GB2525672A

GB2525672A - Munitions container, marine vessel magazine, marine vessel and method of operating the same

Info

Publication number: GB2525672A
Application number: GB1407779.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Robert Baylis; Sion Pierce; James Money
Original assignee: Babcock Integrated Technology Ltd
Current assignee: Babcock Integrated Technology Ltd
Priority date: 2014-05-02
Filing date: 2014-05-02
Publication date: 2015-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2034-05-02
Also published as: GB2538015B; GB2538015A; GB201613256D0; GB2525672B; GB201407779D0

Abstract

A munitions container 1 for the storage and transportation of a plurality of elongate munitions comprises a first movement interface 13, 14 for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck and a second movement interface 15a, 15b spaced from the first movement interface 13, 14. The second movement interface 15a, 15b facilitates the movement of the container using the second movement interface 15a, 15b.

Description

Munitions container, marine vessel magazine, marine vessel and method of operating the same

Field of the Invention

The present invention concerns munitions containers, marine vessel magazines, marine vessels and methods of operating the same.

Background of the Invention

The supply and handling of munitions aboard a naval vessel is a complex process. Typically, a crate containiig several munitions is delivered to the vessel. The crate may then be delivered to the magazine where the crate is emptied or the munitions may be removed from the crate and then l5 delivered to the magazine. The individual munitions are then stored in the vessel's magazine, typically in racking.

Removal of the munitions from the crate is time-consuming and, in certain circumstances, dangerous. Qnce in the racking, the munitions are ready for use. Automated systems may be used to pick-up each munition and transfer the munition to a loading station. Such automated systems are complex because of the large number of positions in which munitions are stored. Alternatively, a munition may be manually selected and transferred to a loading station. Such a manual operation is time-consuming and may be dangerous.

The present invention seeks to mitigate one or more of the above-mentioned problems and/or provide an alternative munitions container, marine vessel magazines, marine Vessels and methods of operating the same. * -2-

Surumaryof the Invention A first aspect of the present invention provides a munitions container for the storage and transportation of a plurality of elongate munitions, the munitions container comprising a first movement interface for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck *and a second movement interface spaced from the first movement interface, the second movement interface facilitating the movement of the container using the second movement interface.

The munitions container of the present invention facilitates the movement, and storage, of multiple munitions without having to unload the munitions until required by a weapon. This may reduce maflning levels required to operate the magazine and may decrease the time required to load the munitions into the vessel magazine. The munitions container of the first aspect of the present invention is typically for use, and used, in a naval vessel, such as a destroyer.

The munitions container is typically moved prior to storage in a naval vessel using a fork lift or pallet trolley whose tines are received by the first movement interface. The provision of a second movement interface facilitates the F movement of the munitions container (together with a plurality of munitions) around a vessel's magazine and in particular facilitates the movement of a plurality of munitions from a stowed position in a vessel's magazine to an unloading position where one or more munitions can be removed from the container.

The second movement interface facilitates the movement of the container, for example, the lifting of the container from above.

The first movement interface is optionally provided by a pallet portion. The first movement interface is optionally provided by two slots for the receipt of two tines of a forklift truck. The first movement interface is typically provided at or near one nd of the munitions container, typically at or near the bottom of the munitions container.

The munitions container may be suitable for storing and transporting from 4 to 20 munitions, optionally from 4 to 12 munitions and optionally from 6 to 12 munitions.

The munitions container may comprise one or more berths for the storage of munitions. The munitions container may comprise a plurality of berths; each for the storage of at least one (and optionally only one) munition. The plurality of berths may be arranged to store the elongate munitions with the longitudinal axes substantially parallel to one another. One or more berths are optionally elongate, and are optionally substantially parallel to one another. One or more berth optionally has a longest dimension of from 0.8m to 2m. One or more berth optionally has a width and depth of from 5cm to 50cm, optionally of from 5cm to*3Ocm and optionally of from 10cm to 20cm. The plurality of berths may be arranged to store munitions in a generally upright manner.

At least one, optionally more than one and optionally each, berth may comprise a compartment for the storage of one or more munition, and optionally for the storage of one (and only one) munition. A compartment is a berth which is at least partialiy separated from one or more adjacent berths, for example by a partition. The provision of a partition between adjacent berths may reduce the risk of an unwanted munition explosion causing the unwanted detonation of nearby munitions. A partition may extend from a container floor arid/or from a container top. A partition may optionally be shorter than the munition for which the berth is intended or may be longer than the munition for which the berth is intended. Typically, a partition is optionally provided between each berth and adjacent berths so that all of the berths are in the form of compartments.

