GB777919A - Improvements in or relating to rocket-launchers for aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

777,919. Discharging rockets from aircraft. NORTHROP AIRCRAFT, Inc. Nov. 8, 1955, No. 31905/55. Class 9 (2). Rockets are housed in containers 2 fitted in the wings of an aircraft as in Specification 773,656, the rear part of the containers being used for fuel. Openings for the egress of rocket launching tubes 5 are closed by covers 6. Additional rocket tubes may be provided at the forward end 3 of the containers 2 as described in Specifications 777,920 and 775,537. The end 3 of each container comprises two co-axial cylinders 9, 10, the cylinder 9 having spaced openings 13 with covers 6 to which are secured two apertured members 15, Figs. 2 and 4, through which extend the tubes 5. Each member 15 is hinged to an arm 17 which is pivoted on the inner cylinder 10 and is also hinged to a connecting rod 21. Stop 22. 23 on the cylinders 9, 10 respectively limit the movement of the firing tubes and springs 24 return the tube and cover to the closed position. A detent 26 as in Specification 777,920 enters a groove in the rocket to hold it in the tube until fired. A ring 29 carries igniters 30 which contact the nozzles of the rockets 28, electric conductors 31 being used to connect the igniters with a switch (not shown) in the cockpit. Any igniter can be energized at will to fire the associated rocket. On firing, the thrust of the propellent gases causes the tube 5 to pivot on the arms 17 bringing the tube outside the cylinder 9. The thrust is then sufficient to overcome the detent 26 and the rocket 28 leaves the tube 5, after which the cover 6 is restored to the closure position by the springs 24.