Abstract:
The invention is related to a modular missile launching assembly, more particularly, a compact modular missile launching assembly that is easily attachable to smaller sized watercrafts, allowing for quick installation. The missile launching assembly is encased in a substantially rectangular container with a launching lid to which one or more missiles are attached. A hydraulic lifting device within the substantially rectangular container is used to lift the launching lid from a closed or stowage position to an open or operational position.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/999,232, filed Oct. 16, 2007, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     The following description was made in the performance of official duties by employees of the Department of the Navy, and, thus the claimed invention may be manufactured, used, licensed by or for the United States Government for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The following description relates generally to a modular missile launching assembly, more particularly, a compact modular missile launching assembly that is easily installable to vehicles such as watercrafts. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Modern warships rely on missiles for armament. Typically, warships have missile launching systems permanently affixed to the hull of the ship. Missile launching assemblies tend to be bulky and are typically mounted to large warships. Additionally, because the missile launching assemblies tend to be bulky, it is almost impossible to mount missile assemblies onto smaller crafts without occupying a considerable amount valuable cargo space. 
     Consequently, it is desired to have a missile assembly that is compact enough to be attached to smaller watercrafts. It is also desired to have a missile assembly that is easily attachable and detachable to smaller watercrafts. It is further desired that the missile assembly is compact enough to be fitted to smaller watercrafts without having the adverse affect of reducing payload capabilities. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, the invention is a modular missile launching assembly for replaceably mounting to an upper deck surface of a small watercraft. In this aspect, the missile launching assembly includes a substantially rectangular container. The substantially rectangular container has a base plate forming the bottom of the substantially rectangular container, and a top plate forming the top of the substantially rectangular container. The container also includes a first side structure connected to the top plate and the base plate, the first side structure being positioned for alignment with a forward end of the watercraft. The container also includes a second side structure connected to the top plate and the base plate, the second side structure being positioned for alignment with an aft end of the watercraft. The substantially rectangular container also has a third side structure connected to the top plate and the base plate, the third side structure being positioned for alignment with the starboard side of the watercraft. A fourth side structure connected to the top plate and the base plate is also included, the fourth side structure being positioned for alignment with a port side of the watercraft. In this aspect the top plate includes a substantially rectangular outer lip for supporting the modular missile launching assembly on the upper deck of the watercraft. The top plate also includes a launching lid substantially encompassed by the substantially rectangular outer lip. The launching lid is pivotally attached to the outer lip of the top plate, and pivotable between a closed position and open positions. The launching lid has an underside which is inside the substantially rectangular container when the launching lid is in a closed position. The invention also includes one or more missile canisters attached to the underside of the launching lid, each of the one or more missile canisters equipped to carry a missile. Additionally, each missile canister has an attached exhaust, each exhaust connected to the underside of the launching lid. 
     In another aspect, the invention is a watercraft and modular missile launching arrangement. The arrangement includes a watercraft having a hull having one or more decks. The one or more decks includes an upper deck having an upper deck surface including a forward end surface, an aft end surface, a port side surface and a starboard side surface. The upper deck further includes a substantially rectangular upper deck opening, the substantially rectangular upper deck opening surrounded by the upper deck surface. In this aspect, the invention also includes a modular missile launching assembly positioned substantially within the upper deck opening. The modular missile launching assembly has a substantially rectangular container that includes a base plate forming the bottom of the substantially rectangular container. The substantially rectangular container also includes a top plate forming the top of the substantially rectangular container, a first side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, the first side plate aligned with the forward end surface of the upper deck. The rectangular container of the modular missile launching assembly also includes a second side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, with the second side plate aligned with the aft end surface of the upper deck. The rectangular container further includes a third side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, the third side plate aligned with the starboard side surface of the upper deck, and a fourth side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, the fourth side plate aligned with the port side surface of the upper deck. In this aspect the top plate includes a substantially rectangular outer lip attached to the upper deck surface surrounding the substantially rectangular upper deck opening, for supporting the modular missile launching assembly on the upper deck of the watercraft. Also included is a launching lid substantially encompassed by the substantially rectangular outer lip. The launching lid being pivotally attached to the outer lip of the top plate, and pivotable between a closed position and open positions. The launching lid has an underside which is inside the substantially rectangular container when the pivotable top plate is in a closed position. The invention also includes one or more missile canisters attached to the underside of the launching lid, each of the one or more missile canisters equipped to carry a missile. Each missile canister has an attached exhaust, the exhaust attached to the underside of the launching lid. 
