Abstract:
A system and method for launching non-vertical launch munitions with a non-vertical launch trajectory from a launcher that is operationally coupled to a vertical launching system (VLS). The inventors of the present invention recognized that munitions that are unsuitable for vertical launches were unavailable for use with vertical launching systems, thus foreclosing important defense, attack, and cost-savings opportunities for VLS-equipped platforms. A VLS could be substantially more versatile if it accommodated munitions such as torpedoes, counter-measures, direct-fire munitions, point-and-shoot munitions, and a variety of other missiles and equipment. The launcher according to the present invention is also stowable in an upward orientation within a cell of the host vertical launching system.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The underlying concepts, but not necessarily the language, of the following case are incorporated by reference: 
         [0002]    U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/274,409, filed 20 Nov. 2008, titled “Adaptable Launching System,” which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0126556 A1 (attorney docket  711-239 us). 
         [0000]    If there are any contradictions or inconsistencies in language between this application and one or more of the cases that are incorporated by reference, the claims in the present case are to be interpreted consistent with the language in the present case. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to launching munitions in general, and, more particularly, to launching from a vertical launching system. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Modern warships use guided missiles as their principal offensive and defensive weapons. Since a naval engagement may be protracted, a warship must have many missiles available for immediate launch. This need has been addressed by multiple-missile launchers, in which plural launch cells (e.g., eight cells, etc.) are loaded with missiles that can be individually launched. The need to launch missiles of different mission type from a single launcher has been met in part by vertical launching systems (“VLS”). A VLS launches missiles or other equipment with a vertical trajectory. A VLS is exemplified by the below-deck MK 41 VLS and MK 57 VLS missile launchers. These VLSs accept canisterized (or canistered) missiles of several types. The canisters are loaded into corresponding canister holding chambers or cells in the VLS. It should be noted that some VLS platforms have only one cell, while others have multiple cells. 
         [0005]    A major roadblock to providing new munitions capability to naval fleets is the extremely high cost of modifications to the launching system. Integration of a new munition into an existing launching system typically requires the design and qualification of a new canister for the munition. 
         [0006]    One solution that is beneficial to reducing the cost of integrating new munitions in existing main battery launchers is the “Adaptable Launch System” (hereinafter “ALS”). The ALS is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/274,409, filed on Nov. 20, 2008, which published as U.S. Patent Application Publication no. 2009/0126556 A1, titled “Adaptable Launching System,” and which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. The ALS can be used as a “guest” launcher in one or more cells of a multi-cell “host” vertical launching system, such as the MK 41 VLS or MK 57 VLS main battery launchers. The ALS can accommodate a single munition or a “multi-pack” of smaller munitions in its single launch cell. Thus, the ALS enables a larger variety of munitions to be launched from a VLS. 
         [0007]    However the advantages of the ALS do not address the particular needs of certain kinds of munitions. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    The inventors of the present invention recognized that munitions that are unsuitable or sub-optimal for vertical launches were unavailable for use with vertical launching systems, thus foreclosing important defense, attack, and cost-savings opportunities for VLS-equipped ships (and other non-ship platforms). A VLS could be substantially more versatile if it accommodated munitions such as torpedoes, counter-measures, direct-fire munitions, point-and-shoot munitions, and a variety of other missiles and equipment. Likewise, an ALS could provide added flexibility if it could accommodate these types of munitions. 
         [0009]    Embodiments of the present invention overcome some of the dichotomy between “non-vertical launch” equipment and a “vertical launch” platform such as a VLS. 
         [0010]    The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a “Stowable Elevating Trainable Launcher” (hereinafter “SETL”). The SETL is a launcher that accommodates non-vertical launch munitions and equipment and is capable of launching them from a VLS platform. As noted, non-vertical launch munitions are known in the art to be sub-optimal, and even unsuitable, for vertical launches. 
         [0011]    The SETL can be retrofitted into a VLS cell, or in some embodiments, into an ALS operating in a VLS cell. In some embodiments, the VLS (whether equipped with an ALS or not) is an MK 41 VLS installed below the deck of a ship; in some other embodiments, the VLS is an MK 57 VLS. In some further embodiments, other VLS platforms (ship-borne and non-ship-based) host the SETL. In some further embodiments, the disclosed launcher system comprises a VLS. In some embodiments comprising the VLS, the VLS may be further equipped with an ALS in one or more cells. 
