Patent ID: 8020481

Claim:
A first launcher for operation as a member of a plurality of launchers, wherein a provided controller controls the plurality of launchers, the plurality of launchers and the controller communicate via a provided network, the first launcher comprising: a first detector that detects indicia for detecting a relationship between the first launcher and a second launcher of the plurality of launchers, the relationship for establishing an order for activating a provided cartridge of each respective launcher of the plurality of launchers, the detector positioned at a first position of the first launcher; a transmitter for transmitting via the network; and a circuit that, responsive to the first detector, detects a role of the first launcher in the order; wherein: after the first detector detects the relationship, the transmitter transmits a message describing the relationship; the circuit receives a command via the network; and responsive to the command and in accordance with the role of the first launcher in the order, the circuit provides a signal to activate the cartridge of the first launcher.