Abstract: The present application discloses an improved firearm design that features an ambidextrous slide stop, allowing for enhanced accessibility and functionality for both left-handed and right-handed shooters. This design provides advantages over the traditional 1911 pistol, addressing challenges faced by left-handed shooters and streamlining reloads and malfunction clearance. The application incorporates a male-female interlocking mechanism for the slide stop portions, allowing for secure and removable coupling. Additionally, a thumb pad is included for easy engagement of the slide lock. Overall, this innovation offers improved ergonomics and versatility for shooters of different handedness.

Abstract: A firearm with a lower receiver and bolt catch. The lower receiver may include a first external wall portion that is on the left side of the firearm and a second external wall portion on the right side of the firearm when a front of the lower receiver is facing forward, the rear of lower receiver is facing rearward, the bottom of the lower receiver is facing downward, and the firearm is in a firing position. The firearm may further include a bolt catch for preventing forward movement of the bolt. The bolt catch may include a first external bolt catch portion that exits the first external wall portion of the receiver on the left side of the firearm and a second external bolt catch portion that exits the second external wall portion of the receiver on the right side of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm with a lower receiver and bolt catch. The lower receiver may include a first external wall portion that is on the left side of the firearm and a second external wall portion on the right side of the firearm when a front of the lower receiver is facing forward, the rear of lower receiver is facing rearward, the bottom of the lower receiver is facing downward, and the firearm is in a firing position. The firearm may further include a bolt catch for preventing forward movement of the bolt. The bolt catch may include a first external bolt catch portion that exits the first external wall portion of the receiver on the left side of the firearm and a second external bolt catch portion that exits the second external wall portion of the receiver on the right side of the firearm.

Abstract: An auto-loading firearm has a frame defining a bolt passage, a bolt operable to reciprocate between a battery position and a retracted position, a barrel defining a gas aperture, an energy transmission facility having a first end communicating with the gas aperture and an opposed second end, the bolt having a bolt body and a bolt key movable with respect to the bolt body between a forward position and a rearward position, the bolt key operably engaging the second end of the energy transmission facility when the bolt is in the battery position, the bolt including a latch element operably engaged to the bolt key having a locked position to prevent reciprocation of the bolt, and an unlocked position in which reciprocation of the bolt is enabled, and the latch element being responsive to rearward motion of the bolt key to move from the locked position to the unlocked position.

Abstract: A method of locking a barrel of a firearm with respect to a barrel slide is provided.

Abstract: A bolt catch assembly configured for operating with rimfire ammunition for use with a firearm including a receiver with an exposed receiving chamber. The assembly includes a bolt catch actuator housing supported in seating fashion relative to the receiving chamber and communicating with an attachable magazine. A catch actuator is supported in elevatable fashion relative to an end of the actuator housing. A bolt catch component and integrally formed actuator catch engaging portion is slaved to the catch actuator in order to be displaced in response to elevating motion exerted upon the catch actuator, such as by a follower component biasingly disposed within the magazine. The follower, in its uppermost displaced position within the attached magazine, engages a tab associated with the catch actuator which extends over a communicating interior of the bolt catch actuator housing in communicating alignment with the exposed receiving chamber.

Abstract: A method of modifying a rifles of the M16, M4, AR15 platform provides a second bolt stop release operable from the right side of the rifle. The second bolt stop release is a rigid extension of the bolt stop that passes through the right receiver wall to a position accessible to a user gripping the rifle with the user's right hand in conventional firing position. The two bolt stop releases provide the inventive rifle ambidextrous bolt release operation.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a slide mounted to the frame, a trigger, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer, and a manual slide and hammer lock safety mechanism (“manual safety”) including a detent spring biased rotatable tab mounted to the frame that blocks the slide from reciprocating and the hammer from rotating relative to the frame if the tab is actuated in an “on” position. The manual safety completely disables the firearm even if the trigger is actuated, thereby rendering the firearm safer.

