Launching Systems

Purpose: To place a weapon into a flight path as rapidly as the situation demands. Requirements 1. Speed 2. Reliability 3. Safety 4. Compatibility

Functions of a Launching System Storage - Safe and readily accessible until needed. Transfer - Move from storage to launcher and back. Loading - Put into ready to fire position. Control - Direct and point launcher (LOF) - Provide Weapons Orders Launching - Get the weapon away - Protect ship and people

Three Types of Launchers n Gravity -Slow moving aircraft n Impulse -Force to separate weapon from the launcher is created by the launcher n Reaction -Force to separate weapon from the launcher is created by the weapon

Gravity Type Launchers n Initial velocity and orientation are supplied by the delivery vehicle n No sudden shock n Airflow restriction for fast moving high performance aircraft

Impulse Type Launchers n Gun-type launchers -Gases created by low explosive -Internal stress -5” Mk-45, 20mm Phalanx Mk-15 (CIWS) n Ejector-type -Gases created by a high-pressure gas system on the launching platform -Tube launchers: TLAM, Torpedo, Harpoon, Trident -Bombs dropped for high-speed aircraft

5” Gun

CIWS

Chain Gun Mk-38

16”

Ejector Type Launching

Reaction Type of Launchers n Rail -Weapon travels along a rail, tube, ramp, or tower -Launcher provides initial guidance -LAU-130 folding fin rocket launcher n Zero Length -Rail less than 8cm -No initial guidance or flight control from launcher -Mk-26 twin-arm missile launcher, Mk-13 single-arm n Canister -Launcher also used for weapon storage -Requirements – heat and shock of launch, exhaust gas system -VLS, Harpoon launcher, Box launcher for ASROC, Tomahawk

Mk 13

Mk 26 – “Double Arm Bandit”

Mk 26 Again

F/A - 18

Harpoon

Questions???