US3595127A - Device for launching flying bodies - Google Patents

Device for launching flying bodies Download PDF

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Publication number
US3595127A
US3595127A US475627A US3595127DA US3595127A US 3595127 A US3595127 A US 3595127A US 475627 A US475627 A US 475627A US 3595127D A US3595127D A US 3595127DA US 3595127 A US3595127 A US 3595127A
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Prior art keywords
pivot member
launching
opening
tubes
loading
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US475627A
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Arnold Stangl
Franz Pfister
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Bolkow GmbH
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Bolkow GmbH
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A23/00—Gun mountings, e.g. on vehicles; Disposition of guns on vehicles
    • F41A23/34—Gun mountings, e.g. on vehicles; Disposition of guns on vehicles on wheeled or endless-track vehicles
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A1/00—Missile propulsion characterised by the use of explosive or combustible propellant charges
    • F41A1/08—Recoilless guns, i.e. guns having propulsion means producing no recoil
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A23/00—Gun mountings, e.g. on vehicles; Disposition of guns on vehicles
    • F41A23/24—Turret gun mountings
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A23/00—Gun mountings, e.g. on vehicles; Disposition of guns on vehicles
    • F41A23/34—Gun mountings, e.g. on vehicles; Disposition of guns on vehicles on wheeled or endless-track vehicles
    • F41A23/42—Gun mountings, e.g. on vehicles; Disposition of guns on vehicles on wheeled or endless-track vehicles for rocket throwers
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A27/00—Gun mountings permitting traversing or elevating movement, e.g. gun carriages
    • F41A27/06—Mechanical systems
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A9/00—Feeding or loading of ammunition; Magazines; Guiding means for the extracting of cartridges
    • F41A9/38—Loading arrangements, i.e. for bringing the ammunition into the firing position
    • F41A9/45—Loading arrangements, i.e. for bringing the ammunition into the firing position the cartridge chamber or the barrel as a whole being tiltable or transversely slidable between a loading and a firing position
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H7/00—Armoured or armed vehicles
    • F41H7/02—Land vehicles with enclosing armour, e.g. tanks
    • F41H7/03—Air-pressurised compartments for crew; Means for preventing admission of noxious substances, e.g. combustion gas from gun barrels, in crew compartments; Sealing arrangements

Definitions

  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly Pflomy g- 1964- reaction-driven missiles comprising a substantially ball- Germany shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot [3 l] B 77943 member for pivotal movement about a first nonnally horizontal axis and about a second normally verticalaxis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively [54] DEVICE FOR LAUNCHING FLYING BODIES connected to pivotal mounting means for said pivot claims 4 Drawin F member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening U.S.
  • first and second launching tubes F41i23/00 being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said 0f 37, fir t and second launching tubes extends above said ball 45, 1-816, 126 member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading [561 defences CM opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap car- UNITED STATES PATENTS ried by said ball member and movable between a position clos- 299,218 5/1884 Gruson 89/36 ing said opening and a position opening said opening.
  • This invention relates in general to a weapons launcher, and in particular to a new and useful device for loading and firing weapons such as flying bodies from a launcher, particularly from a vehicle such as a tank.
  • the present invention has particular application in reference to a device for the firing and loading of reactiondriven flying bodies employing several guide tubes which are adapted to be located outside of the armor of a vehicle such as a tank.
  • Special requirements apply to the firing of reactiondriven flying bodies in respect to the discharge and deflecting away of the engine gases and. in respect to the loading procedure which should be effected in as protected and simple a manner as possible.
  • these requirements are fulfilled partly by providing a launching platform which shields an operating or servicing space and which includes a guide tube or launching tube bundle for the flying bodies which are arranged on a ball-shaped tube carrier or pivot member having a center point situated in the axis when the tubes are arranged to extend vertically.
  • the tube bundle can be swung or rocked both vertically and laterally.