         [0012]    The SETL comprises a munitions adapter and an elevation drive. The munitions adapter includes a munition frame structure that accommodates at least one munition. In some illustrative embodiments, the munition is canistered; however, in some alternative embodiments, the munition is not canistered. In some further embodiments, the munition frame structure comprises a firing tube that accommodates a single non-canistered torpedo. In still further embodiments, the munition frame structure accommodates all-up rounds. The munition frame structure, and, hence, the munitions adapter, is therefore specific to the particular type and dimensions of the launchable equipment being accommodated by the SETL. 
         [0013]    The elevation drive enables the SETL to be stowed in a VLS cell when not in use and to deploy from the cell for use. The elevation drive is operatively coupled to the interior of the VLS cell and also to an upright support structure. The upright support structure supports and is pivotably coupled to the munition frame structure. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the SETL has at least two degrees of rotational freedom for training a munition via elevation and azimuth control. The pivotal coupling of the munition frame structure to the upright support structure provides elevation control. That is, by pivoting the munition frame structure with respect to the upright support structure, the nose of the munition can be aligned to the proper non-vertical launch angle. Azimuth is controlled by rotating the upright support structure about its longitudinal axis. In some further embodiments, the SETL has limited elevation control that primarily enables the SETL to launch horizontally. In some further embodiments, azimuth control is limited or even absent. Thus, the number of degrees of freedom and the corresponding elevation and azimuth control characterizing a particular SETL embodiment depend on engineering decisions of the implementers. 
         [0015]    To launch a munition when the SETL is in a stowed state, the elevation drive lifts the munition frame structure above the top hatchway of the VLS cell. In some illustrative embodiments, this means that the elevation drive lifts the munition frame structure to an above-deck position. After pivoting and rotating the munition frame structure to the proper elevation and azimuth, one or more missiles can be fired. Once the missile(s) is fired, the munition frame structure pivots to align with the longitudinal axis of the upright support structure. This allows the munition frame structure to fit within the VLS cell. The elevation drive then lowers the munitions adapter into the interior of the VLS cell. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the SETL comprises a supporting shell structure that is dimensioned to fit within the VLS cell. The shell structure houses SETL components, such as the elevation drive and the munitions adapter, and accommodates SETL interfaces to the VLS. Such interfaces include a communications interface to the launch control system of the VLS or other governing weapons system. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the SETL interfaces with an ALS that is equipped in the respective VLS cell. In such embodiments, the ALS acts as an intermediary between the SETL and the VLS cell. 
         [0018]    The SETL thus provides a launcher that allows munitions to be integrated into a VLS without the expense and effort of modifying the munition or the host launching system. In the illustrative embodiments where the SETL is used in conjunction with a MK 41 VLS, the savings and streamlining advantages are significant. Further, by tapping the ship&#39;s existing electrical power system, some embodiments of the SETL do not require added power sub-systems dedicated to the non-vertical-launch munitions. 
         [0019]    In addition to cost savings and streamlining, the SETL provides substantial versatility to MK 41 VLS and other VLS embodiments. For example, some prior-art systems operate from a below-deck configuration, such as a horizontal-launch system that operates below the deck of an aircraft carrier. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3.044,362 to R. E. Carlberg. Such systems are limited to launching only munitions with a substantially horizontal trajectory. These systems are incapable of launching from an initially vertical or vertically-stowed position, thereby lacking the capability of embodiments of the present invention wherein both vertical-launch and non-vertical launch munitions are launchable from the same main battery VLS platform. 
         [0020]    Another advantage of the SETL is its footprint. Typically, prior-art launchers for non-vertical launch munitions are installed above-deck. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,113,486 to S. Kongelbeck. In an illustrative embodiment wherein the VLS is a below-deck MK 41 VLS, the SETL occupies no footprint on the ship&#39;s deck. Consequently, the SETL in its stowed position has no identifiable radar cross-section. 
         [0021]    Importantly, the SETL&#39;s stowed components are environmentally protected from harsh conditions outdoors or above-deck on a ship. The SETL components, including the munition frame structure and the elevation drive, as well as any munitions equipped in the SETL, are all protected and sealed within the VLS cell hosting the SETL. Optionally, these components can be subjected to additional special environmental conditions within the sealed VLS cell. 