Abstract: An ambidextrous bolt stop for use with a firearm generally includes a first bolt stop element having a bolt stop finger and a first release lever operatively connected to a left side of a receiver of the firearm and a second bolt stop element having a second release lever operatively connected to a right side of the firearm. The second bolt stop element engages the first bolt stop element via a yoke and pin type configuration interior to the receiver of the firearm. The first and second release levers include first and second buttons located exterior to the receiver on respective sides thereof to actuate the bolt stop.

Abstract: A firearm with an improved breech bolt assembly comprises a barrel (12), a breech bolt assembly (18, 21), a body (14) equipped on opposite sides with ports (15) for the ejection of a cartridge case, in addition to a magazine (17), wherein the breech bolt assembly, which is moveable with respect to the body (14) comprises a breech bolt-holder slide (21), a breech bolt (18) equipped with a rotating locking head (25), cam guide rails (26, 27) of the relative movement between the breech bolt (18) and slide (21), and also stopping means (28, 29) of the relative movement comprising a control pin (28) which can be moved vertically with respect to a first control seat (29), charged by a recoil spring (30) applied between the slide (21) and the pin (28), said pin (28) having a cocking handle (23), or reloading lever, rotatingly applied thereto, for the manual moving of the breech bolt assembly (10).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for a locked machine gun that includes a casing, a barrel, a locking breech mechanism, an abutment and a quick change attachment. The locking breech mechanism has at least one locking body. The abutment holds the locking body or locking bodies of the locked breech mechanism. The quick-change attachment is used to facilitate the removal of the barrel and insertion and attachment of a new barrel. A first part of the abutment remains on the casing when the barrel is being changed, and a second part of the abutment is firmly connected to the barrel. The quick-change attachment is equipped to bring about a separation between the first part of the abutment remaining with the casing and the barrel with the second part. Also, the second part of the abutment has a curved section which controls the engagement of the breech mechanism in the abutment when the breech mechanism closes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a breech for a repeating rifle with a lock guide, a bolt head arranged in the lock guide, a locking sleeve arranged concentrically with the bolt head with several locking elements that can be moved by an expansion device between an inner unlocked position and an outer locked position, and a locking lever that is arranged in the lock guide and that can be activated by means of a bolt handle with which is associated a first cam element that is arranged so that it can rotate in the lock guide with a rear contact surface for support against a fixed control element. To allow especially smooth-running and safe locking action, a second cam element, which can rotate independently of the first cam element and that has a rear control cam for support against the fixed control element is associated with the locking lever.

Abstract: A handheld firearm which is in the form of a self-loading pistol with a bolt lock, having two operating levers which can pivot and each have a handle for operation of the bolt lock, with the operating levers being arranged on mutually opposite sides of the handheld firearm and, when the handheld firearm is in the in-use state, being connected to one another via a pivoting shaft such that they cannot rotate with respect to one another, and at least sections of the operating levers being arranged in the interior of the handheld firearm.

Abstract: Disclosed is a breech mechanism with a non-rotating breechblock that is suitable for use with repeating firearms. The present invention is composed of relatively few moving parts, and each of the parts is itself simple, yet together they become an elegant solution to the problem providing a repeating firearm which minimizes damage the ballistic characteristics of the bullet as the bullet is inserted into the chamber of the firearm. The present invention, then, provides a repeating firearm substantially with the accuracy of a single shot manual loading firearm with a non-rotating breechblock.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for launching an anautical vehicle from a submerged platform such as a submarine. The system includes a buoy configured to be deployed from a launching tube onboard the submerged platform, which buoy contains the aeronautical vehicle to be launched. The system further includes a gas generator for creating a pressure force which causes the buoy with the encapsulated aeronautical vehicle to be deployed from the launch platform. Once deployed, the buoy inflates a buoyancy device for putting the buoy in a partially submerged position and damping plates for resisting vertical movement of the buoy and wave motion. The buoy has a ballast arrangement for maintaining it in a substantially vertical orientation. The buoy further has an antenna for receiving commands to launch the aeronautical vehicle.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for firing a guided projectile. The invention provides a matrix of one time shot gun systems. Each one time shot gun system has a one time shot barrel, a one time shot recoil system, a propelling charge, breakable seal, and a guided projectile which is stored in and from the barrel. The one time shot system provides an inexpensive firing system, which eliminates single points of failure that exist in conventional gun systems.