  • it In order to reload the tube bundle, it must be rocked or tilted from a firing position by means of the cradle to a position at which the tube bundle extends vertically relative to the launching platform.
  • Each individual tube must then be brought into alignment with a loading arrangement which feeds rockets vertically relative to the launching platform.
  • vehicles When vehicles are fitted with such firing devices, they of course present an excellent target for the enemy and they can be readily recognized. This is due to the relatively large and high structure which can be seen from great distances and is particularly due to the tubes which during the loading procedure extend vertically above the operating space.
  • the prior art devices are limited for use with gyrostabilized flying bodies because it is difficult for the operator to consider and compensate for deviations between the gyro horizon and the natural horizon during movement of the vehicle. Such deviations result from the different coordinations required for all of the tubes of the tube bundle.
  • a weapons mounting and firing device particularly for armored vehicles such as tanks, which is adapted to be mounted in a compact manner in a shielded turret and which includes a plurality of guide tubes located outside the armor which may be shifted in orientation between loading and firing positions.
  • the inventive arrangement makes it possible to transfer several launching tubes or guide tubes or barrels for the weapons into desired predetermined positions without incurring the disadvantages of the prior art devices.
  • each of the guide tubes can be brought to a loading position in alignment or registry with a loading arrangement within the armored vehicle and then moved by automatic controls to a firing or discharge position.
  • the firing or discharge position of the tube may be set in relation to the vertical axis of the vehicle in order to compensate for any deviations from the normal of the vehicle attitude. lt is possible with the inventive device to fire from one tube while another one is being loaded.
  • the mounting device for an armored vehicle includes a ball-shaped armored portion which is rotatable in a socket defined in the vehicle.
  • the ball-shaped member includes a projecting portion which rotatably supports a plurality of launching tubes or barrels.
  • the ball-shaped member itself is pivotally mounted in the socket and may be rotated about an axis which is normally horizontal when the vehicle is horizontal.
  • the ball-shaped member is further pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis which is substantially vertical when the vehicle is in a vertical position. Control means are provided for shifting the ball-shaped mounting member about the horizontal and vertical axis for aiming purposes and for loading purposes.
  • the lowermost launching tube When the ballshaped member is positioned in a loading position, the lowermost launching tube will be aligned with an opening defined through the ball-shaped member to the interior of the vehicle to provide access means for loading the lowermost barrel from the interior of the vehicle by either an automatic or manual operation.
  • the tube After the tube is loaded with a flying body, it may be rotated to an uppermost firing position or to a position which is corrected in accordance with the axis of the vehicle, and at such location the open end of the launching tube will be located above the vehicle so that the propulsion gases will be blown clear.
  • two launching tubes are employed and they may be positioned so that one is located uppermost in a firing position and one is located lowermost in a position to align with a loading opening.
  • the tubes may also be oriented so that they extend laterally across the vehicle in which case each is presented below the top of the silhouette of the vehicle so that the vehicle does not present a high target.
  • guide tubes for the flying bodies which have a cross section which deviates from the round form. Between the inner wall of the guide tubes and the flying body there is thus space for connecting elements such as control cables and the like.
  • guiding tubes instead of guiding tubes, guiding rails or similar elements may of course be employed. In some instances it is desirable that the guide tubes are also made with armor plating.
  • a feature of the construction is that one of tubes for the flying body may be positioned in a loading position to permit protected feeding of the tube with a weapon from the interior of the vehicle through an opening which is defined in a ball member mounting the tubes and which extends to the interior of the vehicle.
  • the opening thus defined only aligns with the inner end of the tube to be loaded and is not exposed since it will normally always be covered by the inner end of one of the launching tubes or by a movable cover flap.
  • the ball-shaped member is also advantageously provided with a flat portion which assumes substantially a horizontal position when the loading opening of the ball member is aligned with one of the tubes.
  • the magazine for the flying bodies is advantageously maintained within the armored vehicle at a location such that it can be pivoted with the movement of the ball-shaped member for the purposes of orienting a flying body in a position for loading through the opening at all times.
