1. Launching Systems

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 5” Gun

8. CIWS

9. Chain Gun Mk-38

10. 16”

11. Ejector Type Launching

12. 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

13. Mk 13

14. Mk 26 – “Double Arm Bandit”

15. Mk 26 Again

16. F/A - 18

21. Harpoon

22. Questions???