chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for launching a projectile comprising a male launching tube having an attachment end and a discharge end opposite from the attachment end, an energy device having a discharge end and having the capability of producing an instantaneous discharge of gas under high pressure from its discharge end, the attachment end of the male launching tube being connected to the discharge end of the energy device whereby the high pressure gases discharging from the discharge end of the energy device are passed through the male launching tube and out the discharge end thereof, a collar mounted on the male launching tube between the discharge end and the attachment end, and a projectile adapted to be mounted on the male launching tube between the discharge end thereof and the collar whereby, when the energy device discharges gas therefrom under high pressure, the projectile will be launched into ballistic flight, the collar having a port extending radially therethrough to the male launching tube, wherein the male laun

Abstract: A machine gun unit comprises a machine gun mounted to a support by a mounting permitting pivoting movement of the machine gun relative to the support in azimuth and/or elevation. Angle encoders provide position signals representing angular displacement of the machine gun relative to the support. An aiming system comprises a sensor, for example a CCD sensor, which provides a video signal representing a field of view for the aiming system, a display device for displaying the field of view, a manual input interface, a graphics artifact generator, and a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP monitors the outputs of the angle encoders and controls the graphics artifact generator to combine the output of the graphics artifact generator with the output of the CCD sensor for display by the display device. Various graphics artifacts can be provided. Masks may be provided for delimiting field of fire. A cursor may be repositioned to reflect superelevation requirements.

Abstract: A rocket-fired visual signalling apparatus and method includes a rocket, an elongated streamer having a first end portion connected to the rocket and a rocket launcher for launching the rocket so that the rocket pulls the streamer into the air such that when the rocket burns out, the streamer is spread out over the surrounding ground cover to facilitate visibility of the streamer.

Abstract: A shooting system discharges a projectile having a chamber that stores a compressible fluid in a compressed state and having a valve mounted in a rear end of the projectile. The shooting system includes a longitudinal barrel having an opening on a front end and having a cap on a rear end. The projectile is movable within the barrel. The rear end of the projectile, the barrel, and the cap form a chamber. A striker is disposed in the cap for opening the valve of the projectile to release the fluid into the chamber to urge the projectile toward the opening of the barrel as the fluid is released. The projectile forms a hermetic seal between the projectile and the barrel to substantially contain the released fluid in the chamber until the projectile exits the opening of the barrel. A stabilizer, such as fins, may be detachably mounted to the opening of the barrel so that the projectile contacts the stabilizer and urges the stabilizer into flight to stabilize the discharged projectile.

Abstract: A mechanical regulation system for controlling tow line payout between the aerobody and a towing vehicle. The system comprises a housing, a nonrotating spool, and a tow line wound around the spool that is coupled between the aerobody and the vehicle. The regulation portion of the present system comprises a rotatable wedge-shaped tube, having the tow line wrapped around it. A rotatable mechanical regulator is slidably coupled to the wedge-shaped tube. The regulator is adapted to rotate with the tube and move transversely along the length of the tube as the tow line is removed from the spool. A brake mechanism is provided as part of the regulator, and a brake drum is disposed adjacent the periphery of the regulator that is contacted by the brake mechanism.

Abstract: A launching and regulation system that incorporates an expendable towing and deployment mechanism for use with a towed aerobody that provides for launching and controlled tow line payout between the towed aerobody and a towing vehicle. The system comprises a housing, a nonrotating spool disposed in the housing, and a tow line wound around the spool that is coupled between the aerobody and the vehicle. The tow line preferably comprises a photonic, fiber optic, link. The launching mechanism comprises a plurality of impulse cartridges for deploying the aerobody and severing the tow line at a predetermined time. A spring piston is disposed inside a wedge-shaped tube that confines expanding gasses within the tube that are generated by an impulse cartridge and moves the spring piston to launch the aerobody. The regulation mechanism may comprise a mechanical system or adhesive resin system. The mechanical system comprises a rotatable wedge-shaped tube, and the tow line is wrapped around it.