  • drum magazines are provided for the automatic transfer and loading of the flying bodies into the tube in the loading position as required.
  • the flying bodies may be fired from the launching tubes either independently and separately or simultaneously if so desired.
  • the rotation as well as the pivotal movement of the guide tubes is controlled through control means such as hydraulic or electric connecting cables.
  • control means such as hydraulic or electric connecting cables.
  • a mounting for launching a weapon such as a flying body which includes a rotatable ball element which is adapted to be positioned in a socket of a launching station such as a vehicle, which ball element rotatably carries a plurality of launching tubes for the weapons and which is mounted in a manner such that it may be pivoted about horizontal and vertical axes for firing and loading.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a device for launching flying bodies from an armored vehicle such as a tank which includes a socket mounting comprising a ballshaped member which is rotatable in the socket about vertical and horizontal axes, said ball-shaped member carrying on an extension thereof in a rotatable manner two rocket-launching devices or guide tubes, an upper one and a lower one, with the lower one adapted to be positioned for alignment with a loading opening defined in the ball member and with the upper one adapted to be oriented above the vehicle for firing.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a flying body launching device for incorporation with a vehicle such as a tank which includes a plurality of guide means or launching tubes, one of which may be positioned for loading in a protected manner from the interior of the vehicle and another of which may be located in a position for firing.
  • a vehicle such as a tank which includes a plurality of guide means or launching tubes, one of which may be positioned for loading in a protected manner from the interior of the vehicle and another of which may be located in a position for firing.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide an armored vehicle such as a tank with means for launching weapons such as flying bodies from the tank which includes means for rotatably and pivotally mounting at least two rocket launching tubes or guides so that they may be sifted between and firing positions and may be loaded from the iptrigr of the tank and which further may be positioned so that do not extend above the top of the silhouette of the" tank for camouflage purposes.
  • a further object of the invention is to provide a vehigle hav' ing means for launching flying bodies and to provide a flying body launcher which are simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.
  • PEG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a tank hay ing a flying body or rocket launcher constructed in accordance with the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a partial side elevational and sectional perspective view of another embodiment of loading device for the flying body launcher.
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 are front elevational views of the embodiment of tank showing the launching tubes in two separate positions.
  • the invention embodied therein comprises a weapons launcher generally designated 50 shown in association with an armored vehicle such as a tank generally designated 52.
  • the weapons launcher includes two flying body guides or guide tubes 1 and 2 which are rigidly connected with each other by connecting plates 54 and which are rotatably mounted on rotatable bearings 3 and 4 on a projecting portion or conical extension 70 of a ball-shaped member or armored pivot member generally designated 7.
  • the ball-shaped member 7 is rotatable in a socket or hemispherical formation 8 defined in the armor 9 of the tank 52.
  • the socket 8 is advantageously formed at the upper end of a front wall of the tank 52.
  • the pivot member 7 is pivotally mounted on a pivot member 12 for rotation about a normally horizontal axis.
  • the pivot member 12 is supported on a pivotal top portion 130 of a pivot post 13.
  • a combination cover flap and supporting table 21 is rotatably mounted within the pivot member 7 and together with the ball-shaped member normally completely closes the opening defined around the exterior of the socket 8.
  • the combination flap and loading table 21 includes a flat wall portion or loading table 23 defining a loading table when the flap is opened to the position indicated in FIG. 1 in solid lines.
  • the combination flap a nd sup id? i l? nporting table 21 may be moved to a closed position by rocking a lever extension 2117 formed at an end of the combination flap and supporting table.
  • control means includes a hydraulic cylinder 15 having means (not shown) for admitting fluid to opposite ends of a piston (not shown) slidable therein for shifting a piston rod which is connected through a link 13b to the movable upper post portion 13a for shifting the latter about its vertical axis 14.
