GB992240A - Improvements in or relating to rocket launchers - Google Patents

Abstract

992,240. Rocket launchers and storing means. HESSE-EASTERN. May 4, 1962 [Nov. 13, 1961], No. 17334/62. Headings F3A and F3C. A portable rocket launcher which can be carried and used by an infantryman comprises two tubular sections 20, 21, Fig. 2, the breech section 20 sliding within the muzzle section 21 between a shortened inoperative position and an extended operative position. The firing pin 105, Fig. 4, and its spring 107 are mounted in a housing 58 fixed to the section 20 and the trigger mechanism is mounted in a housing 38 fixed to the section 21, the firing pin 105 being connected by a cable 108 to a spring-wound reel 110, Figs. 7, 8, secured to the section 21, the cable 108 passing around an idler roller 109 mounted for movement in longitudinal guideways 112 in the housing 38. In the rear position of the roller 109 shown in full line in Fig. 7 the length of the cable 108 is such that extension of the sections 20, 21 does not move the firing-pin 105, but on moving the roller 109 by means of a cocking actuator 115, 118 to the forward position shown in dotted line in Fig. 7 where it is engaged by a pivoted sear 121, extension of the tubular sections will move the firing-pin into its cocked position. On pressing a trigger 124, the sear 121 is released from the roller 109 and firing is affected. A safety device 127 provided with a pull-rod 128 and handle 129 blocks the movement of the sear 121 when the device 127 is in its rearward position. A movable locking-pin 131, Figs. 4, 14, is located in a bore 132 in the firing-pin housing 38 and has a pivoted end 133 operative to engage the taper 105a of the firing- pin to force the latter forwardly. The pin 131 has also an annular groove 134 which receives the end of the pin 105 so that it becomes locked against removal until the firing-pin 105 is cocked, which is possible only when the launcher is extended. In the inoperative position of the launcher, an open-ended receiver 59, Fig. 2, mounted on the housing 58 houses the end 90 of a rear sight 60 pivoted at 61 between arms of a mount 63 fixed to the housing 38, and urged into an erect position by a spring, so that as the sections are extended, the rear sight 60 is freed to erect itself. The sight comprises a member 78, Fig. 9, of channel form with upper and lower openings 79, 80. A vertically adjustable strip 81 is clamped to the member 78 and has a pair of sight holes 85 and a pair of transverse detent slots 86. A slide 87 carried by the channel 78 has a resilient detent arm engageable with either slot 86 to bring its slot 89 into registry with the appropriate one of the sight holes 85. The upper end of the sight is protected by a rubber cap 90 having aligned windows 91. A band 66, Figs. 2, 5, on the muzzle section 21 has spaced ears 67 for the pivot 68 of a front sight 69 urged into the erect position by a spring. The sight 69 includes a mount 70 which receives the pivot 68 and carries a clear plastic sheet 71. In the inoperative position, the sight pivots forwardly so that its sheet 71 is held by a front cover within the muzzle end of the section 21. To prevent forward movement of the rocket until it is fired, a strip metal lock 96, Fig. 4, is provided, which engages a collapsible fin 94 of the rocket and has a stop 101 engaging the rear cover of the housing 58. On firing, after releasing a keeper pin 55a, the thrust of the rocket bends the lock 96 and its stop 101 thus to free it.