Abstract: A device for training retrieving dogs comprising of a launcher device (19) made to fit within the discharge end of a shotgun barrel (17) of standard construction equipped with a internal thread socket (16) made to receive replacement choke tubes by means of the external thread socket (10) of the choke-mount adapter shaft (5) to launch a projectile (21)to simulate a shot game bird for the dog to retrieve in order to build and refine the skills of a field working Gun Dog by incorporating the shotgun (21) in the training process.

Abstract: An intercept device for flying objects is formed of a lightweight, small-volume, packable structure made of a tear-resistant, pliable material, which can be stretched to a large, two-dimensional or three-dimensional expansion by means of a deployment device. To reduce the velocity of the intercepted flying objects, activatable, aerodynamic resistance bodies are incorporated into the structure. To end the intercept procedure, elements are integrated into the structure, which consist of material that can be destroyed from outside by means of high-energy beams and/or chemical reagents, or that destroys itself, or the structure as a whole consists of such material.

Abstract: A device for capturing humans or animals, comprises a pair of projectiles each having a forward head and a rear shank. Each shank is semi-cylindrical and offset to one side of its associated head, such that when the projectiles are placed together with their shanks contiguous to each other, the two shanks together form a cylindrical body and the two heads together form a flattened body disposed in a plane perpendicular to a mating plane of the two shanks. A flexible tether interconnects the two projectiles, whereby when the two shanks are disposed contiguous to each other and inserted in the bore of the barrel of a firearm, and the firearm is fired, the two shanks will impart thrust to their respective projectiles along lines of force disposed to one side of a center of gravity of each projectile.

Abstract: A line carrying projectile has an axially elongate hollow projectile rod for muzzle loading within the bore of an associated shotgun and an at least partially transparent container assembly mounted on the forward end of the projectile rod and containing a chemiluminescent flare. The flare is removed from the container and activated by bending after which it is reassembled within the container in its active condition preparatory to firing. A part of the projectile frictionally engages and grips an associated portion of the gun barrel to releasably retain the projectile in a launching position within the gun and regardless of barrel orientation until the projectile is fired from the gun.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pair of eyeglasses which can be used in conjunction with shooting. The glasses enable a shooter to take proper aim at a target without having to close one eye. In the broadest context, the present invention includes a pair of eyeglasses wherein one of the lenses is opaque and the other lens is opaque with the exception of a small aperture. The aperture is the sighting aperture which enables the shooter to focus on his or her target.

Abstract: An apparatus for deterring an undesired behavior of at least one person. The apparatus comprises a projectile having an exterior that will not cause serious injury to a person. An actuatable launcher supports the projectile and propels the projectile in response to being actuated. A spool is mounted on the projectile or launcher. Line is wound on the spool. The line has an end portion operably connected with the launcher and another end portion operably connected with the projectile. The spool is positioned so the line is pulled from the spool after the projectile is propelled.A method of crowd management comprises the steps of providing a plurality of projectiles. Each of the projectiles has an exterior that will not cause serious injury to a member of the crowd. A plurality of actuatable launchers is provided. Each of the launchers is capable of supporting at least one projectile and upon actuation propels the projectile along a desired path. A spool is attached with each of the projectiles or a launcher.

Abstract: A machine gun unit comprises a machine gun mounted to a support by a mounting permitting pivoting movement of the machine gun relative to the support in azimuth and/or elevation. Angle encoders provide position signals representing angular displacement of the machine gun relative to the support. An aiming system comprises a sensor, for example a CCD sensor, which provides a video signal representing a field of view for the aiming system, a display device for displaying the field of view, a manual input interface, a graphics artifact generator, and a digital signal processor (DSP). The DSP monitors the outputs of the angle encoders and controls the graphics artifact generator to combine the output of the graphics artifact generator with the output of the CCD sensor for display by the display device. Various graphics artifacts can be provided. Masks may be provided for delimiting field of fire. A cursor may be repositioned to reflect superelevation requirements.