  • the control means also includes a setting rqgtor or hydraulic cylinder 16 which is connected through its gopnecting rod portion 16a for shifting the pivot member 7 about its substantially horizontal axis 12.
  • a fluid cylinder 22 is also connected through a connecting rod 220 for shifting the combination flap and table supporting member 21.
  • control means are provided for rotating the barrels l and 2 fronilthe position indicated in FIG. 1, in which the launching tube 1 is in a firing position and the launching tube 2 is position, to a position intermediate this position in 'wliich both tubes are located in substantially horizontal alignment as indicated in F l6. 4, or to a position at which the upper tube 1 is located for firing purposes with compensaQpn'beiug made for shifting of the axis of the vehicle. as indicated in HQ. 3.
  • the rotation of the pivot member 7 about the pivot aids l2 and about the axis 14 makes possible a lateral adjustment or sighting of the guide tubes 1 and 2 the'i'dtation of the guide tubes 1' and 2 about the axis 18 makes it possible to shift the tubes from the firing to the loading position,
  • the rotation of the tubes 1 and 2 is advantageously limited to so that the actuating mechanism may be simplifipd.
  • a machine gun 35 may advantageously be mounted centrally within the conical projection 7a of the ball-Shaped members 7 to fire concentrically between the tubes 3 2,
  • the guide tube 1 is in a firing position and the guide tube 3 is in registry with an opening 20 defined in the ball-shaped member by the movement of the combination flap and supporting table 21 from the dotted line position to the solid line position.
  • the loading table 23 is substantially horizontal and in alignment with the tube 2.
  • the loading table 23 facilitates the supply of flying bodies from a magazine 30 which is advantageously rotatably mounted in a magazine carrier 31.
  • the magazine carrier 31 is connected through a connecting piece 32 to the cradle 11 and is jointly rockable with the cradle ill during the shifting movement thereof. in this manner the loading procedure can always take place independently of the position of the cradle and independently of the firing position of one of the guide tubes 1 and 2.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown a loading device which is particularly suitable for manual or semiautomatic loading.
  • a loading device 26 which includes an arcuate slide 26 which is slidable relative to the socket element 8.
  • the slide 26 is moved into a position at which a loading opening 20' which is covered by a plate 24 is in registry with a guide tube 2' which is positioned in a loading position as indicated in F IG. 3.
  • diaphragms 27, which are located within a bore formed on an extension 25 of the slide are moved one after the other from a closing position to an open position by the insertion of the flying body into the center of the assembled diaphragms.
  • the inner end of the tubular portion is advantageously and formed into a funnel 29 for facilitating loading of the flying bodies.
  • the guide tube 2' is advantageously made with a substantially U-shaped lower wall with a flat upper wall. Between the inner portions of the wall 33 and the flying body 28 there is space for connections and guide elements which has been indicated schematically by the numeral 34 in FIG. 2.
  • the flying bodies 28 are of a type which are able to be started from transporting pipes or tubes 36 which may also be accommodated within the guide tube 2'. With a construction of this nature it is certain that the flying body will be inserted in the guide tube only in the correct correlation and direction.
  • Such connections and guide elements 34 may be provided between the guide tube 2' and the transporting pipe 36 also.
  • the guide tubes 1, l and 1'' are shown in a vertical correlation relative to the transverse axis of the vehicles 52 and and 10', respectively.
  • the arrangements correspond to one of several possible firing positions in which a loading guide tube may be positioned.
  • the tube 1' may extend above the armored vehicle 10, or, as positioned in FIG. 4, located entirely below the top surface of the vehicle.
  • the sighting tube 37 is retracted so that a vehicle 10', as indicated in FIG. 4, will present a low silhouette.
  • the guide tube 1' may be oriented substantially vertically in order to effect correct firing without compensation.
  • the position of the tube 1 is corrected, however, to the position indicated 1a in the event that the transverse axis of the vehicle extends in an inclined direction relative to the horizon, as indicated in FIG. 3 by the dash-dotted horizontal line 40a.
