Patent ID: 7410124
Filing Date: 2008-08-12
Classification: B64C,B64F

Abstract:
1. A launcher for launching a foldable unmanned air vehicle having a pressure tube, the pressure tube being open at a rear end and closed at a front end, the launcher comprising: a launch gas reservoir for holding launch gas; a launch tube positioned within the air vehicle and operatively connected to the launch gas reservoir and having a free end for inserting into the open end of the pressure tube of the air vehicle; a free floating piston positioned within the launch tube to reduce noise during launch; and a free piston stop to prevent the free piston from leaving the launch tube, wherein a first portion of the launch gas in the launch gas reservoir is released into the launch tube and forces the free piston from an initial position to an end position at which the free piston is stopped by the free piston stop, and the movement of the free piston from the initial position toward the end position in the launch tube occurs as the air vehicle launches.