Abstract: A muzzle launched grapnel hook projectile having a body with an internal cavity which is sized to fit over the muzzle end of a rifle or spigot. A bullet trap within the internal cavity permits launching of the projectile one time with a live bullet cartridge as the propulsion force. The projectile can then be launched multiple times with a blank propellant cartridge. The front of the projectile mounts several torsion springs which serve as tines to grab trip wires and detonate trip wire mines as the projectile is being dragged back to the launch point. The torsion spring design and mounting scheme permits the tine to bend and release from non-trip wire obstacles along the retrieval path. Attached to the base of the projectile at a flange is a bridle consisting of multiple leader lines. Pulling on the bridle causes the leader lines to come together to form a cone-like surface which allows the base of the projectile to slide easily over obstacles.

Abstract: A gas propelled line deployment system includes a launch tube, and a bullshaped projectile. The launch tube has a closed end with a gas port formed therein and an open end having a plurality of radially extending threaded apertures. The projectile has two spaced, circumferential grooves adjacent the blunt end thereof, with an O-ring mounted in one of the grooves. The projectile is slidably received in the launch tube with the blunt end adjacent the open end of the tube, i.e. the rounded end facing the close end, so that O-ring forms a gas tight seal adjacent the open tube end. Nylon retainer screws are threadedly received in the threaded apertures so that they engage within the other circumferential groove in the projectile. The line to be deployed is attached to an elastic band which is attached to the blunt end of the projectile. A carbon dioxide gas canister communicates with the gas port to introduce a pressurized gas flow into the tube.

Abstract: A gas-propelled line deployment device is operable for orthogonally deplog two antenna lines to a distance of greater than one hundred feet. The device includes first, second and third tubes, closed at one end and open at one end, the first and second tubes being arranged perpendicular to each other and the third tube being arranged along the resulting vector of the axes of the perpendicular tubes. The first and second tubes have wire-carrying projectiles received therein and the third tube has a recoil piston received therein, said projectiles and piston making a gas tight seal with their respective tube. The recoil piston has a larger cross-sectional area than each of the first and second wire-carrying projectiles. The device further includes a retainer mechanism which is operable for retaining the wire-carrying projectiles and the recoil piston within their respective tubes until a predetermined gas pressure is achieved.

Abstract: A transport unit for transporting fire fighting hoses, explosive materials, equipment or other items, the unit having a projectile launcher including a pressure tank providing a compressed gas chamber, and a projectile barrel mounted on the tank in fluid communication with the interior of the tank, a projectile positioned in the barrel, a hose or other line connected at one end to the projectile launcher and adapted for connection at its other end to the projectile, the line being adapted for connection to a pressurized fire fighting or explosive fluid source, or the line being comprised of an explosive material, the compressed gas chamber adapted to provide launching force to the projectile upon actuation of the launcher.

Abstract: An optical fiber canister (90) comprises a hollow housing (102) and an optical fiber pack (98) having a plurality of layers of optical fiber (20) supported on an inner surface of the housing (102) with a free end (96) of the optical fiber (20) positioned to pay out from an interior surface of the fiber pack (98). The optical fiber (20) of the optical fiber pack (98) has an amount of adhesive thereon ranging from zero to an amount sufficient to produce a peel force of less than about 2 grams. There is desirably a support layer (110) of a castable elastomeric material between the inner wall (108) of the hollow housing (102) and the outer surface of the optical fiber pack (98), and a release layer of a release material such as polytetrafluoroethylene between the inner surface of the support layer (110) and the outer surface of the optical fiber pack (98).

Abstract: A combat vehicle utilization system including a plurality of extensible elevating members each adapted for mounting to a combat vehicle at a first end and carrying a combat platform at a second end is utilized to increase armament and effectiveness of a combat vehicle whereby the vehicle is able to target and combat a plurality of targets in both aerial and ground elevations and at varying directions.