         [0022]    According to some illustrative embodiments, the SETL is a system for launching a munition that is a non-vertical-launch munition from a vertical launching system, the system comprising: an elevation drive that is operatively coupled at a first end thereof to the interior of a cell of the vertical launching system; and a munitions adapter that is operatively coupled to a second end of the elevation drive, wherein the munitions adapter comprises a munition frame structure that removably receives the munition; wherein the system is operable to (i) deploy the munition frame structure from within the cell to a position that is above a hatchway at the top of the cell, and (ii) pivot the munition frame structure between an upward orientation and a non vertical orientation, and (iii) launch the munition from the non-vertical orientation, and (iv) stow the munitions adapter in the upward orientation within the cell, wherein the upward orientation is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cell; and wherein the system is adapted, arranged, and dimensioned to fit within the interior of the cell of the vertical launching system. 
         [0023]    According to some embodiments, a method is disclosed for launching a munition that is a non-vertical launch munition from a vertical launching system, the method comprising: receiving, by a launcher, from a weapons system that is associated with the vertical launching system, a command to launch the munition, wherein the launcher is disposed in a cell of the vertical launching system; deploying from the cell, to a position above a hatchway at the top of the cell, a munition frame structure that removably receives the munition; pivoting, by the launcher, the munition frame structure between an upward orientation and a non-vertical orientation, wherein the upward orientation is parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cell; and launching the munition from the non-vertical orientation towards a launch direction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  depicts retrofitted multi-cell launcher (“RMCL”)  100 , which includes multi-cell multi-munition vertical launching system (“VLS”)  102  and SETL  120 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  depicts SETL  120  in a stowed position as it appears inside a VLS cell. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  depicts the operation of elevation drive  206  as it lifts munitions adapter  202  (equipped with munitions) and positions it for launch. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  depicts a deployed SETL  120 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 5  depicts SETL  120  preparing to launch a munition  210 . 
           [0029]      FIG. 6  depicts the stowing of SETL  120 . 
           [0030]      FIG. 7  depicts an alternative embodiment of munitions adapter  202  equipped with a non-canistered torpedo. 
           [0031]      FIG. 8  depicts an alternative embodiment of munitions adapter  202  equipped with all-up rounds (“AUR”). 
           [0032]      FIG. 9  presents method  900  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    The following terms are defined for use in this disclosure and in the accompanying claims:
       “Operatively coupled” means that the operation of one element or device affects another device, wherein the devices need not be physically coupled. For example, a laser and a mirror are operatively coupled if a laser directs a beam of light to the mirror.   “Physically connected” or “physically coupled” means in direct physical contact and affixed (e.g., a mirror that is mounted on a linear motor).   “Vertical,” in the context of a launch, means a direction that is perpendicular to the plane of the deck of a ship.   “Upward” or “Upwards” is used synonymously with “vertical” herein.   “Non-vertical,” in the context of launch, means a horizontal or an acute-angle launch trajectory, such as might be associated with torpedoes, counter-measures, direct-fire munitions, point-and-shoot munitions, etc.   “Non-vertical launch munition” means a munition that is generally known in the art to be sub-optimal or unsuitable for vertical launches, such as a torpedo, a counter-measure, a direct-fire munition, a point-and-shoot munition, etc.       
 
         [0040]    Turning now to the figures, it is to be understood that some structures and devices that are well-known in the art are not depicted in detail in the accompanying figures to maintain focus on elements that are germane to the present invention. 
         [0041]      FIG. 1  depicts retrofitted multi-cell launcher (“RMCL”)  100 , which includes multi-cell multi-munition vertical launching system (“VLS”)  102  and SETL  120 . In the embodiments depicted herein, VLS  102  is a MK 41 VLS main battery launcher that has been appropriately modified to operate with one or more SETL  120  units in its cells. SETL  120  is not visible in this view, because each SETL  120  unit is fully enclosed within a respective cell of VLS  102 . 
         [0042]    As depicted in  FIG. 1 , VLS  102  is a fixed vertical multi-missile storage and firing system. VLS  102  consists of an eight-cell missile module that is capable of launching a variety of different types of missiles. The eight-cell module comprises upright structure  104 , which defines eight cells  106 . In a conventional MK 41 VLS unit, each cell  106  provides vertical storage space for a missile canister. But in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, one or more of cells  106  each receives a SETL  120  unit. 