The container may comprise from 4 to 20 berths, optionally from 4 to 12 and optionally from 6 to 12 berths.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) berth may beprovided with at least one munition retainer for securing a munition. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) berth may be provided with a plurality of munition retainers for securing a munition. Such munition retainers are optionally mutually spaced to engage different parts of a munition. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) munition retainer may cOmprise a biasing means for assisting the retention of the munition. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) munition retainer may be arranged to release the munition on the application of a releasing force. The releasing force is typically sufficiently high to inhibit unwanted release of a munition, but is sufficiently low to allow a munition to b? released when desired. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) munition retainer may comprise a resiliently deformable clamp, such as a spring-loaded retaining clamp or clip. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) muhition retainer may comprise one or more biasing means for retaining the munition and an aperture or space for the receipt of the munition. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) munition retainer may be generally C shaped. At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) munition retainer may optionally generally face outwards.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) berth may be provided with a support for the base of a munition. The support may be provided with a slot therein to enable a munition extraction apparatus to engage the base of a munition through said slot. The support may be raised so as to form a space for the receipt of a munition extraction apparatus.

The thunitions container may comprise one or more munitions. The munitions container may comprise from 4 to 20 munitions, optionally from 4 to 12 and optionally from 6 to 12 munitions, The container may be suitable for carrying munitions having a calibe of from 75rnmto 180mm, typically of from 100mm tO 160mm, typically of from 140 to 160mm. The container may be suitable for carrying munitions having a mass of from 10kg to 150kg, typically of from 10kg to 50kg and typically of from 35kg to 50kg. The container may be suitable for carrying munitions having a length of at least 500mm, optionally up to 2000mm, optionally up to 3000mm and optionally up to 4000mm.

If the container comprises a top and a bottom and one or more sides, one or more berths (and the munition(s) therein, if present) may optionally be accessible from a side of the container. For the avoidance of doubt, a berth is accessible from a side of the cohtainer even If a closure is provided, so long as the closure is movable so that the berth can be accessed. Alternativelyor additionally, one or more berths (and the munition(s) therein, if present) may optionally be accessible from a top and/or a bottom of the container.

The munitions container may comprise one or more closures for inhibiting access to one or more munitions. The munitions container may comprise a plurality of closures, each inhibiting access to one or more munitions. Each closure may inhibit access to one (and only one) munition.

In this case, each munition has a closure associated with it. At least one closure (and optionally more than one closure and optionally each closure) is movable between a first position in which access to one or more munition is Inhibited and a second position in which one or more mupition is accessible. In the second position, the closure may be detached from the container or may be attached to the rest of the container, for example, using one or more hinges.

If the munitions container comprises one or more * berths, then one or more of said berths may be provided with a closure fox inhibiting acc.ess to one or more munitions.

Each berth may, for example, be provided with a closure which inhibits access to one (and only one) munition.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) closure may be removable.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionallr each) closure may be provided on a side of the container. In this case, the closure is typically movable to allow access to a lateral aspect of a munition.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) closure may be provided on a top or bottom of the container.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) closure may be provided with one or more munition retainer for securing a munition. Such munition retainers may have the features described above. Optionally, a munition retainer provided on a closure may face generalli inwards. Optionally, a berth may be provided vith a first munition retention set comprising one or more munition retainers facing generally in a first direction and a second munition retention set comprising one or more munition retainers facing generally in a second direction. The second munition retention set may, for example, be provided on a closure, and the first munition retention set may be provided on a supporting structure, such as a partition. The first munition retention set may, for example, face substantially outwards and the second munition retention set may face substantially inwards.

-B-

The first movement interface is optionally provided at or proximate to a first end of the container. The second movement interface is optionally provided at or proximate to a second end of the container.

A central region of the container may be provided with the second lifting arrangement.

The container may be provided with a supporting structure. The supporting structure may be provided with the second movement interface. The supporting structur.e may be associated with the central region of the container.

The supporting structure may be attached to a pallet portion (if present) If the container comprises a plurality of berths for the storage of munitions, the plurality of berths may be arranged around the supporting structure, if the container comprises one or more munition retainers then one or more munition retainers may be attached to the centrai supporting structures. If the container comprises a plurality of berths, more than one (and optionally each) berth may be provided with at least one munition retainer, and optionally more than one berth is provided with at least one munition retainer attached to the central supporting structure.

The second movement interface may be provided by one or more projections and/or apertures for engagement with corresponding projections or apertures provided on a lifting apparatus. For example, the interface may be provided by one or more apertures for the receipt of corresponding projections provided on a lifting apparatus.

The second movement interface is typicaily provided at or near top of the container. This facilitates the lifting of the container, from above using an overhead lifting system.

S The one or more projections and/or apertures may optionally face substantially inwards. The one or more projections and/or apertures may be provided in the supporting structure, if present.

The second lifting interface is optionally suitable for lifting masses of at least 200kg, of at least 300kg and at least 400kg, optionally up to 850kg and optionally up to 1000kg.