Abstract: A minefield breaching system or apparatus and a delivery projectile therefor comprises a projectile arranged to be mounted on a rifle, light mortar or similar weapon and to be projected in a desired direction by firing a round from the weapon into the projectile; an explosive line connected directly or indirectly at one end thereof to the projectile; and detonation means arranged to be connected directly or indirectly to the explosive line at the other end thereof for detonation of the explosive line; the projectile comprising a rocket the motor of which is arranged for operational ignition upon a round from the weapon being fired into the projectile, and the projectile carrying a presence or location indicator together with power means for operation of the indicator.

Abstract: A blasting device for unblocking ore passes, backfill raises, mine draw points and any other near vertical raises where rocks or other materials normally fall freely but may get blocked during use, comprises a propulsion unit including an air chamber mounted at the end of a hollow tube and having an inlet for receiving pressurized air and at least one outlet for allowing compressed air jets to exit downwardly from the air chamber to propel the propulsion unit upwardly, a reservoir mounted on the propulsion unit and adapted to hold explosive and an igniter, means for feeding pressurized air into the air chamber through the hollow tube, and an ignition line connected to the igniter for igniting the explosive from a distance.

Abstract: Guided missiles (10) which trail control umbilicals such as optical fibers (20) are launched from an array (16) of launch tubes (14) that point in the same direction. A swing arm (40) extends over the face of the array (16) to capture and move the umbilicals (20) of previously launched missiles (10) away from the portion of the array (16) from which the next missile (10) will be launched, to avoid interference between the launched missile (10) and the exisiting umbilicals (20). As each missile (10) is launched, the swing arm (40) recycles to capture the umbilical (20) of the newly launched missile (10).

Abstract: An optical fiber package (20) is provided by winding a plurality of convolutions in a plurality of layers on a bobbin. To each layer is applied an adhesive material (45) which in a preferred embodiment is a mixture comprising a relative silicone copolymer resin, a solvent system which includes an aromatic constituent, a catalyst and a wetting agent. The mixture has a modulus behavior which is relatively stable with respect to time throughout a relatively wide operating temperature. Inasmuch as the solvent system and the method of application of the mixture are effective to control the rate of precipitation and the rate of cure of the silicone constituent, the surface roughness of the convolutions is controlled. After the desired number of convolutions have been wound, the package is subjected to a heat treatment which relieves stresses in the wound fiber and which completes the cure of the adhesive material.

Abstract: An optical fiber package (52) includes a length of optical fiber (22) wound in a plurality of convolutions on a bobbin (50). In order to maintain the convolutions in a precision wound package and to prevent snags during payout, it is necessary that each convolution of optical fiber be adhered to at least a portion of an adjacent convolution. This is accomplished by providing the length of optical fiber with an adhesive material (32) which is not tacky at room temperature but which becomes tacky at a predetermined temperature. After the convolutions have been wound on the bobbin, the bobbin is treated to cause the adhesive material to become tacky and cause each convolution to adhere to at least a portion of adjacent convolutions. Suitable adhesion is caused to occur with any adhesive material for which molecular bonding can occur across the interface between contiguous portions of adjacent convolutions as a result of suitable treatment.

Abstract: A drumlike canister onto which a filament is wound is rotatably mounted to an airborne vehicle, the axis of rotation being generally parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis. At launch, as the filament unwinds and is payed out the canister is rotated to remove the twist from the filament produced on winding.

Abstract: A communication cable winding is disclosed which is protected from heat, turbulence and friction during unwinding by a plastic skirt which surrounds a portion of the winding on a spool or bobbin. An outer portion of the cable may also be provided with a protective overlayer which forms the outer layer of the winding not protected by the plastic skirt.