         [0043]    The MK 41 VLS embodiment of VLS  102  is ship-borne and installed below deck, such that only deck and hatch assembly  108  is visible from the deck of the ship. Deck and hatch assembly  108  protects SETL  120  when stowed. The hatches in deck and hatch assembly  108  open to permit munitions launch, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . It is to be understood that in alternative embodiments of the present invention the VLS hosting SETL  120  is not ship-borne. It is to be further understood that a VLS can have any number of cells, any number of which can each host a SETL  120  unit. It is to be further understood that a system according to the present invention does, in some embodiments, comprise a VLS and a SETL that is adapted, arranged, and dimensioned to fit within the interior of a cell of the VLS. Accordingly, some embodiments of such a system comprise a VLS with multiple cells, each cell being equipped with and operationally coupled to a SETL unit. Moreover, in some embodiments, each cell is further equipped with an ALS that hosts a SETL unit; in some such embodiments, the ALS comprises a supporting shell structure in which the SETL components are disposed and arranged. 
         [0044]    Electronic equipment  110  monitors and controls various components of VLS  102 , distributes power signals originating from outside RMCL  100  to the one or more SETL  120  units, collects control and damage control signals from SETL  120  and transmits them to appropriate authorities, and assists in the launch of munitions from SETL  120  units. 
         [0045]    It is to be understood that in alternative embodiments an ALS is equipped within a cell  106  and the ALS is further modified with a SETL  120  unit. In such embodiments, the ALS acts as an intermediary between the SETL  120  unit and the VLS  102 . In such embodiments, SETL  120  is adapted, arranged, and dimensioned to operate with the ALS that is installed in the VLS cell. In some alternative embodiments VLS  102  is an MK 57 VLS, but the invention is not so limited. 
         [0046]      FIG. 2  depicts SETL  120  in a stowed position as it appears inside a VLS cell. It is to be understood that SETL  120  accommodates munition(s)  210 , but the munitions are not an element of the SETL. 
         [0047]    In the illustrative embodiment, SETL  120  comprises munitions adapter  202 , column  205 , elevation drive  206 , frame  207 , rails  208 , and base  209 . 
         [0048]    Munitions adapter  202  comprises munition frame structure  203  and upright support structure  204 . Munition frame structure  203  removably receives munition(s)  210  and is pivotably coupled to upright support structure  204  (as shown in more detail in the next figure). Munition frame structure  203  is dimensioned and adapted in accordance with particular munitions and is designed to be munition-specific. However, the invention is not so limited. 
         [0049]    Upright support structure  204  supports munition frame structure  203 . Upright support structure has a first end and a second end. The first end is pivotably coupled to munition frame structure  203  as recited above. The second end is coupled to column  205  as recited below. 
         [0050]    Optionally, all or part of munitions adapter  202  is releasable from SETL  120  to enable the installation of munition(s)  210 . In the illustrative embodiment, munition frame structure  203  is releasable from upright support structure  204 . In other embodiments, munitions adapter  202  is releasable from SETL  120  in respect to another component of SETL  120 , i.e., is releasable in a different place. 
         [0051]    Column  205  supports upright support structure  204  and is physically coupled to the second end thereof, and thus indirectly supports munition frame structure  203 . In the illustrative embodiment, column  205  rotates about its longitudinal (upright) axis. This axial rotation causes upright support structure  204  to rotate about its own longitudinal axis. Likewise, munition frame structure  203  also rotates. This enables SETL  120  to align the nose of an installed munition to a proper direction of launch, i.e., the axial rotation of column  205  provides SETL  120  with its rotational degree of freedom for azimuth control. 
         [0052]    Elevation drive  206  is a sub-system that lifts and lowers munitions adapter  202  along the longitudinal axis of the VLS cell. In the illustrative embodiment, elevation drive  206  translates along rails  208  to lift and to lower munitions adapter  202 . Elevation drive  206  also comprises the controls and control interfaces necessary for SETL&#39;s elevation and azimuth control capabilities. Elevation drive  206  is operationally coupled to the interior of the VLS cell. It is to be understood that elevation drive  206  is any system that is capable of lifting and lowering munitions adapter  202  and providing it with the necessary elevation and azimuth control. Elevation control is described in more detail below. 
