Patent ID: 6199470
Filing Date: 2001-03-13
Classification: B64D

Abstract:
An apparatus for launching projectiles from a host aircraft, comprising:(a) a rotary launcher attachable to the host aircraft, said launcher having a plurality of support fittings thereon;(b) a plurality of launch tube assemblies, each for containing a single projectile, each tube assembly being mounted to a respective support fitting;(c) a plurality of projectile retention means for securely retaining each projectile within its respective launch tube assembly; and(d) a plurality of ejection cartridges, each being mounted to a respective launch tube assembly, interfacing with a respective projectile retention means to provide an ejection thereof, said projectile retention means providing a pressure seal between itself and its associated launch tube assembly that contains ejection cartridge gas until an adequate pressure is obtained to propel the projectile and said retention means from said host aircraft at a prescribed velocity.