Abstract: Breechblock for automatic or semi-automatic weapons provided with fixed barrel and burst-box integral with to the barrel, wherein the breechblock is provided with adjustable elastic means capable of opposing the initial displacement of the breechblock in respect of the burst-box at the moment of the firing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an underwater gas generator projectile launcher which includes tubular barrel having a forward muzzle end and an opposed rearward end. A projectile is positioned in this tubular barrel adjacent the forward end. An expellable closure for the forward muzzle end of the barrel means is provided. A projectile propelling piston assembly is positioned in the tubular barrel and includes a shell axially movable in the tubular barrel. This piston includes a shell having a front wall adjacent the projectile and an opposed rear wall which encloses the rearward end of the tubular barrel. This interior space is traversely segmented into a front chamber and a rear chamber by an interior plate, and this interior plate is positionable in a stationary position relative to said tubular barrel. A gas generator is positioned in the front chamber of the interior space.

Abstract: A device for ejecting a weapon from a submergible launch tube includes a nt door and a rear door. The device has an inner tube inside the launch tube and shaped to receive a weapon. The device also has holder elements for holding the inner tube in the launch tube and a pump device for circulating fluid between a front and a rear of the launch tube and the inner tube at a high flowrate.

Abstract: Breechblock for automatic or semiautomatic weapons provided with fixed barrel and burstbox integral with the barrel, wherein the breechblock is provided with adjustable elastic means capable of opposing to the initial displacement of the breechblock in respect of the burstbox at the moment of the shooting, such means allowing the subsequent moving back of the breechblok in order to allow the ejection of the cartridge case, the cocking of the striker and the loading of a new cartridge.

Abstract: An unmanned undersea vehicle system comprises a remote-controlled, unmanned ndersea vehicle and a mother vehicle interconnected by a communication link. The unmanned undersea vehicle includes a weapon compartment and a control element. Within the weapon compartment are a weapon and buoyancy chamber positioned axi-symmetrically therein. The buoyancy chamber is initially empty and has sufficient capacity so that it can be loaded with seawater whose mass approximates mass of the weapon. The weapon compartment further includes a controllable valve for enabling seawater surrounding the vehicle to fill the buoyancy chamber. The control element controls the deployment of the weapon by expelling the weapon from the weapon compartment and thereafter controls the firing of the weapon. The control element further controls the valves during weapon deployment to enable filling of the buoyancy chamber to maintain a predetermined distribution of mass as the weapon is deployed.

Abstract: An unmanned undersea vehicle system comprises an axi-symmetrical cylindrily-shaped self-propelled undersea deployment vehicle of predetermined diameter, the undersea deployment vehicle having an amidships undersea weapon compartment. The weapon compartment includes elements for receiving a weapon and a buoyancy chamber positioned axi-symmetrically within the weapon compartment. The buoyancy chamber is initially empty and has sufficient capacity so that it can be loaded with seawater whose mass approximates the mass of the weapon. The weapon compartment further includes controllable valves for enabling seawater surrounding the vehicle to fill the buoyancy chamber. A control element controls the deployment of the weapon by expelling the weapon from the weapon compartment and thereafter controlling the firing of the weapon, contemporaneously controlling the valves during weapon deployment to enable filling of the buoyancy chamber to maintain an axi-symmetrical distribution of mass as the weapon is deployed.

