Launching Systems

1. Launching Systems

2. 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

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 • Gravity • Slow moving aircraft • Impulse • Force to separate weapon from the launcher is created by the launcher • Reaction • Force to separate weapon from the launcher is created by the weapon

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

6. Impulse Type Launchers • Gun-type launchers • Gases created by low explosive • Internal stress • 5” Mk-45, 20mm Phalanx Mk-15 (CIWS) • 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 • Rail • Weapon travels along a rail, tube, ramp, or tower • Launcher provides initial guidance • LAU-130 folding fin rocket launcher • Zero Length • Rail less than 8cm • No initial guidance or flight control from launcher • Mk-26 twin-arm missile launcher, Mk-13 single-arm • 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

19. Harpoon

20. Questions???