The munitions container may be suitable for storing at least 4, at least 6, optionally up to 8, optionally up to 12 and optionally up to 20 munitions.

The munitions container may optionally have a generally rectilinear footprint: The munitions container may optionally have a generally square or rectangular footprint.

The munitions container may optionally have a footprint of at least 0.15m2, optionally at least 0.5m2 and optionally at least Tm2. The munitions container may optionally have a footprint of up to 1.5m2 and optionally up to 2.5m2.

The munitions container may optionally have a height of at least 0.5m, optionally at least im, optionally up to 2m, optionally up to 3m and optionally up to 4m.

The munitions container may have a width of at least 0.6m, optionally, at least 0.Bm and optionally at least Tm.

-10 -The munitions container may have a depth of at least 0.6m, optionally at least 0.Bm and optionally at Least im.

If the height of the container is "h", then the centre of gravity of the container (in the absence of any munitions) is at a height of optionally less than h/2, optionally less than h/3 and optionally less than h/4.

The containermay comprise one or more means for securing the container to a container support. The one or more means for securing the container to a container support may comprise one or means for locking the container to the container support. The one or more means for locking the container to the ontainer support may be operable between locked and unlocked states. The one or more means for locking the dontainer to the *container support may be biased into the locked state, for example, by a biasing means, such as a spring.

The munitions container may comprise a central cavity.

The central cavity may be defined by a central supporting structure. The cavity may optionally extend from one end of the container, typically the top. The cavity may be elongate and its longitudinal axis may be parallel to one or more berths and/or munitions (if present) . If the container comprises a plurality of berths, the berths may be arranged around the cavity. The length of the elongate cavity may be at least 50% of the length of the container and may extend to a pallet portion, if present.

The container may comprise a latching member operable to move the one or more means for locking the container to a container support from a locked state to an unlocked state.

The latching member may be located within the central cavity (if present) According to a second aspect of the invention there is also provided a marine vessel magazine comprising: At least one munitions container comprising a plurality of mu n i t i on 5, A container moxiement apparatus for moving said at least one munitions cbntainer from a first, stowed position to a second, unloading position within the magazine; and An unloading apparatus located at the unloading position for removing one or more munitions from the munitions container when the munitions container is in the second, unloading position.

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) container is optionally in a generally upright osition in the stowed position. For the avoidance of doubt, "upright" is indicative of orientation in the absence of any pitching or rolling of the vessel.

The magazine may comprise at least one container storage region for the stowage of the at least one munitions container. The at least one container storage region may comprise a plurality of stowage positions for the at least one mtnitions container. The magazine may comprise more than one storage region for the stowage of the at least one munitions container, the storage regions being mutually spaced.

-12 -The magazine may comprise one or more.delivery regions for the receipt of at least one munitions container into the magazine. The one or more delivery regions may comprise one or more container support for supporting a container, The one or more container support may be movable in the delivery region.

The container movement apparatus may be operable to move at least one munitions container from the delivery region to a stowed position and/or to an unloading position.

In this connection, the one or more container support may be movable in the delivery region from an initial, container-receiving position to a position in which the munitions container is accessible by the container movement apparatus.

The one or more delivery region is typically separate from the storage region(s) and the unloading position(s).

At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) container optionally comprises a movement interface for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck. This facilitates the movement of the container prior to loading onto the vessel. Optionally, a movement interface (other than that for receiving the tines of a forklift truck) may be provided for movement of the container using the movement interface.

The. container used in the magazine of the second aspect of the invention may comprise those features described above in relation to the container of the first aspect of the present invention. For example, the movement interface for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck may be the -13 -first mOvement interface of the container of the first aspect of the present invention. Likewise, a movement interface (otherthan that for receiving the tines of a forklift truck) may be the second movement interface of the container of the fitst aspect of the present invention.

The magazine may comprise more than one container movement apparatus and may comprise more than one unloading apparatus. For example, the magazine may comprise two unloading apparatus. One or more of the container movement apparatus may be operable to move a container to one or more of the unloading apparatus. For example, a magazine may comprise two container movement apparatus, each operable to move a munitions container to each of two unloading apparatus. The magazine may comprise a plurality of container storage regions, each assodiated with a container movement apparatus. Typically, a container movement apparatus is operable to access containers located in one particular storage region, but not another storage region.

Each container movement apparatus may be operable to move containers from a delivery region to a storage region. One delivery region may be provided for more than one storage regions and more than one *container movement apparatus.

At least one unloading apparatus is optionally operable to remove more than one munition from a munitions container at a time.

At least one container movement apparatus is operable to move the at least one munition container from the second, unloading position to a stowed position. This stowed -14 T position may optionally be the first position, but does not have to be.