         [0053]    To launch in the illustrative embodiment, elevation drive  206  rises to a level sufficient to lift munition frame structure  203  above the top hatchway of the VLS cell, as shown in  FIG. 4 . In the illustrative embodiment where VLS  102  is below-deck, this means that elevation drive  206  lifts munition frame structure  203  to an above-deck position. 
         [0054]    Frame  207  provides framing for positioning and supporting SETL  120  in a VLS cell. When SETL  120  comprises an optional shell structure  404 , frame  207  is coupled to shell structure  404 . (Shell structure  404  is illustrated in  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0055]    In the illustrative embodiment, rails  208  are guideways for elevation drive  206 . In the illustrative embodiment, elevation drive  206  uses four stationary rails  208  to elevate and lower munitions adapter  202 . Each rail  208  is disposed along a longitudinal side of SETL  120 . Each rail  208  is attached at its top end to frame  207 . Frame  207  thus helps stabilize rails  208  and elevation drive  206 . In embodiments comprising an optional shell structure  404 , rails  208  are affixed to shell structure  404 . Alternative embodiments use a different number of rails  208  and a different structure for frame  207  to provide the positioning, support, and stabilization needed for SETL  120 . 
         [0056]    Base  209  is disposed at the bottom end of each rail  208 . Base  209  supports rails  208  and thus helps stabilize rails  208  and elevation drive  206 . Base  209  supports the other components of SETL  120 . Furthermore, base  209  is coupled to optional shell structure  404 , or to an ALS shell structure for ALS-equipped VLS cells; or is otherwise attached to the interior of the VLS cell where SETL  102  resides. Thus base  209  enables elevation drive  206  to be operationally coupled to the interior of the VLS cell. 
         [0057]      FIG. 2  depicts four canistered munitions  210  installed in SETL  120 . In some alternative embodiments, SETL  120  is equipped with a different type or a different number of munition(s)  210 . Although the munitions  210  in the illustrative embodiment are canistered, other embodiments of SETL  120  can accommodate non-canistered munitions. 
         [0058]      FIG. 3  depicts the operation of elevation drive  206  as it lifts munitions adapter  202  (equipped with munitions) and positions it for launch. 
         [0059]    Viewing the present figure from left to right, first, elevation drive  206  lifts from base  209  along rails  208  in an upward direction  310 . Installed munitions  210  and munitions adapter  202  (comprising munition frame structure  203  and upright support structure  204 ) are all in an upward orientation. 
         [0060]    Next, when elevation drive  206  reaches the proper height it stops rising. The proper height depends at least in part on the dimensions of the munitions and on implementation choices relative to the design of the constituent components of SETL  120 . 
         [0061]    Next, SETL  120  pivots munition frame structure  203  about a pivot point, as indicated by directional arrow  312 . The pivot point is represented in the illustrative embodiment by pivot assembly  302 . Pivot assembly  302  provides the pivotable coupling of munition frame structure  203  to upright support structure  204 . 
         [0062]    Pivot assembly  302  provides SETL  120  with a rotational degree of freedom necessary to pitch munition  210  to its proper launch angle, i.e., elevation control. In some embodiments pivot assembly  302  pivots up to 180° from the upward orientation, but the invention is not so limited. By pivoting munition frame structure  203  with respect to upright support structure  204 , the nose of an installed munition  210  can be aligned to the proper non-vertical launch angle. 
         [0063]    Azimuth is controlled by rotating column  205  (and thus upright support structure  204 ) about its longitudinal axis as illustrated by directional arrow  314 . 
         [0064]    In the illustrative embodiment, the combination of (i) pivoting munition frame structure  203  about pivot assembly  302  and (ii) rotating column  205  about its longitudinal axis provides SETL  120  with the appropriate elevation and azimuth controls necessary to launch a munition  210  on a proper non-vertical trajectory. The rotational freedom thus available to SETL  120  provides significant versatility to the host VLS to launch a variety of different types of munitions and other equipment with unique non-vertical launch requirements. SETL  120  is capable of individually training and launching each munition  210  in munitions adapter  202 . As noted, in some further embodiments, SETL  120  has limited elevation control that primarily enables the SETL to launch horizontally. In such an embodiment, SETL  120  performs primarily as a stowable horizontal launcher. 
