Patent ID: 7673552

Claim:
A countermeasure system for vertically launching a self-propelled countermeasure cartridge trained only in azimuth comprising: a base for supporting the system; a launch tube having a central axis, the tube being disposed substantially vertically on the base, the tube having a zero twist longitudinal keyway therein for effecting non-rotational, axial movement relative thereto; means for rotating the launch tube about its axis for training the countermeasure cartridge in azimuth while disposed on the base; a countermeasure cartridge receivable within the tube, having propulsion means for launching the cartridge longitudinally out of the tube along its axis; the countermeasure cartridge having a guide key cooperable with the tube longitudinal keyway said guide key and said keyway being disposed for interaction to effect non-rotational axial movement throughout a substantial portion of the launch such that the countermeasure cartridge remains trained in azimuth; the countermeasure cartridge having a canard disposed thereon for adjustment of the pitch of the cartridge during flight after launch from the tube.