Abstract: A striking mechanism (20) for the semi-automatic operation of a cartridge firing firearm (10) providing, in combination, a receiver (12); a barrel (11) attached to the receiver; a gas operated slide assembly (13) providing a slide (14) movable within the receiver; a magazine (19), supplying a plurality of cartridges (29), carried by the receiver; and a trigger assembly (26) attached to the receiver and providing a hammer (28); the striking mechanism comprising a bolt (21) reciprocable within the receiver and engageable with the breach (32) of the barrel and the face of a cartridge chambered therein, the bolt carrying a primary firing pin (22); a bolt lock (23) pivotally linked to the bolt for selectively locking the bolt within the receiver; a secondary firing pin assembly (24) pivotally linked to the bolt lock and to the slide, the secondary firing pin assembly providing a secondary firing pin (25), engageable with the hammer and the primary firing pin thereby to strike the primer of a cartridge chambered wi

Abstract: A firearm breech block actuator for operating the latch of a spring-pressed, latch-controlled firearm breech block having a push button latch control positioned for pressing by the fingers of the marksman preliminary to firing the firearm. The actuator comprises an arm overlying the push button in bearing engagement therewith and having an outer surface sufficiently large to accommodate a plurality of the marksman's fingers. The arm is mounted on the firearm for reciprocating movement toward and away from the push button. This operates the breech block latch. The actuator preferably is constructed of an integral piece of resilient plastic or metal attached by screws to the receiver of the firearm.

Abstract: A container is intended for containing a lightweight torpedo type weapon to e launched from a surface craft. The weapon includes activation structure for the batteries supplying energy to the weapon, an extraction device of the activation safety device when the weapon is launched, and a remote control connection to supply the programming of the weapon commands before it is launched. These three features are interdependent with the container, which is brought to the launching position with the weapon held in a storage position. The activation of the activation structure for the batteries and extraction device of the activation safety device, as well as the disconnection of the remote control connection, take place automatically when the weapon is launched.

Abstract: An undersea vehicle storage and ejection system includes a capsule having a cavity therein adapted to store and launch a vehicle. The capsule has an opening at one end for passage of the vehicle therethrough. A closure member is suitably adapted to be mateable with the housing at the opening to seal the cavity. A rocket unit is incorporated within the capsule to remove the closure member at launch. The closure member includes a sealing arrangement for withstanding the hydrostatic pressure when the system is in the undersea environment of use and block the entry of sea water into the cavity. The rocket unit, when ignited, rapidly builds up pressure within the capsule to a level exceeding the external hydrostatic pressure on the cover, thereby removing the cover so that the vehicle may be launched.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for bypassing eject gas around an annular seal disposed between the trailing end of a missile and a launch tube only in an area where the trailing end of the missile is close to the launch tube in order to provide a centering force on the trailing end of the missile to stabilize the in-tube trajectory of the missile during ejection.

Abstract: An elastomeric shutter mechanism for opening and closing a passageway in wall of a vessel, such as a submarine hull. A single, unitary, retractable shutter member made of an elastomeric material is partially attached to the wall around a portion of a passageway. The single, unitary, retractable shutter member is moveable from a closed position when the unattached portion of the shutter member is abutting the wall around the passageway to an open position when the unattached portion of the shutter member is retracted away from the wall around the passageway. Cables are attached to the inside surface of the shutter member for retracting the shutter member and opening the passageway. Mechanical stops are positioned inside of the vessel for abutting the shutter member when retracted to the open position by the cables.

Abstract: A system for launching a projectile includes a source of stored energy such s a pressurized fluid, a projectile within a launch barrel which communicates with the source of pressurized fluid, a fluid flow path between the two having at least one flow port, an object for blocking the at least one flow port and a valve for moving the blocking object and thereby allowing the pressurized fluid to enter the launch barrel and initiate launch of the projectile. The valve for moving the blocking object communicates directly with the energy storage device of the launch system and is used to move the blocking means by introducing fluid against a rear face thereof. In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking object may be a disposable poppet. In an alternative embodiment, it may be the projectile itself. The launch system of the present invention has the advantages of being relatively simple, quiet and highly reliable.