  • the deviation of the gyro horizon of the flying body from the natural horizon can be compensated in a simple manner without any additional means be rocking the guide tube ll to the position in at which it would extend substantially perpendicular to the line 40a.
  • the front silhouette of the armored vehicle 10' remains low with the guide tubes 1" and 2" arranged in substantially lateral alignment.
  • the connecting line i9 is indicated as being the connection for the control means for setting each of the adjustable electrical or hydraulic elements 15, 16, 17 and 22. All of these elements are advantageously controlled by a common control station and preferably in dependence on the movement of the target device or the sighting device 37.
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second normally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extend above said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and a position opening said opening.
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second nonnally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extends above said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and opening said opening, said closure flap including a flat plate portion alignable with the bottom of the tube aligned with the opening thereof in a loading position for
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a pivot member having a pro jecting portion with a loading opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, means for pivoting said member about said first and second axes, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position to a second position at which said tubes are posi tioned in a reverse manner, and a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the loading opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a plate
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with a loading opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, means for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, first and second flying body launching tubes, means rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the loading opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with an opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with an opening defined therethrough below said project ing portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for ivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis including a fixed column mounted within said armored vehicle and a pivotal column carrying said ball member and pivotal on said fixed column, means for pivoting said pivotal column including a fluid pressure cylinder and a piston slidable therein having a connecting rod connected to said pivotal column for pivoting said column in accordance with displacement of said piston in said cylinder, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a pivot member having a projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for rotation about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, a plurality of flying body launching guides rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member, and control means operatively connected to said first and second pivotal mounting means for shifting said ball member about said first and second axes and connected to said launching tubes for rotating said launching tubes, said pivot member having a tubular inner extension with an outer opening, and diaphragm means in said tubular extension closing the interior thereof, said diaphragm means including separable diaphragms which are displaceable upon entrance of a flying body through the bore thereof for loading into a launching tube.
  • a device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles comprising a ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for rotation about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, a plurality of flying body launching guides rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member, and control means operatively connected to said first and second pivotal mounting means for shifting said ball member about said first and second axes and connected to said launching tubes for rotating said launching tubes, said pivot member having a tubular inner extension with an outer opening and an inner flared loading portion, and diaphragm means in said tubular extension closing the interior thereof, said diaphragm means including separable diaphragms which are displaceable upon entrance of a flying body through the bore thereof for loading into a launching tube.
  • An armored vehicle comprising a body of relatively low height, wheel means for propelling said body over the ground, said body having a wall with an armored socket portion with an opening, a substantially ball-shaped pivot member pivotally mounted within said socket portion and closing the opening, said pivot member being pivotal about a first normally horizontal axis and a second normally vertical axis, said pivot member having a projecting portion, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member for positioning one of said launching tubes above the top of said vehicle body in a position for firing and for positioning another of said launching tubes below the top of said vehicle body in a loading position, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough and communicating with the interior of said tank body which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position, and a flap member carried by said ball-shaped member and pivotal between a position opening the loading opening and a position closing the loading opening.
  • An armored vehicle comprising a body of relatively low height, wheel means for propelling said body over the ground, said body having a forward sloping wall with an armored socket portion having a socket opening, a substantially balishaped pivot member pivotally mounted within said socket portion and closing the socket opening, said pivot member being pivotal about a first normally horizontal axis and a second normally vertical axis, said pivot member having a projecting portion, at least one first and one second flying body launching guide rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member for positioning one of said launching guides above the top of said vehicle body in a position for firing, and another of said launching guides below the top of said vehicle body in a loading position, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough for alignment with the launching tube in a loading position, and a flap member carried by said ball-shaped pivot member and pivotal between a position opening the loading opening and a position closing the loading opening, said flap including a flat plate portion extending inwardly from said opening when the flap is opening the

Abstract

1. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reactiondriven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second normally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extends above said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and a position opening said opening.