         [0065]      FIG. 4  depicts a deployed SETL  120 . SETL  120  is shown with a fully elevated munitions adapter  202  having a munition frame structure  203  equipped with four canistered munitions  210 . 
         [0066]    Hatch  402  is part of a deck and hatch assembly in VLS  102 . Hatch  402  is disposed over hatchway  403  at the top end of a cell in VLS  102 . Hatch  402  opens to permit launch from the cell. When hatch  402  is closed, it provides a hatchway seal that protects SETL  120  and any installed munitions  210  that are stowed within the cell. 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, SETL  120  further comprises an optional shell structure (or enclosure)  404  that is dimensioned to fit within a cell of VLS  102 . Elevation drive  206 , munitions adapter  202 , and other components of SETL  120  are disposed within shell structure  404  to fit within the cell. It is to be understood that in an ALS-equipped VLS  102 , the ALS provides a suitable shell structure for SETL  120  that takes the place of shell structure  404 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 5  depicts SETL  120  preparing to launch an installed munition  210 . Hatch  402  is in an open position to permit launch. 
         [0069]    In the left-most image in the present figure, munitions adapter  202  rises from cell  106  of VLS  102  in an upward direction  310 . 
         [0070]    In the middle image of the present figure, SETL  120  raises munitions adapter  202  to a level sufficient to train and launch a munition  210 . To do so, SETL  120  raises munitions adapter  202  such that munition frame structure  203  clears the top surface of VLS  102 , i.e., is clear of hatchway  403 . According to the illustrative embodiment where VLS  102  is installed below-deck, when munition frame structure  203  clears hatchway  403 , munition frame structure  203  is in a position that is above-deck. At this point, SETL  120  is ready to train munition  210  to a proper launch trajectory. 
         [0071]    In the right-most image of the present figure, SETL  120  trains a munition  210  for launch in a non-vertical trajectory. In the illustrative embodiment, SETL  120  pivots (according to directional arrow  312 ) munition frame structure  203  to an elevation angle that aligns the nose of the munition to the proper non-vertical launch angle suitable for the mission. For example, SETL  120  is capable of aligning munition  210  to the horizontal plane or to a substantially horizontal plane that is parallel to the plane of the deck of the ship. Further, SETL  120  rotates (as in  FIG. 3 ) munitions adapter  202  to an azimuth that aligns the nose of the munition to a proper direction of launch. 
         [0072]      FIG. 6  depicts the stowing of SETL  120 . When munition frame structure  203  is in a non-vertical launch orientation, it pivots (about pivot assembly  302 ) to an upward orientation as shown by directional arrow  602 . 
         [0073]    After munition frame structure  203  reaches the upward orientation, elevation drive  206  (not shown) begins to descend within the VLS cell. Thus, munitions adapter  202  is lowered, with munition frame structure  203  in its upward orientation, into the VLS cell according to directional arrow  604 . 
         [0074]    After munitions adapter  202  (with or without installed munitions) is fully lowered within the VLS cell, hatch  402  closes according to directional arrow  606  to seal SETL  120  within the cell. This protects SETL  120  (and any installed munitions) from the harsh environmental conditions above-deck. Moreover, while stowed and sealed, SETL  120  occupies no footprint on the ship&#39;s deck and provides no radar cross-section. 
         [0075]    Although the illustrative embodiment recites operations in a certain sequence, it will be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, that alternative sequences or sub-sequences are possible in accordance with the present invention. Although the illustrative embodiment comprises certain ratios of components relative to other components, such as a ratio of four rails to one elevation drive, it will be clear to those skilled in the art, after reading this disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that comprise any ratio of one type of component relative to any other type of component, e.g., two rails per elevation drive. It will be further clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments that use different combinations and sub-combinations of the recited components of SETL  120 . 
         [0076]      FIG. 7  depicts an alternative embodiment of munitions adapter  202  equipped with a non-canistered torpedo embodying munition  210 . Munitions adapter  202  comprises munition frame structure  203  and upright support structure  204 . 
