Patent ID: 7185575

Claim:
A system for remote tracking of a tactical missile assembly orientation during targeting by an operator prior to launch from a stationary or mobile platform, comprising: a weapon station frame rotatably attached to a platform; a command launch unit movably attached to said weapon station frame; a launch tube assembly pivotably attached to said weapon station frame, said launch tube assembly including a launch tube having a first missile therein and a tube support bracket having a release mechanism disposed to retain said launch tube during launch of the first missile, said launch tube is removed upon manipulation of said release mechanism allowing replacement of said launch tube with a like-configured launch tube pre-loaded with a second missile therein; and a launch tube position recognition unit pivotably disposed proximal of said launch tube assembly, said launch tube position recognition unit including a launch tube tracking device protected by an arcuate enclosure unit and further including a rotational ring connector against which said arcuate enclosure unit and launch tube tracking device are positioned adjacent of said launch tube; whereby said launch tube position recognition unit identifies launch tube position coordinates and relays the launch tube position coordinates to said command launch unit during rotation of said weapon station frame and pivoting of said launch tube assembly leading to said launch tube and missile being positioned for launch.