The magazine may comprise a means for rotating a munition container when the container is at the unloading position.

The magazine may optionally comprise a plurality of munitions containers, each for storing a plurality of munitions, each munitions container being initially located at a first stowed position, at leafl one container movement apparatus being operable to move any one of the plurality of munitions containers from the respective first stowed position to the second, unloading position.

The magazine may comprise a plurality of container supports for supporting *a container when the container is in a stowed position. One or more of the container supports may define a recess or aperture.for the receipt of a container.

One or more container or one or more of the container supports may be provided with a means for securing a container to a container support, typically a means for locking a container to a container uppcrt.

A plurality of container supports may be provided by a supporting framework, typically attached to the floor of the magazine.

At least one and optionally each container movement 25. apparatus may optionally comprise a means for engaging with the munitions container t allow a container to be lifted.

At least one and optionally each container movement -15 -apparatus may comprise a means for disengaging any lock provided between the container and a container support.

At least one (and optionally each) unloading apparatus may be operable to rotate a container. At least one and optionally each unloading apparatus may be operable to remove a closure provided on a container. At least one and optionally each unloading apparatus may be operable to remove one or more munition from the container. At least one and optionally each unloading apparatus may be operable to deliver one or more munition to a means for delivering unloaded munitions to -a weapon. Those skilled in the art will realise that the weapon is not part of the magazine of the present aspect of invention.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is also provided a marine vessel comprising a marine vessel magazine in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention.

The term "vessel" includes boats and ships, including aircraft carriers (for carrying fixed-wing and/or rotary wing aircraft), cruisers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, patrol vessels, fast attack craft, missile boats, torpedo boats, minesweepers, minelayers, amphibious assault ships, landing craft and submarines.

According to a-fourth aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of operating a marine vessel magazine, the method comprising: Providing a munitions container containing a plurality of munitions at a first, stowed position in the marine vessel magazine; -16 -Moving the munitions container from the first, stowed position to a second, unloading position in the marine vessel magazine; and Removing at least one munition from said container.

The method optionally comprises moving the munitions container froth the second, unloading position to a stowed position, which may be the first, stowed position or may be a stowed position different from the first stowed position.

The step of removing at least one munition from said 10. container may comprise removing only one munition from said container.

The method optionally comprises moving the unloaded munition from the magazine. This may optionally comprise delivering the unloaded munition to a weapon, typically located external to the magazine. The method optionally comprises delivering an unused munition from a weapon to the munitions container.

The method optionally comprises in the second, unloading position, moving the munitions container to position a particular munition for removal from the munitions container. This may comprise rotating the munitions container, for example.

The method optionally comprises providing a munitions container containing a plurality of munitions at a delivery position in the marine vessel magazine and moving the munitions container from the delivery position to the first, stowed position in the marine vessel magazine. . At least one (optionally more than one and optionally each) container is optionally in a generally upright position in the stowed position. For the avoidance of doubt, "upright" is indicative of orientation in the absence of any pitching or rolling, of the vessel.

Throughout the movement of the container from the stowed position to the unloading position, the container (and the munitions axis) is substdntiaiiy upright. For the avoidance of doubt, "upright" is indicative of orientation in the absence of any pitching or rolling of the vessel.

At least one (optionally more than one and Optionally each) container optionally comprises a movement interface for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck. This facilitates th.e movement of the container prior to loading onto the yessel and movement of the container on the deck of the ship. Optionally, a movement interface (other than that for receiving the tines of a forklift truck) may be provided for lifting of the container using the movement interface.

The container used in the method of the fourth aspect of the invention may comprise those features described above in relation to the container of the first aspect of the present invention. For example, the movement interface for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck may be the first movement interface of the container of the first aspect of the present invention, Likewise, a rriovement interface (other than that for receiving the tines of a forklift truck) maybe the second movement interface of the container of the first aspect of the present invention.

T 18 -The method of the fourth aspect of the present invention may comprise those features described above in relation to the magazine of the second aspect of the present invention.

The method optionally comprises providing at least one munitions container comptising a plurality of munitions external to the magazine and moving the at least one container into the magazine to a stowed position. No munitions are removed from the container in moving the container from external to the magazine to a stowed position in the magazine. The stowed position may be the position from which the container is moved to the unloading position.

Alternatively, the container may be moved from one stowed position to another stowed position before being moved to the unloading position. The method may comprise, external to the vessel, moving at least one munitions container using a forklift and optionally moving the at least one munition container inside the magazine using a movement interface.

other than that for receiving the tines of a forklift truck.

It will of course be appreciated that features described in relation to one aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into other aspects of the present invention. For example, the method of the fourth aspect of the invention may incorporate any of the features described with reference to the munitions container of Lhe flrsL aspect of the invention and vice versa. Furthermore, the method of the fourth aspect of the present invention may incorporate any of the features described above with -19 -reference to the magazine of the second aspect of the present invention and vice versa.