Abstract: An impulse tank is provided in the free flood compartment of a submarine to ressurize a launcher tube from sea water that has been pumped into the tank for this purpose. The tank is defined in part by the submarine hull and in part by a diaphragm bladder that is designed to expand into the free flood compartment during this pressurization.

Abstract: A self-actuating slide valve system for launching a device in a fluid envnment is provided. An interior channel, in which the device is positioned, is provided with first and second openings in its radial walls for allowing the passage of pressurized fluid into the interior channel. The first opening is located at least partially behind a tail end of the device and the second opening is located forward of the first opening. A sleeve is slidably fitted within a portion of the interior channel and around at least a portion of the device. The sleeve is movable between at least a first and second position. In the first position, the sleeve prevents the pressurized fluid from entering the interior channel through the first opening. In the second position, the sleeve allows the pressurized fluid to enter the interior channel through the first opening whereby the pressurized fluid can act on the tail end of the device to launch same through an axial opening of the interior channel.

Abstract: An elastomeric impulse energy storage and transfer system comprising an amulator body of elastomeric material, the body having an opening at a base portion thereof, the body having in elevation a frusto-ellipsoidal configuration, and the body taken along a sectional plane parallel with the base portion having an ellipsoidal configuration, the body being adapted to receive and discharge fluid through the opening, the body being expandable and contractible in response to receiving and discharging, respectively, the fluid, the body being adapted to retain the frusto-ellipsoidal and ellipsoidal configurations when in an expanded condition, and a submarine projectile launch system having the accumulator body as a component thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for suppressing heat around a missile housed in a canister during a restrained firing condition is provided. A missile canister has a hollow wall and an inner side provided with a plurality of dispensing holes. A coolant reservoir communicates with the canister wall via a coolant intake port. When a restrained firing condition occurs, gas is generated below the missile while the missile is physically restrained within the canister. The gas pressure impinges on a flexible face of the coolant reservoir causing its volume to decrease and coolant to be urged into the canister wall and out of the dispensing holes.

Abstract: An underwater rocket launch system for launching a rocket from deep water includes a capsule for containing the rocket, the capsule being constructed of a thin walled, dual hull to provide a positive buoyancy with a highly pressurized gas introduced within the space between the hulls to offset the external pressure of the water. A releasable anchor pod is attached to the underside of the capsule that becomes separated in water to cause the capsule to sink and remain anchored to the bottom. The capsule may be remotely released from the anchor pod upon receipt of a coded ELF signal so that the capsule rises to the surface whereupon the rocket is automatically launched.

Abstract: A "float-up" launching system for launching missiles from submerged submarines or other submerged launchers utilizing a lightweight rigid cylindrical tube telescoped over the missile while stored in the launcher so as to not take up additional volume. On launching, the tube is extended forward of the missile by a gas generator to form a floatation chamber which creates extra buoyance forward of the missile center of gravity, but still connected to the water surface, nose upwardly, where it is disconnected and the missile booster is ignited.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a stored energy projectile launcher of the type hav an energy storage device that is pressurized by a fluid. The projectile is mechanically latched in its launch tube and the aft end of the projectile cooperates with the breach end of the launch tube to define a breach chamber that communicates with and is pressurized with the bladder. A valve in a line from the breach chamber is electrically controlled to move a piston and release the mechanical latch when fluid pressure is provided to the piston chamber. The pressure used to overcome the force needed to raise the piston is taken from the energy storage device. No addition of energy to the system is required, with the exception of a short electrical impulse signal, to open a full port valve acting instantaneously on the rear face of the projectile.

