Payload launcher and autonomous underwater vehicle

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-9453705-B2
Application number	US-201514627244-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Feb 20, 2015
Priority date	Feb 21, 2014
Publication date	Sep 27, 2016
Grant date	Sep 27, 2016

Abstract

A payload launch system is described that provides one launch solution suitable for multiple applications. A payload, such as a UAV, is launched from a sealed launch tube using compressed gas or other energy source. The launch tube can be used to transport and protect the payload from harsh environments for extended periods prior to launch.

First claim

The invention claimed is:

1. A payload launch system, comprising:
a launch tube defining a launch chamber, a cap releasably secured to the launch tube and closing an open end of the launch chamber;
a payload and sabot disposed within the launch chamber, the payload is connected to the sabot;
a stowed, deployable lift hag in the launch tube; and
an energy source in the launch tube that can be selectively applied to the payload and sabot to launch the payload from the launch chamber.

2. The payload launch system of claim 1 , wherein the energy source comprises a source of compressed gas.

3. The payload launch system of claim 2 , wherein the source of compressed gas comprises a compressed gas storage chamber fluidly separated from the launch chamber by a valve that is positioned to selectively place the compressed gas storage chamber in fluid communication with the launch chamber.

4. The payload launch system of claim 1 , wherein the payload is an unmanned aerial vehicle.

5. The payload launch system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller electronics assembly in the launch tube, the controller electronics assembly includes a tilt sensor.

6. A payload launch system, comprising:
a launch tube defining a launch chamber, a cap releasably secured to the launch tube and closing an open end of the launch chamber;
a payload and sabot disposed within the launch chamber, the payload is connected to the sabot;
an energy source in the launch tube that can be selectively applied to the payload and sabot to launch the payload from the launch chamber; and
a propulsion mechanism connected to the launch tube that propels the launch tube.

7. The payload launch system of claim 6 , wherein the prolusion mechanism comprises a propeller; and further comprising a motor connected to the propeller, and one or more the batteries providing power to the motor.

8. The payload launch system of claim 1 , further comprising a stop mechanism in the launch tube that prevents the sabot from being ejected from the launch tube.

9. The payload launch system of claim 8 , further comprising a cushion in the launch tube that is engageable by the stop mechanism.

10. A payload launch system, comprising:
a launch tube defining a launch chamber, a cap releasably secured to the launch tube and closing an open end of the launch chamber;
a payload and sabot disposed within the launch chamber, the payload is connected to the sabot;
an energy source in the launch tube that can be selectively applied to the payload and sabot to launch the payload from the launch chamber; and
the cap is sealed with the launch tube to prevent ingress of water into the launch tube, and further comprising a manually actuated, releasable safety device that is manually rotatable relative to the launch tube between a locked position and an unlocked position to control release of the cap.

11. An autonomous underwater vehicle, comprising:
the payload launch system of claim 1 ; and
a propulsion mechanism connected to the payload launch system.

Assignees

• Lockheed Corp

Inventors

• Sylvia Russell M
• Lewis Martin C
• Whalen Mark E
• Gordon Jr Robert P

Classifications

• F41F3/07

  Underwater launching-apparatus · CPC title

• B63G2008/004

  autonomously operating · CPC title

• F42B14/06

  Sub-calibre projectiles having sabots; Sabots therefor · CPC title

• F41B11/72

  Valves; Arrangement of valves · CPC title

• B63G8/30

  of artillery or missile launching means · CPC title