     In another aspect, the invention is a method of replaceably arming a watercraft. The method includes the providing of a watercraft. According to the method, the watercraft is provided with a hull having one or more decks, the one or more decks including an upper deck having an upper deck surface. The upper deck surface includes a forward end surface, an aft end surface, a port side surface and a starboard side surface. The upper deck further includes a substantially rectangular upper deck opening, the substantially rectangular upper deck opening surrounded by the upper deck surface. The method further includes the providing of a modular missile launching assembly. The modular missile launching assembly includes a substantially rectangular container, the container having a base plate forming the bottom of the substantially rectangular container, and a top plate forming the top of the substantially rectangular container. The substantially rectangular container is further provided with a first side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, a second side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, a third side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate, and a fourth side plate connected to the top plate and the base plate. In this aspect, the top plate has a substantially rectangular outer lip, and a launching lid substantially encompassed by the substantially rectangular outer lip. The launching lid is pivotally attached to the outer lip of the top plate, and pivotable between a closed position and open positions. The launching lid has an underside which is inside the substantially rectangular container when the pivotable top plate is in a closed position. Also provided is one or more missile canisters attached to the underside of the launching lid, each of the one or more missile canisters equipped to carry a missile. Each missile canister has an attached exhaust, with the exhaust attached to the underside of the launching lid. In this aspect, the method includes the inserting of the modular missile launching assembly into the substantially rectangular opening in the upper deck so that the substantially rectangular outer lip of the modular missile launching assembly contacts and rests on the upper deck surface surrounding the opening. The method also includes the attaching of the outer lip of the modular missile launching assembly to the upper deck surface by using clamps, bolts, screws, electromechanical devices, and combinations thereof. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other features will be apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
         FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a modular missile launching assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a schematic illustration of a modular missile launching assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is side view of a modular missile launching assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of a modular missile launching assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is a perspective top view of a modular missile launching assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a watercraft for receiving a modular missile launching assembly. 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a modular missile launching assembly attached to a watercraft. 
         FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a method of replaceably arming a watercraft, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1A  is a schematic illustration of a substantially rectangular container  101  of a modular missile launching assembly  100 , according to an embodiment of the invention. The modular missile launching assembly  100  is designed for easy and expedient attachment to a vehicle such as a watercraft. As shown, the substantially rectangular container  101  includes a top plate  110  and a base plate  120 . As shown, the substantially rectangular container  101  also includes side structures,  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118 . The side structures  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  may be plate-like structures, and each structure  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  extends from the base plate  120  to the top plate  110 , thereby forming the hollow substantially rectangular box  101 . It should be noted that even though the base plate  120 , and side structures  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118  are different elements of the container  101 , these elements form a continuous tub-like structure. The modular missile assembly may made from one or more different materials, such as aluminum, steel, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or other materials depending on the applications involved, as well as combinations of these materials. 
       FIGS. 1A and 1B  both show the top plate  110  having a substantially rectangular outer lip  130  and a launching lid  135 . The launching lid  135  is pivotally attached to the outer lip  130  via a hinge device  137 , about which the lid pivots. As shown, the outer lip  130  overhangs the side structures  112 ,  114 ,  116 , and  118 .  FIGS. 1A and 1B  show a first lip portion  131 , second lip portion  132 , a third lip portion  133 , and a fourth lip portion  134 . As will be outlined below, the overhanging outer lip  130  functions to replaceably attach the modular missile launching assembly  100  to a deck surface of a vehicle such as a watercraft.  FIGS. 1A and 1B  also show a front end  140  of the launching lid  135 , the front end  140  extending so that when the lid  135  is closed, the front end  140  rests on the fist lip portion  131 .  FIG. 1A  shows the container  101  having a height A, a width B, and a length C. In one exemplary embodiment, the height A may be about 12 inches to about 20 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment, the width B may be about 30 inches to about 60 inches, and the length C may be about 60 inches to about 84 inches. 