Description of the Drawing

Embodiments of the present inventionwill now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of a munitions container in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention; Figure 2A is a side-on view of the munitions container of Figure 1; Figure 28 is an exploded view of the clamps and supports used to retain a munition in place in the container of Fig. 2A; Figure 3 is a plan view of the munitions container of Figure 1; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a further example of a container in accordance with an eodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a naval vessel's magazine in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 6 is a schematic perspective view of part of the magazine of Fig. 5 showing the relationship between the -20 -container and the shock raft in which the container is mounted in the magazine.

Detailed Description

An example of a munitions container in accordance with art embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to Figs. 1, 2A, 23 and 3. The munitions container is generally denoted by reference numeral 1. The munitions container 1 comprises eight elongate compartments 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 arranged around a central supporting structure 16. Each compartment is capable of storing an elongate munition M in a generally upright manner. In this case, the munition is a 4.5inch calibre shell for a naval 4.5 inch gun.

Each compartment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is provided with a hinged door, two of which 10 and 11, are labelled.

Each door 10, 11 is hinged to allow access to the munition N from Ihe side of the container. Each door is provided with two sprung bolts (which are shown as 21, 22 for door 10) for keeping the door shut when desired. The sprung bolts are operable using latch mechanisms provided in each door. Latch mechanisms 24, 25 are shown for door 11. Each compartment 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 is provided with a casing (one of which is shown 23) in which the respective munition is located.

The casings 23 provide partitions between munitions, thereby reducing the risk of fratricidal explosions in the unlikely event that any of the munitions should detonate in the container.

Figures 2A and 23 show how each mUnition is secured in place in a respective compartment. Munitions Ml and M2 are -21 located in compartments 2 and 3 respectively. Each of munitions Ml and M2 is supported on a respective foot mount 59, 60. The foot mount 59, 60 raises the bottom of the munition; this raising of the bottom of the munition, coupled with a slot 69, 70 provided in each foot mount 59, 60.permits an unloading system to access and collect a munition. Each munition Ml, M2 is held in place by a plurality of spring clamps 51-58. The spring clamps 51-58 are sufficiently strong to hold the munition in place, but allow an unloading system to remove the munition. Support plates 71-74 are provided to help support the munition. The support plates are provided with recesses 61-68 which are shape1 to receive the munition and inhibit unwanted movement nf the munition. Each recess 61-68 is provided with a protective material (such as foam, sponge or rubber) which reduces the risk of the surface of the munition being damaged and which assists in resisting unwanted movement of the munition. Each door 10, 11 is provided with * corresponding support plates 171-174 comprising similar recesses, the support plates provided on the doors co-operating with support plates 71-74 when the doors are closed to effectively clamp the munition in place to inhibit unwanted movement of the munition.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2A, a pallet portion 12 is provided at the bottom of the container 1. The pallet portion 12 is provided with two parallel slots 13, 14 which extend through the pallet portion 12 and which allow lifting of the container using a forklift equipped with lifting tines. This facilitates movement of the container 1 and the munitions therein outside of the magazine.

-22 -The pallet portion 12 is typically relatively heavy and this may be achieved by making the pallet portion solid (i.e. not hollow) . This ensures that the centre of gravity of the container 1 is relatively low, increasing stability which may be desirable in a naval vessel which is subject to the movement of the seas.

The pallet portion 12 is also provided with four locking projections 17-20, one on each face of the pallet portion 12. The locking projections 17-20 are typically in the form of spring-loaded bolts or latches. The locking projections allow the container to be secured when stowed in a vessel's magazine. The locking projections 17-20 are operable from a defap.lt condition in which the projections are extended as in Figures 1 and 2 to a retracted condition in which the projections are retracted inwards. In the default condition, the locking projections 17-20 extend into apertures provided in a supporting structure, thereby securing the container 1 to the supporting structure. Once the locking projections are retracted, the container 1 may be removed from the supporting structure (thereby permitting movement of the container, for example, to a munitions unloading station, as will be described below) Operation of the locking projections 17-20 will now be desc±ibed in more detail with reference to Figures 1 and 3.

The container 1 comprises an unlocking mechanism 80 coupled to locking protections 17-20. The unlocking mechanism 80 comprises rods 81-84, each of which is coupled to a respective locking projection 17-20. Each rod 81-84 is also operatiVely coupled to an unlocking member 85. Unlocking member is movable so as to cause each locking projection to -23 -be retracted. For example, the unlocking member may be rotated so as to cause rods 81-84 to move generally inwards, thereby retracting the locking protections 17-20.

