Patent ID: 7159501
Filing Date: 2007-01-09
Classification: F41F

Abstract:
1. An underwater missile launch system for launching one or more missiles from an underwater vehicle comprising: a pressure vessel constructed and arranged to be supported on a hull of the vehicle; one or more modules supported within said pressure vessel, each module including a plurality of launch tubes, the launch tubes being constructed and arranged to support a missile therein wherein the one or more modules comprise at least a first module and a second module, the second module supported on top of the first module such that the one or more launch tubes of the second module are substantially aligned with the one or more launch tubes of the first module and wherein the aligned tubes form a set of continuous launch tubes extending between the first and second modules; a latching mechanism constructed and arranged to support the missile within the launch tube at a predetermined location, the latching mechanism preventing downward movement of the missile into the tube, while allowing for upward movement of the missile during launch.