Description

United States Patent [72] Inventors Arnold Stangl 1,183,050 /1916 Valler et a1. 89/37 (K) Munich; 2,137,612 11/1938 l-ligson 89/126 7 Franz PflsterJloehstadt, both of, Germany 2,559,714 7/1951 Duplessis.. 89/37 [211 App]. No. 475,627 2,566,390 9/1951 Weber 89/l.804 [22] filed July 1965 Primary Examiner-Samuel W. Engle [45 Paemed July Altomey-McGlew and Toren [73] Assignee Bolkow Gesellschait mit Beschranktec Haftung .Qtmh Munich, Germany CLAIM: l. A device for launching flying bodies particularly Pflomy g- 1964- reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball- Germany shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot [3 l] B 77943 member for pivotal movement about a first nonnally horizontal axis and about a second normally verticalaxis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively [54] DEVICE FOR LAUNCHING FLYING BODIES connected to pivotal mounting means for said pivot claims 4 Drawin F member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening U.S. defined the eth 'ough below the pivotal mounting 0f Said 39/L316, 39/33 MC, 89/37 39/40 89/41 B launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes F41i23/00 being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said 0f 37, fir t and second launching tubes extends above said ball 45, 1-816, 126 member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading [561 defences CM opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap car- UNITED STATES PATENTS ried by said ball member and movable between a position clos- 299,218 5/1884 Gruson 89/36 ing said opening and a position opening said opening.
---- is 21b 8 16a 15 15 l a A 1/ M I PATENTED JUL 2 7 I971 sum 2 or z INVENTORS Arnold StangLFranz Pfister ATTORNEYS DEVICE FOR LAUNCHllNG FLYING BODIES This invention relates in general to a weapons launcher, and in particular to a new and useful device for loading and firing weapons such as flying bodies from a launcher, particularly from a vehicle such as a tank.
The present invention has particular application in reference to a device for the firing and loading of reactiondriven flying bodies employing several guide tubes which are adapted to be located outside of the armor of a vehicle such as a tank. Special requirements apply to the firing of reactiondriven flying bodies in respect to the discharge and deflecting away of the engine gases and. in respect to the loading procedure which should be effected in as protected and simple a manner as possible. In known rocket launchers these requirements are fulfilled partly by providing a launching platform which shields an operating or servicing space and which includes a guide tube or launching tube bundle for the flying bodies which are arranged on a ball-shaped tube carrier or pivot member having a center point situated in the axis when the tubes are arranged to extend vertically. In such an arrangement the tube bundle can be swung or rocked both vertically and laterally. In order to reload the tube bundle, it must be rocked or tilted from a firing position by means of the cradle to a position at which the tube bundle extends vertically relative to the launching platform. Each individual tube must then be brought into alignment with a loading arrangement which feeds rockets vertically relative to the launching platform. When vehicles are fitted with such firing devices, they of course present an excellent target for the enemy and they can be readily recognized. This is due to the relatively large and high structure which can be seen from great distances and is particularly due to the tubes which during the loading procedure extend vertically above the operating space. While it is true with such devices that normally several tubes loaded with rockets will be ready for firing at the same time, such an advantage is only effective when unguided rockets are used against aerial targets. However, such devices are not advantageous when individual targets are to be attacked by means of remotely controlled flying bodies. Particularly in the latter case, the necessity for reloading a tube by rocking the tube bundle from a ready or fire position into a predetermined loading position is a disadvantage. Thus, even though some of the tubes may be loaded, the complete tube bundle must be rocked from a firing position to a loading position in order to load any of the tubes which have already been fired.