         [0077]    In this alternative embodiment, munition frame structure  203  is a firing tube adapted for launching a torpedo  210 ; upright support structure  204  is a lifting cradle. Lifting cradle  204  is pivotably coupled to firing tube  203  by “cradling” the tube&#39;s exterior. Firing tube  203  is raised in upward direction  310 . Firing tube  203  pivots about pivot assembly  302  in direction  312  to reach a proper elevation for launching torpedo  210 . Munitions adapter  202  rotates about the longitudinal axis of lifting cradle  204  for azimuth control as illustrated by directional arrow  314 . 
         [0078]      FIG. 8  depicts depicts an alternative embodiment of munitions adapter  202  equipped with all-up rounds (“AUR”) embodying munition  210 . Munitions adapter  202  comprises munition frame structure  203  and upright support structure  204 . 
         [0079]    In this alternative embodiment, munition frame structure  203  is a frame assembly adapted for launching AUR  210 . In this embodiment, the packaging and control interfaces of AUR  210  require no further modifications to operate with SETL  120 ; rather, frame assembly  203  is adapted to properly couple to and interface with the AURs. Upright support structure  204  is a lifting cradle. Frame assembly  203  is raised in upward direction  310 . Frame assembly  203  pivots about pivot assembly  302  in direction  312  to reach a proper elevation for launching at least one of the AUR  210 . Munitions adapter  202  rotates about the longitudinal axis of lifting cradle  204  for azimuth control as illustrated by directional arrow  314 . 
         [0080]    This alternative embodiment further illustrates an optional blast shield  802  that is coupled to one end of frame assembly  203 . Blast shield  802  protects the ship&#39;s deck and any open VLS cells from the exhaust of the munitions being launched. It is to be understood that equipping SETL  120  with blast shield  802  is not limited to the illustrated embodiment. 
         [0081]    METHODS.  FIG. 9  presents method  900  in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The method recites the operations that, in the context of a SETL  120  launcher installed in a cell of a VLS, are basic to deploying the SETL  120  launcher, launching a munition from the launcher, and stowing the launcher in the cell. 
         [0082]    At operation  902 , a launcher according to the present invention receives, from a weapons system that is associated with a VLS hosting the launcher, a command to launch a munition. In the illustrative embodiment, SETL  120  is disposed in a cell of MK 41 VLS that is ship-borne and installed below-deck. It will be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art how to interface MK 41 VLS (or any VLS) with the governing weapons systems and its control infrastructure. It will be further clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, that in alternative embodiments of the present invention the VLS hosting SETL  120  is not ship-borne. 
         [0083]    At operation  904 , a munition frame structure that removably receives a munition is deployed from the cell to an above-deck position. In the illustrative embodiment, munition frame assembly  203 , having at least one munition installed, is deployed from a cell of MK 41 VLS. 
         [0084]    At operation  906 , the launcher pivots the munition frame structure between an upward orientation and a non-vertical orientation. In the illustrative embodiment, SETL  120  pivots munition frame structure  203  between the upward orientation (in which it initially deployed from the cell) and a non-vertical orientation, i.e., pivoting to the elevation that is necessary to launch the munition. 
         [0085]    At operation  908 , the launcher launches the munition from the non-vertical orientation towards a launch direction. In the illustrative embodiment, SETL  120  orients munitions adapter  202  to a direction of launch, i.e., azimuth, and launches the munition at the appropriate elevation and azimuth suitable to its mission. 
         [0086]    At operation  910 , the munitions adapter is stowed within the cell of the VLS (with or without munitions installed in the munition frame structure). In the illustrative embodiment, munitions adapter  202  is stowed with the cell of MK 41 VLS. Stowing can occur with or without munitions being installed in munition frame structure  203 . 
         [0087]    It will be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, how to make and use a launcher according to method  900  in which the constituent operations are differently ordered than as recited herein. It will be further clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, how to make and use a launcher according to method  900  in which the constituent operations are sub-divided (or combined, or both) differently than as recited herein, or are repeated without limitation. 
         [0088]    It will be clear to those having ordinary skill in the art, after reading the present disclosure, how to make and use alternative embodiments of the present invention that differently implement the principles and functions associated with the present invention. It is to be understood that the present disclosure teaches just some examples of the illustrative embodiment and that many variations of the invention can easily be devised by those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure and that the scope of the present invention is to be determined by the following claims.