Alternatively, the unlocking member may be pressed downwards, in which case, the unlocking mechanism may compriSe a cam (not shown), the downwards movement of the unlocking member being, associated with rotational movement caused by the cam, the rotational movement of the unlocking member causing movement of the rods 81-84 and retraction of locking projections 17-20. Unlocking member 85 is accessible from the top of the container 1 as shown in Figure 3.

The container 1 is provided with a movement interface located near the top of the container 1 which permits the lifting of the container in a vessel's magazine. The container 1 is provided with four apertures, two of which are labelled l5a, l5b. In use, latches or other projections provided by a lifting appaatus are inserted into the respective apertures 15a, 15b to provide a firm connection between the lifting apparatus and the container so that the container can be moved.

Each aperture iSa, lSb is provided in a surface of a central supporting structure 16. The central supporting structure 16 comprises four substantial steel sheets attached to one another so as to form a substantially square cylindrital configuration. The supporting structure 16 is attached to pallet portion 12.

A further embodiment of a munitions container in accordance with the present invention is shown in Fig. 4.

The container is denoted generally by reference numeral 101 and comprises eight compartments (102-109), each for the -24 -storage of a single munition. The container 101 is very similar to container 1 described above in relation to Figures 1, 2A, 2B and 3, but container 101 is provided with doors on the top of the container 101, one of which is labelled 110.

An advantage of the containers of Figs. 1, 2A, 28, 3 and 4 is that they may be loaded into a vessel's magazine and moved around the magazine without removing the munitions from the container until it is desired to remove the munitions for the purpose of providing a munition to a weapon. An embodiment of a vessel's magazine and a method of operating a ship' s magazine in accordance with the present invention will now be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. The magaine is denoted generally by reference numeral 500, and may be regarded as having first 501 and second 502 munitions storage regions either side of a central unloading station 503. A transfer region 580 is proVIded into which containers are delivered into the magazine 500. The transfer region is provided with a container support 590 which is movable along a rail 585. The container support 590 may be moved into a position adjacent to first munitionsstorage region 501 and into a pasition adjacent to second munitions storage region 502. Multiple containers 1 are provided in each storage region 501, 502.

Referring to Figure 6, each container 1 is stowed in a shock raft 550. shock raft 550 is attached to the floor of the magazine 500 via several steel rings (not shown) which help damp any forces transmitted from the vessel to the containers and therefore the munitions. Shock raft 550 is provided with ten positions.551-560 for the stowageof -5 -containers 1. In each position 551-560 the container is locked to the, shock raft 550 by virtue of the locking latches or bolts described above in relation to Figures 1, 2A, 2B and 3.

The magazine 500 is provided with two container movement apparatus 509, 510, each of which is associated with a respective container storage region 501, 502.

Container movement apparatus 509 will now be described.

Container movement apparatus 509 comprises an overhead container hoist 514. The container hoist 514 is mounted in a short frame 513 that permits movement of the hoist in one particular direction. The short frame 513 is mounted far movement between rails 511, 512 in a second direction. The hoist 514 can therefore be moved in two orthogonal directions and can be used Lo access any of the containers 1 stored in the first container storage region 501. The short frame 513 and rails 511, 512 are arranged so that any container 1 picked-up by the hoist 514 can be moved to either of the unloading positions 505, 506. The short frame 513 and rails 511, 512 are arranged so that the container movement apparatus 509 can access a container provided on container support 590 and moved to the part of the transfer region 580 adjacent to the first container storage region 501. Operation of the hoist 514 will now be described. Hoist 514 is move into a desired position above a container 1.

hoist 514 provides a lifting arrangement comprising four projections (not shown), each of which is inserted into a respective aperture iSa, 15b provided in container 1 (see Figure 1) . Hoist also disengages the locking projections 17- 20 so that the container 1 may be removed from its stowed -26 - position in shock raft 550. Once the locking projctions 17-have been retracted, the hoist 514 lifts the container 1 from the shock raft 550. The hoist 514 and container 1 are then moved to one of the unloading positions 505, 506. At the unloading position, one or more of the munitions contained within the container are removed. Firstly, if a compartment is provided with a door, then the door is moved to enable acqess to the munition inside the respective compartment. The opening of the door may be performed manually or by the unloader 530, 540. The munition is then removed from the container by the unloader 530, 540. The unloader 530, 540 is provided with a mechanism (not shown) which provides a support (not shown) under the base of the munition and also provides lateral restraint to the munition, and then the munition is removed. The rmoed munition nay then be stored locally or immediately transferred to the weapon (typically located above the magazine) .. The unloader 530, 540 may remove move than one munition from the container 1. For example, referring to Figure 2A, the unloader 530, 540 may remove faunitions Ml and M2 from their respective compartments. In order to remove munitions in other compartments, a turntable (not shown) is provided at unloading positions 505, 506 so that the container 1 can be rotated appropriately to present compartments to the unloader 530, 540 for unloading. Once the desired number of munitions has been removed the container 1 may be moved back to a stowed position in the first storage region 501. The container 1 need not be moved back to the same stowed position from which it was collected by the container movement apparatus 509.