Abstract: A method of effecting the in-flight departure of an astronaut from a shuttle craft, and apparatus therefor. A plurality of rocket assemblies with a lanyard for each are provided, although only one rocket assembly is used for one escape. The astronaut is carried in a parachute harness which is selectively connectible by the astronaut to one of the lanyards. A safety lever is moved when the astronaut pulls the lanyard. An ignition system is subsequently actuated when the lanyard is pulled further by the astronaut. Two rods push their corresponding rocket out through the side hatch of the shuttle craft. When the lanyard grows taut, one means fires the rocket. Subsequently, other means pull the parachute ripcord.

Abstract: An apparatus for neutralizing mines includes several strands of explosive charge which are adapted to be rolled up into a cable. The cable containing the strands of explosive charge can be launched across a mine field by a rocket. The cable is opened and the strands of explosive are deployed to form a two-dimensional array disposed a certain distance above the ground. The strands of charge are separated by a fixed distance which is less than or equal to the distance of the strands of charge above the ground. Upon detonation of the explosive a substantially uniform blast wave is created exerting uniform pressure and impulse on the mine field below. The detonation should occur substantially simultaneously so that the blast from adjacent charges will interact thereby creating a planar wavefront.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus comprising, a launcher, a missile and a supply of line mounted on the launcher, the launcher comprising a non-lethal firearm adapted to fire a blank round and having a barrel with a bore closed at its muzzle end, the muzzle end having gas ports therein, the missile being sleevable on the barrel and having means for connecting the line thereto, whereby when the firearm is discharged, gas escapes from the bore through the gas ports to propel the missile into space, carrying the line therewith.

Abstract: A throwing device including, a throwing gun formed by a high pressure chamber located within a low pressure chamber. A first frangible diaphragm having a predetermined breaking pressure interconnecting the two chambers. A second frangible diaphragm closing off the lower pressure chamber and having a predetermined breaking pressure lower than the breaking pressure of the first diaphragm. A barrel mounted adjacent to and extending from the second frangible diaphragm. A projectile located within the barrel. A main charge substantially located within the high pressure chamber and an ignition charge coupled to the main charge for igniting the main charge upon activation of the ignition charge. The ignition of the main charge providing for the production of rapid burning forming gas having an increasing pressure within the high pressure chamber.

Abstract: A minefield breaching system comprises a projectile which is fired by trapping a round from a rifle or light mortar, and which carries behind it a length of explosive line. The end of the explosive line remote from the projectile is connected to a length of non-explosive line, the free end of which remains at the position of the user of the system. The projectile is in use fired to carry the explosive line over the minefield and the explosive line is then pulled back by means of the non-explosive line to permit an initiation set to be connected to the proximal end of the explosive line.

Abstract: A device for limiting the field of fire in elevation on an automatic firearm prevents the weapon from being fired when it is in certain, unsuitable positions. The weapon may not then be operated by either the electrical or the mechanical trigger. The operation of an electrical switch when the weapon is swung beyond a given angle of elevation to disconnect the electrical trigger is known. According to the invention, when the weapon is swung beyond the given angle of elevation known firing pin locks are mechanically actuated, which prevents the advancing breechblock which pushes the cartridge into the gun barrel from piercing the cartridge. A cam roller or follower is preferably arranged on the weapon and which strikes a fixed lifting flank or cam when the weapon is swung at a given angle of elevation.

Abstract: A line launcher for launching a line spool provided with a length of line thereon toward a devised target comprising: a projectile or propelling means, generally a blank cartridge chamberable into a conventional marine flare pistol; a tubular housing with the line spool container therein; a lead ballasted end cap; a bored fore end cap; and an air spaced within the housing. One end of the line projects from the housing through the bored end cap and may be secure to a heavier line. Upon launching the device by discharge of the pistol, the line continuously uncoils from the line spool until it reaches the point of impact. A secure line is then provided between the point of impact and the securing point.