The prior art devices are limited for use with gyrostabilized flying bodies because it is difficult for the operator to consider and compensate for deviations between the gyro horizon and the natural horizon during movement of the vehicle. Such deviations result from the different coordinations required for all of the tubes of the tube bundle.
in accordance with the invention there is provided a weapons mounting and firing device, particularly for armored vehicles such as tanks, which is adapted to be mounted in a compact manner in a shielded turret and which includes a plurality of guide tubes located outside the armor which may be shifted in orientation between loading and firing positions. The inventive arrangement makes it possible to transfer several launching tubes or guide tubes or barrels for the weapons into desired predetermined positions without incurring the disadvantages of the prior art devices. Thus, each of the guide tubes can be brought to a loading position in alignment or registry with a loading arrangement within the armored vehicle and then moved by automatic controls to a firing or discharge position. The firing or discharge position of the tube may be set in relation to the vertical axis of the vehicle in order to compensate for any deviations from the normal of the vehicle attitude. lt is possible with the inventive device to fire from one tube while another one is being loaded.
In a preferred arrangement, the mounting device for an armored vehicle includes a ball-shaped armored portion which is rotatable in a socket defined in the vehicle. The ball-shaped member includes a projecting portion which rotatably supports a plurality of launching tubes or barrels. The ball-shaped member itself is pivotally mounted in the socket and may be rotated about an axis which is normally horizontal when the vehicle is horizontal. In addition, the ball-shaped member is further pivotally mounted for rotation about an axis which is substantially vertical when the vehicle is in a vertical position. Control means are provided for shifting the ball-shaped mounting member about the horizontal and vertical axis for aiming purposes and for loading purposes. When the ballshaped member is positioned in a loading position, the lowermost launching tube will be aligned with an opening defined through the ball-shaped member to the interior of the vehicle to provide access means for loading the lowermost barrel from the interior of the vehicle by either an automatic or manual operation. After the tube is loaded with a flying body, it may be rotated to an uppermost firing position or to a position which is corrected in accordance with the axis of the vehicle, and at such location the open end of the launching tube will be located above the vehicle so that the propulsion gases will be blown clear.
in a preferred arrangement, two launching tubes are employed and they may be positioned so that one is located uppermost in a firing position and one is located lowermost in a position to align with a loading opening. The tubes may also be oriented so that they extend laterally across the vehicle in which case each is presented below the top of the silhouette of the vehicle so that the vehicle does not present a high target.
It is preferable to provide guide tubes for the flying bodies which have a cross section which deviates from the round form. Between the inner wall of the guide tubes and the flying body there is thus space for connecting elements such as control cables and the like. instead of guiding tubes, guiding rails or similar elements may of course be employed. In some instances it is desirable that the guide tubes are also made with armor plating.
A feature of the construction is that one of tubes for the flying body may be positioned in a loading position to permit protected feeding of the tube with a weapon from the interior of the vehicle through an opening which is defined in a ball member mounting the tubes and which extends to the interior of the vehicle. The opening thus defined only aligns with the inner end of the tube to be loaded and is not exposed since it will normally always be covered by the inner end of one of the launching tubes or by a movable cover flap. The ball-shaped member is also advantageously provided with a flat portion which assumes substantially a horizontal position when the loading opening of the ball member is aligned with one of the tubes. The magazine for the flying bodies is advantageously maintained within the armored vehicle at a location such that it can be pivoted with the movement of the ball-shaped member for the purposes of orienting a flying body in a position for loading through the opening at all times. Preferably drum magazines are provided for the automatic transfer and loading of the flying bodies into the tube in the loading position as required. The flying bodies may be fired from the launching tubes either independently and separately or simultaneously if so desired.
In accordance with a further feature of the invention, the rotation as well as the pivotal movement of the guide tubes is controlled through control means such as hydraulic or electric connecting cables. The rotational arc of movement in the embodiment of the invention using two rocket tubes is advantageously limited to about a and takes place alternatingly. By such an alternating arrangement it is possible to provide transmission and electrical connections which may be very simple.
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a mounting for launching a weapon such as a flying body which includes a rotatable ball element which is adapted to be positioned in a socket of a launching station such as a vehicle, which ball element rotatably carries a plurality of launching tubes for the weapons and which is mounted in a manner such that it may be pivoted about horizontal and vertical axes for firing and loading.