-27 -Container movement apparatus 510 operates in essentially the same manner as container movement apparatus 509. Container movement apparatus 510 comprises a container hoist 523 mounted on a short frame which is movable along two rails, thereby allowing hoist to access all containers stored within the second storage region 502, a container provided on a container support 590 at the part of the transfer region 580 adjacent to the second storage tegion 502 and to deliver containers to unloadingpositions 507, 508.

The container of the present invention permits the munitions to be retained within the same container at all times apart from when a munition is to be removed for delivery to a weapon. For example, the container 1 is moved into the magazine 500 and into a stowed position without removing any of the munitions from the container 1. This reduces the amount of handling required and.enables the quick and safe transfer of munitions into and within a magazine. Furthermore, the use of the container enables the munitions td be kept upright at all times (subject to any rolling or pitching movement of the vessel) Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreCiated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

The examples above show *a munitions container having a square or rectangular footprint Whilst this may be desirable in certain circumstances, containers having different footprints may be used.

The example above describes the use of a shock raft. A deck raft without shock mounting may be used instead of a shock raft.

The example above describes the use of two container movement apparatus. A single container movement apparatus may be used. Alternatively, more than two container movement apparatus may be used.

The examples above show munitions compartments provided with doprs that are permanently attached to the.rest of the Container. The doors can be removable. Indeed the munitions container need not be provided with doors at all.

The examples above show ordnance being mounted to a central region of the munitions container. Alternatively, the ordnance can be mounted to a door.

Those skilled in the art will realise that the munitions container may be used for different ordnance than that shown.

The examples above show a munitions container with an arrangement which ailowâ the container to be lifted and moved around a vessel magazine. Other lifting arrangements are possible, such as mountings being provided on the sides and/or top of the container.

The examples above demonstrate how the munitions container may be attached to the vessel for stowage. Those skilled in the art ill realise that other stowage arrangements are possible.

-29 -Arrangements other than that shown for moving a munitions container are possible. For example, the arrangement for moving a munitions container does not have to be mounted overhead.

Those skilled in the art will also realise that other munitions unloading arrangements are possible.

Where in the foregOing description, integers or

elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiment.

Claims

-30 -Claims 1. A munitions container for the storage and transportation of a plurality of elongate munitions, the munitions container comprising a first movement ihterface for receiving one or more tines *of a forklift truck and a second movement interface spaced from the first movement interface, the second movement interface facilitating the movement of the container using the second movement interface.
2. A munitions container according to claim 1 wherein the first movement interface is provided in a pallet portion, the first movement interface being provided by two slots for the receipt of two tines of a forklift truck, and the first movement interface is at *or near the bottom of the munitions container...
3. A munitions container according to any preceding claim comprising a plurality of berths, each for the storage of at least one. munition.
4. A munitions container according to claim 3 wherein each berth is for the storage of only one munition.
5. A munitions container according to claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the plurality of berths is arranged to store the elongate munitions with the longitudinal axes substantially parallel to one another.
6. A muhitions container according to any of claims 3 to 5 wherein one or more berth has a largest dimension of from Q.Bm to 3m and one or more berth has a width and a depth of from 5cm to 30cm..

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7. A munitions container according to any of claims 3 to 6 wherein at least one berth comprises a compartment for the storage of one or more munition, the at least one berth being at least partially eparated from one or more adjacent berths.
8. A munitions container according to any of claims 3 to 7 comprising from 4 to 12 berths.
9. A munitions container according to any of claims 3 to 8 wherein at least one berth is provided with at least one munition retainer for securing a munition.
10. A munitions container according to claim 9 wherein at least one berth is provided with a plurality of munition retainers for securing a munition.
11. A munitions container according to claim 9 or claim 10 wherein at least one munition retainer comprises a biasing means for assisting the retention of the munition.
12. A munitions container according to any of claims 3 to 11 wherein at least one berth is provided with a support for the base of a munition, the support being provided with a slot therein to enable a munition extraction apparatus to engage the base of a munition through said slot.
13. A munitions container according to any preceding claim comprising from 4 to 12 munitions.
14, A munitions container according to claim 13 wherein the munitions have a calibre of from 75mm to 180mm.