Abstract: A device used especially in a large caliber weapon for controlling the train of motion of an ammunition unit during the ramming thereof in the weapon, and of the case of the ammunition unit on firing of the gun includes an impact arrangement which upon ramming of the ammunition unit enter into interaction with and retard the ammunition unit. An energy storing device is chargeable through the impact with kinetic energy existing in the retarding ammunition unit. In response to energy transmitted from the energy storing device the closing of the breech block is activated. The breech block in the closed position retains the case of the ammunition unit during the firing and during a predetermined portion of the rearwardly directed movement in the gun effected on firing. The impact arrangement includes an impact member interactable with a flange on the case and displaceable in the longitudinal direction of the gun, and an impact spring means interactable with the impact member and with an impact piston.

Abstract: An unmanned submarine which is guided to the surface of the water in order to launch an air rocket contained therein and which is provided in its walls with closeable openings for the discharge of the rocket recoil gases into the surrounding water to conduct the impinging recoil gases of a launched air rocket directly out of the submarine. To create a lock for the recoil gas discharge openings which withstands high water pressures and is easily opened in the starting phase of the air rocket, the openings are disposed in the surfaces where the recoil gases impinge on the wall of the submarine, each opening is closed by a cover which is pressed out of the opening by the impinging gases, the seat for the cover in the opening is configured as an inwardly tapered conical surface, and the cover is held in the opening by a transport safety which is released by the action of the pressure of the recoil gases or the cover.

Abstract: The invention relates to a configuration in which bodies, such as, torpedoes, to be delivered, can be held in an additional container inside a torpedo tube in a submarine. This container is in the manner of an interior tube. The annular space, between the torpedo and its tube thereby formed, is used to hold damping elements, which are located individually or over the entire structure of the torpedo, and the annular space is kept free of water by means of appropriate sealing elements. There is another damping element in the rear portion of the container in the torpedo tube.

Abstract: A cocking slide (2,3) for automatic hand firearms serves for manually pulling back the spring loaded lock of the weapon by means of a one-way coupling (8,9). The cocking slide (2,3) comprises a handle (3), projecting laterally from the weapon, which possesses a device (11,12,13) for arbitrarily blocking the one-way coupling (8,9). In order to safeguard the cocking slide (2,3), in spite of it being easy and safe to actuate, against damage by the effect of external forces, and to enable the lock to be urged forward by means of the cocking slide (2,3), the handle (3) consists of a guiding part (4) and a grip part (6). The grip part (6) is spring-loaded and slewable about an axle parallel with the barrel. Moreover, the grip part is slewable toward the weapon against spring bias over the entire path of the cocking slide, whereby the one-way coupling (8,9) can be blocked.

Abstract: A bolt carrier assembly has a housing (300) for supporting a bolt (317) and a P cross-sectionally shaped member (301) having the longer side of the P-shape secured to the housing, the P-shaped member being forwardly extended with respect to the bolt. The main drive spring (307) is located alongside the wrapped-over portion of the P-shaped member which main drive spring is arranged to provide motion to the housing and P-shaped member. An anti-bounce weight (354) is mounted inside the wrapped-over part of the P-shaped member and has a spring at one end which is compresed by the anti-bounce weight when the P-shaped member is suddenly retarded by the housing to which it is attached striking the barrel assembly. A latch (326-329) is spring biassed and shaped and dimensioned to interleave locking lugs (322) on the bolt (317), the latch being longitudinally retractable with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A device for loading and firing semi-automatic arms, particularly pistols, and comprising a plurality of follower lugs or pins carried in the slide, and a corresponding plurality of inclined grooves carried in the yoke and engaged by the lugs or pins so as to disengage the yoke and the bolt from the barrel when the slide is retracted under the pressure of the gases from a fired cartridge.

Abstract: An underwater weapon system comprises a container for a self-propelled weapon with target homing means, the container including pumps having inlets on the underside of the container to pump silt, gravel etc, from underneath the container whereby the container can be buried or partially buried in the sea bed. Reverse operation of the pumps raises the container which is opened automatically, e.g. with a radio control system, to release the weapon when the weapon is to be used.