       FIG. 1A  also shows drainage port  123  attached to base plate  120 . The base plate  120  may be sloped in the so that water or other liquids under the force of gravity runs down the slope to the drainage port  123 . The draining of liquids may be assisted by suctioning devices. Although one drainage port  123  is shown, any desired amount of drainage outlets may be used. In multiple drainage port arrangements, all are preferably located on one side of the container  101  to minimize connection conduits when the container is attached to a vehicle such as a watercraft.  FIG. 1A  also shows receiving holes  139  in the outer lips  131 ,  132 ,  133 , and  134 . As will be outlined below, the holes  139  are for receiving fastening elements such as bolts, screws, and the like, when the modular missile launching assembly is attached to vehicle such as a watercraft. 
       FIG. 2A  is a sectional view of the modular missile launching assembly  100  showing elements inside the substantially rectangular container  101 .  FIG. 2A  shows a missile canister  210  attached to an underside of the launching lid  135 . As shown, a missile  215  may be carried in the canister  210 .  FIG. 2B  is a perspective view of the assembly  100 , and  FIG. 2C  is a perspective top view of the assembly.  FIGS. 2B and 2C  show the plurality of canisters  210 ,  211 , and  212  for carrying and launching missiles  215 .  FIG. 2C  shows the arrangement of the canister exhausts  216 ,  217 , and  218  leading to exhaust outlets  222 ,  224 ,  226 , and  228 . As illustrated, exhaust outlet  222  positioned at side edge  136  of the lid  135 , is associated with a single canister  210 .  FIG. 2C  also shows exhaust outlet  226  positioned at opposite side edge  138  of the lid  135 , being associated with a single canister  212 . The exhaust from middle canister  211  is branched into two conduits, with outlets  224  and  228 , at opposite sides  136  and  138  respectively, of the arrangement. Alternatively, the middle canister  211  may be connected to a single undivided exhaust outlet that is positioned at one of the side edges. Although  FIGS. 2B and 2C  show three canisters, the assembly  100  may include less than three canisters or more than three canisters. 
       FIGS. 2A and 2B  show at least one hydraulic device  240  for lifting the launching lid  135  a desired angle of elevation for launching the attached missiles  210 . The hydraulic device  240  may also be used to lock the lid  135  in a closed position. The hydraulic device  240  may preferably include an electronic actuator for controlling the lifting extension of hydraulic arm for controlling the movement of the launching lid  135  into a launch ready position.  FIG. 2A  shows the angle of elevation β above the horizontal of the launching lid  135 . The angle of elevation β ranges from a closed 0 degree elevation to about 50 degrees elevation, with a preferred range of about 35 degrees to about 45 degrees for launching missiles. The electronic actuator may control lifting at 5 degree increments.  FIG. 2A  shows the launching lid  135  elevated at an angle β so that the exhaust outlets  222  and  224  are exposed. Typically, an elevation angle of about 10 degrees is enough to wholly lift the exhaust outlets out of the container  101 , so that exhaust fumes are released into the atmosphere. 
       FIG. 2B  shows a substantially U-shaped bottom support  230  running along base plate  120  and side structures  116  and  118 .  FIGS. 2A and 2B  show each hydraulic device  240  having a vertically extending arm  241  that is hingedly connected to an undersurface of the lid  135  via a pivotable link  245 . The hydraulic device  240  may also be connected to the U-shaped bottom support  230  via a pivotable link  246 . The pivotable link  245  maybe be directly attached to the underside of the lid  135 , or may be attached to the lid via a support bracket. 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a watercraft  300  for receiving a modular missile launching assembly  100 . The watercraft  300  may be of any desired size, may have numerous decks, and may be operate either above the water surface, below the water surface, or combination thereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the watercraft  300  has an upper deck  310 , and a lower deck  320 . As shown, the upper deck  310  and the lower deck may be separated by a distance of H. The distance H may be about 4 ft to about 5 feet or more. As shown, the upper deck  310  has a substantially rectangular opening  315  for receiving the modular missile launching assembly  100 . The dimensions of the opening  315  are commensurate with the dimensions of the missile launching assembly.  FIG. 3A  includes an arrow  333  representing the direction of travel. Based on the direction of travel, the upper surface surrounding the hole/opening  315  may be divided into four zoned surfaces, i.e., a forward end surface  311 , an aft end surface  312 , a starboard side surface  313 , and a port side surface  314 , as shown by the hatched patterns in  FIG. 3A . The hatched patterns are for illustrative purposes only, and do not signify material differences on the upper deck  310 .  FIG. 3A  shows the watercraft having a length L. In one embodiment, the length L may be about 30 feet to about 150 feet or longer. 
       FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of a modular missile launching assembly  100 , as outlined above, attached to a watercraft  300 , also outlined above. The assembly  100  is attached to the watercraft  300  by being mounted into the substantially rectangular opening  315 . When the missile assembly  100  is inserted, the outer lip portion  130  shown in  FIGS. 1-2C  contacts the upper deck surface surrounding the opening  315 . The modular missile launching assembly  100  may be securely attached to the watercraft  300  by clamps, bolts, screws, electromechanical devices, and combinations thereof. For example, an electromechanical device having a solenoid and a connected plunger may be used to move bolts into a securing position, such as the receiving openings  139  on the outer lip  130  shown in  FIGS. 1A and 2C . Alternatively, screws may be manually threaded through the openings. In yet another exemplary fastening arrangement, a combination of electromechanical and manual fastening devices may be used. Any of the above outlined arrangements expedite the installation of the modular missile launching assembly onto the watercraft. In fact, this modular missile launching assembly may be swapped out to another watercraft in approximately 20 minutes, using only two men and a crane. 
     The opening  315  in the upper deck may be oriented in any desired manner to allow for the insertion of the modular missile launching assembly  100  in any desired orientation. In the exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A , the modular missile launching assembly is mounted so that the first outer lip portion  131  is aligned with the forward end surface  311 , the second outer lip portion  132  is aligned with the aft end surface  312 , the third outer lip portion  277  is aligned with the starboard side surface  313 , and the fourth outer lip portion  134  is aligned with the port side surface  314 . 
       FIG. 3B  shows the modular missile launching assembly  100  with the launching lid  135  in an open position. It should be noted that in the closed position, the missile launching assembly keeps missile fumes within the container, thereby reducing the possibility of detecting missile signatures. When the modular missile launching assembly is attached to a watercraft  300 , as shown in  FIG. 3B , the modular missile launching assembly  100  projects downward into the space between the two decks. As outlined above,  FIG. 1A  shows the container  101  having a height A, a width B, and a length C. In one exemplary embodiment, the height A may be about 12 inches to about 20 inches. According to the exemplary embodiment, the width B may be about 30 inches to about 60 inches, and the length C may be about 60 inches to about 84 inches. Because the upper deck  310  is separated from the lower deck by a distance of about 48 inches to about 60 inches, the assembly  100  takes up little of the overhead space, leaving the payload bay with a majority of its original capabilities. Depending on the embodiment, clearance between the lower deck  320  and the base plate  120  of the container  101  may be about 28 inches to about 48 inches. 
       FIG. 4  is a flowchart showing a method  400  of replaceably arming a watercraft, according to an embodiment of the invention. The steps involved in the method  400  of arming a watercraft have been outlined above in detail in the description with respect to  FIGS. 1A-3B . Step  410  is the providing of a watercraft  300  having one or more decks, including an upper deck  310  having a substantially rectangular opening  315 , as outlined above with respect to  FIG. 3A . Step  420  is the providing of a modular missile launching assembly  100 , as outlined above with respect to  FIGS. 1A ,  1 B,  2 A,  2 B, and  2 C. 
     Step  430  is the inserting of the modular missile launching assembly  100  into the substantially rectangular opening  315  in the upper deck. According to this step, the substantially rectangular outer lip  130  of the modular missile launching assembly  100  contacts and rests on the upper deck surface surrounding the opening  315 . Step  440  is the attaching of the outer lip  130  of the modular missile launching assembly to the upper deck surface by using clamps, bolts, screws, electromechanical devices, and combinations thereof. As outlined above, the outer lip  130  may include receiving holes therein for receiving fastening elements such as bolts, screws and the like. 
     What has been described and illustrated herein are preferred embodiments of the invention along with some variations. The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only and are not meant as limitations. For example, the modular missile launching assembly may be mounted on a land-based vehicle, or may be used in stationary applications. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the invention, which is intended to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents, in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.