Not applicable.
(1) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to missile launchers and more specifically to a combination sabot and launch seal for use in underwater launch capsules.
(2) Description of the Prior Art
The use of sabots and launch seals are necessary to the function of certain types of underwater missile launching systems. Sabots in particular protect launch capsule closures from external water pressure and launch seals are necessary to seal in thrust gases to properly expel the missiles at launch. In the prior art, sabots are seated directly above the nose cone of a missile and are used to provide increased bearing area and smoother curvature than the nose of a missile. The smooth curvature and increased bearing area prevents sea pressure applied to the forward closure assembly of the launch capsule from rupturing the forward closure's flexible membranes over the nose of the missile. In the prior art, launch seals are annular shaped flexible gasket devices that surround a missile while it is seated in the launch capsule. The launch seal contains the gas pressure used to expel the missile upon launch.
Prior art sabots are made from a solid brittle composite material that fragments during missile launch. This fragmentation can present a problem in certain types of submarines in which there are several launch capsules in a single vertical missile tube. After a missile launch, the sabot fragments are prone to falling on the forward closure assemblies of the neighboring launch capsules. The sabot fragments can cause damage to neighboring missiles as they are launched or can create a leak in the forward closure assembly of neighboring launch capsules, which could inhibit missile launch. The sabot fragments could also foul the missile tube hatch preventing watertight closure of the hatch. This condition would pose an unacceptable “safety of ship” situation. What is therefore needed is a device that performs the protective function of the prior art sabot but that does not generate foreign object fragments that could fall on to adjacent launch capsules.
It is a general purpose and object of the present invention to provide a sabot for use in a missile launch capsule that does not fragment upon missile launch, generating foreign object debris after the missile is expelled from the launch capsule.
This object is accomplished with the present invention by providing a single piece combination sabot and launch seal that is made from a molded flexible material. The combination sabot and launch seal is coupled to the interior of the launch capsule and integrated with the forward closure assembly. The sabot portion of the invention is defined by multiple flexible appendages that are joined together at one end in a domed shape and positioned over the nose of a missile in a launch capsule in the same way that prior art sabots are positioned. During a launch, the appendages separate and fold back over the lip of the launch capsule forward aperture.
A more complete understanding of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereto will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
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The advantages of the present invention over the prior art are that: The present invention provides a novel sabot and launch seal that will not produce foreign object debris that can interfere with the operation of the missile tube hatch.
What has thus been described is a combination sabot and launch seal that is made from a flexible material coupled to the forward closure assembly of a launch capsule. The sabot portion is defined by flexible appendages that are joined together at one end over the nose of a missile in a launch capsule. During a launch, the appendages separate and fold back over the lip of the forward closure assembly of the launch capsule.
Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention may become apparent in light of the above teachings. For example: the elastomeric material from which the combination sabot and launch seal is fashioned could be synthetic rubber, plastic, or any other suitably flexible material.
In light of the above, it is therefore understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
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