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15. A munitions container according to claim 13 or 14 wherein each munition has a mass of from 10kg to 153kg.
16. A munitions container according to any of claims 3 to wherein the container comprises a top and a bottom and one or more sides, and one or more berths (and the munition(s) therein, if present) are accessible from a side, a top and/or a bottom of the container.
17. A munitions container according to any preceding claim comprising one or more blosures for inhibiting access to one or more munitions.
18. A munitions container according to claim 17 wherein the munitions container comprises a plurality of closures, each inhibiting access to one (and only one) munition.
19. A munitions container according to claim 17 or 18 wherein at least one closure is provided with one or more munition retainer for securing a munition.
20. A munitions container according to claim 19 when dependent on claim 3, wherein at least one berth is providedwith a first munition retention set comprising one or more munition retainers facing generally in a first direction and a second munition retention set comprising one or more munition retainers facing generally in a second direction, the second munition retention set being provided on the closure, and the first munition retention set being provided on a supporting structure.
21. A munitions container according to any preceding claim wherein the first movement interface is provided at or proximate to a first end of the container and the second movement interface is provided at or proximate to a second end of the container.
22. A munitions container according to any preceding claim wherein a central region of the container is provided with the second lifting arrangement.
23. A munitions container according to any preceding claim wherein the container is provided with a supporting structure which is provided with the second movement interface.
24. A munitions container according to claim 23when dependent on claim 2 wherein the supporting structure is attached to the pallet portion.
25. A munitions container according to claim 23 or 24 when dependent on claim 3, the plurality of berths being arranged around the supporting structure.
2. A munitions container according to any preceding claim wherein the second movement interface is provided by one or more projections and/or apertures for engagement with corresponding projections or apertures provided ona lifting apparatus.
27. A munitions container according to claim 26 when dependent on claim 23, the one or more projections and/or apertures being 5rovided in the supporting structure.
28. A munitions container according to any preceding claim wherein the second lifting interface is suitable for lifting masses of at least 200kg
29. A munitions container according to any preceding claim wherein the munitions container has a generally rectilinear footprint of at least 0.l5m2, a height of at least 0.5m, a width of at least 0.6m and a depth of at least 0.6m.
30. A munitions container according to any preceding claim in which the height of the container is h" and the centre of gravityof the container (in the absence of any munitions) is at a height of less than h/3.
31. A munitions container according to any preceding claim comprising one or more means for locking the container to a container support, the one or more means for locking the container to the container support being operable between locked and unlocked states, and is biased into the locked state.
32. A munitions container according to claim 3 and any of claims 4 to 31 when dependent on claim 3, comprising a central cavity defined by a central supporting structure, wherein the cavity extends from one end of the container and is elongate and its longitudinal axis is parallel to one or more berths and/or munitions (if present) .
33. A marine vessel magazine comprising*.-.35 -At least one munitions container comprising a plurality of munitions, A container movement apparatus for moving said at least one munitions container from a first, stowed position to a second, unloading position within the magazine; and; An unloading apparatus located at the unloading posItion for removing one or more munitions from the munitions container when the munitions container is in the second, unloading position.
34. A marine vessel magazine according to claim 33 wherein at least one container is in a generally upright position in the stowed position.
35. A marine vessel magazine according to claim 33 or claim 34 wherein at least one container comprises a movement interface for receiving one or more tines of a forklift truck, and a further movement interface facilitating the movement of the container by the container movement apparatus..
36. A marine vessel magazine according to any of claims 33 to 35 comprising two container movement apparatus, each operable to move a munitions container to each of two unloading apparatus.
37. A marine vessel magazine according to any of claims 33 to 36 comprising a plurality of container storage regions, each associated with a container movement apparatus. . -36 -
38. A marine vessel magazine according to any of claims 33 to 37 comprising a plurality of munitions containers, each for storing a plurality of munitions, each munitions container being initially located at a first stowed position, at least one container movement apparatus being operable to move any one ot the plurality of munitions containers from the respective first stowed position to the second, unloading position.
39. A marine vessel magazine according to any of claims 33 to 38 comprising a plurality of container supports for supporting a container when the container is in a stowed position.
40. A marine vessel magazine according to claim 39 wherein one or mdre of the container supports defines a -recess or aperture for the receipt of a container.
41. A marine vessel magazine according to either of claims 39 or 40 wherein the plurality of container supports is provided by a supporting framework attached to the floor of the magazine.
42. A marine vessel magazine according to any of claims 33 to 41 wherein at least one container movement F apparatus comprises a means for engaging with the munitions container to allow a conLainer Lo be lifted.
43. A marine vessel comprising a marine vessel magazine according to any of claims 33 to 42. 37 -44. A method of operating a marine vessel magazine, the method comprising: Providing munitions container containing a plurality of munitions at a first, stowed position in the marine vesselmagazine; Moving the munitions container from the first, stowed position to a second, unloading position in the marine vessel magazine; and Removing at least one munition from said container.45. A method according to claim 44 comprising moving the munitions container from the second, unloading oosition to a stowed position.