Abstract: System for artificially triggering lightning flashes. This system comprises a rocket, provided with fins, launched from a launcher and which trails behind it a thin wire made from a conductive material, which is either electrically connected to the ground, or is connected to a second wire made from an insulating material, which is in turn attached to the ground, as well as a pay-out reel. The pay-out reel is constituted by a reel body in the form of a cylindrical tube onto which the wire is wound with a limited winding thickness, mounted at the lower end, centered on the central axis of the rocket, the reel having a diameter larger than that of the rocket body and smaller than the apparent diameter of the guidance fins. The launcher is constituted by a plastic tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning the barrel of a weapon and limiting the firing field of a weapon to a predetermined target area. The apparatus comprises at least one stationary transmitter positioned in or adjacent the firing field and at least one directional receiver rigidly attached to the weapon. A fire unblocking device coupled to the output of the receiver and to the weapon is actuated by the receiver to permit firing of the weapon when a signal is received from the transmitter thereby indicating that the barrel of the weapon is aimed toward the target area.

Abstract: An armored vehicle is provided with a gun mounted upon its top deck which gun is capable of rotation through 360.degree. C. about a vertical axis. The gun is also simultaneously elevatable through an angle of about 70.degree.. Located upon the deck are a plurality of barriers (some fixed and some conditional, e.g., opened hatches) which the gun must avoid during its rotational movement. The apparatus of the present invention includes a programmable read-only-memory which stores the location and height of each of the barriers on the deck. A computer continuously checks the position of the gun against the location of each of these barriers and provides signals which prevents the gun from moving into forbidden zones which include the locations of these barriers. As the gun approaches any of the barriers a signal is generated which causes the gun to be elevated from its normal path (if necessary) and lifted over the barrier.

Abstract: There is disclosed safety apparatus for firing equipment. The apparatus includes an electrically readable memory for storing a set of values which indicate directions of firing which are safe as regards where the equipment is mounted and means for providing from indications of actual direction, an inhibition of firing at such directions which are unsafe as regards where the equipment is mounted.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a surveillance and weapon system comprising a tubular, generally annularly symmetrical multiple fire weapon having optical scope means coaxially arranged in the throat thereof. Also disclosed is a remote control embodiment particularly suitable as an anti-hijacking system for the protection of commercial aircraft, but equally useful in the protection of other vehicles such as ships, trains or the like, and for the protection of various places that are frequently subject to criminal attack such as banks, prisons, courtrooms, stores, offices, and the like.

Abstract: An automatic weapon incorporating a retarded blow back, a cartridge and bolt centering assembly, light weight and minimum component construction, simplicity in disassembly, easily detachable barrel, unique belted ammunition feed system, disposable ammunition box, a guide buffering assembly, muzzle brake, remote firing capability, front sight charging system and a bulkhead recoil absorbing arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which enables a weapon (usually on a test firing range) only when the weapon is aimed at a predetermined zone around a target. A transmitter subsystem comprising a strobe light, power supply and alignment scope is disposed at or near the target and oriented so as to transmit strobe light pulses of preselected pulse frequency, pulse duration and spectral content at a receiving subsystem. The receiving subsystem disposed at or near the weapon optically focuses the received strobe pulses on a detector, which provides electrical signals in accordance with the received pulses. These electrical signals are processed by detector electronics so that an enable signal is provided to the weapon only when a pair of pulses is detected within a preseslected time interval. In this way, the present invention prevents unwanted firing of the weapon when it is not properly aimed at the predetermined zone.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining fratricide probability of projectile collision from a projectile launcher on a platform and an interception hazard that can be ejected or launched from a deployment position. The platform can represent a combat vessel, with the projectile launcher being a gun, the interception hazard being a missile, and the deployment position being a vertical launch cell. The projectile launcher operates within an angular area called the firing zone of the platform. The method includes determining the firing zone, calculating an angular firing area, quantifying a frontal area of the interception hazard, translating the resulting frontal area across a flight trajectory, sweeping the projectile launcher to produce a slew angle, combining the slew and trajectory, and dividing the combined interception area by the firing area. The firing and interception areas are calculated using spherical projection.