Abstract: A breech-closing mechanism for an automatic rifle having a breech chamber and a first locking and stop device comprises a longitudinally movable slide formed with a cam slot, a second locking device rigid with a longitudinally slidably bolt mounted in the slide and rotatable relative thereto. A longitudinally movable locking member is non-rotatably mounted in the slide and a radial cam follower pin is rigid with the bolt and extends through an angled slot in the locking member into the cam slot. The locking member is spring-urged forwardly relative to the slide and is carried along by the slide into engagement with the first locking and stop device. The slide moves forwardly relative to the locking member against the spring force when the locking member is in said engagement until the pin is at the forward end of a longitudinal arm of the angled slot.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching stores from a recess of a vehicle submerged in a arine environment includes a capsule having an elongated body of rectangular cross section for enclosing the stores. A structure for providing hydrodynamic stability to the capsule is joined thereto, the capsule and stabilizing structure together being receivable into the recess. The apparatus is further provided with a first hatch for sealing the recess from the marine environment when the apparatus is received thereinto.

Abstract: A breechblock for an automatic firing weapon comprising a breechblock housing containing a breechblock head displaceable in the breechblock housing. There is also provided at least one movable blocking body by means of which the breechblock head can be locked in a firing position with the breechblock housing. A spring-loaded control element is arranged to be displaceable in the breechblock housing, this control element containing a control surface by means of which there can be positionally adjusted the blocking or locking body. In the breechblock head there is arranged a locking bolt which can be shifted into a recess of the control element. By means of the locking bolt the breechblock head, which is unlocked from the breechblock housing, can be coupled with the control element, and play is present between the control surface and the blocking body and by means of which, prior to reaching the firing position of the breechblock head, there is uncoupled the control element.

Abstract: An underwater launched, elongated, buoyant body which has fore and aft ends nd a positive metacentric height. A pair of fins are mounted at the aft end of the body in a spaced apart relationship and each fin has a projection for acting in combination with the other projection to establish the body in a stabilized, straight line upward glide through the water. When the buoyant body is launched from its submerged position, it will assume a constant upward glide path which is stabilized in roll, pitch, and yaw.

Abstract: A means for the measurement of the alignment error between a plurality of ordinate reference frames and a relatively absolute reference frame determines all three degrees of freedom utilizing a single beam of light with relatively narrow angular extent. The measurement means has a light source, collimator, a plurality of reflecting folding mirrors and a pair of retroreflectors rigidly fixed to each coordinate reference frame. As the collimated light beam strikes a folding mirror it is reflected toward the corresponding coordinate reference frame where it is reflected back by the retroreflectors. The angles of tilt, twist and rotation at which it is reflected are representative of the misalignment of the coordinate reference frame. The folding mirror then reflects the retroreflected beam back toward the source, where the beams are detected.

Abstract: The missile launching assembly includes a mount tube having a circumferenl tapered continuous groove, a launch tube within the mount tube, a shatterable end closure on the end of the launch tube adapted to be shattered when the missile is launched, a locking device in the form of a single split ring or a plurality of arcuate-shaped ring segments with a cross-section to match the groove taper positioned within the groove and between the mount tube and the flange of the end closure, and one or more circumferentially oriented spreading elements, such as expanding jackscrews fitted into the ring or ring segments for increasing the ring circumference to bring pressure to bear on the closure flange. The launch tube is designed to contain therein in a lengthwise direction the missile to be fired.The mount tube is a permanent part of the vehicle such as a submarine, from which the missile is to be launched.

Abstract: A multi-store launch container is disclosed wherein a plurality of stores, aintained in a tandem configuration therein, can be sequentially ejected. The container is normally carried by a vehicle and receives the necessary charges, of for instance pressurized gas, at its breach end through apparatus known in the art. A fluid-controlled flow valve maintains an open flow pathway through a first channel while blocking the opening to a second channel. After the first charge is fired, the diverter mechanism forces the flow valve to pivot and tightly shut the first primary channel and open the second primary channel to receive the next charge.