A further object of the invention is to provide a device for launching flying bodies from an armored vehicle such as a tank which includes a socket mounting comprising a ballshaped member which is rotatable in the socket about vertical and horizontal axes, said ball-shaped member carrying on an extension thereof in a rotatable manner two rocket-launching devices or guide tubes, an upper one and a lower one, with the lower one adapted to be positioned for alignment with a loading opening defined in the ball member and with the upper one adapted to be oriented above the vehicle for firing.
A further object of the invention is to provide a flying body launching device for incorporation with a vehicle such as a tank which includes a plurality of guide means or launching tubes, one of which may be positioned for loading in a protected manner from the interior of the vehicle and another of which may be located in a position for firing.
A further object of the invention is to provide an armored vehicle such as a tank with means for launching weapons such as flying bodies from the tank which includes means for rotatably and pivotally mounting at least two rocket launching tubes or guides so that they may be sifted between and firing positions and may be loaded from the iptrigr of the tank and which further may be positioned so that do not extend above the top of the silhouette of the" tank for camouflage purposes.
A further object of the invention is to provide a vehigle hav' ing means for launching flying bodies and to provide a flying body launcher which are simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.
The various features of novelty which ch ention are pointed out with particularity in c lajrgs annexed to and forming a part of this specification? a'bettcr understanding of the invention, its operating advg'gtages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embpdiments of the invention.
In the drawings:
PEG. 1 is a partial longitudinal sectional view of a tank hay ing a flying body or rocket launcher constructed in accordance with the invention;
FIG. 2 is a partial side elevational and sectional perspective view of another embodiment of loading device for the flying body launcher; and
FIGS. 3 and 4 are front elevational views of the embodiment of tank showing the launching tubes in two separate positions.
Referring to the drawings in particular, the invention embodied therein comprises a weapons launcher generally designated 50 shown in association with an armored vehicle such as a tank generally designated 52. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. l, the weapons launcher includes two flying body guides or guide tubes 1 and 2 which are rigidly connected with each other by connecting plates 54 and which are rotatably mounted on rotatable bearings 3 and 4 on a projecting portion or conical extension 70 of a ball-shaped member or armored pivot member generally designated 7. The ball-shaped member 7 is rotatable in a socket or hemispherical formation 8 defined in the armor 9 of the tank 52. The socket 8 is advantageously formed at the upper end of a front wall of the tank 52.
In accordance with the invention the pivot member 7 is pivotally mounted on a pivot member 12 for rotation about a normally horizontal axis. The pivot member 12 is supported on a pivotal top portion 130 of a pivot post 13. A combination cover flap and supporting table 21 is rotatably mounted within the pivot member 7 and together with the ball-shaped member normally completely closes the opening defined around the exterior of the socket 8. The combination flap and loading table 21 includes a flat wall portion or loading table 23 defining a loading table when the flap is opened to the position indicated in FIG. 1 in solid lines. The combination flap a nd sup id? i l? nporting table 21 may be moved to a closed position by rocking a lever extension 2117 formed at an end of the combination flap and supporting table.
in accordance with the invention suitable controls are provided for effecting the shifting of the upper post member 13a to rotate the post member 7 about a vertical axis 14, to shift the pivot member 7 about the horizontal axis 12 and to shift the combination cover flap and supporting table 21 about the axis 12. In the embodiment illustrated, the control means includes a hydraulic cylinder 15 having means (not shown) for admitting fluid to opposite ends of a piston (not shown) slidable therein for shifting a piston rod which is connected through a link 13b to the movable upper post portion 13a for shifting the latter about its vertical axis 14. The control means also includes a setting rqgtor or hydraulic cylinder 16 which is connected through its gopnecting rod portion 16a for shifting the pivot member 7 about its substantially horizontal axis 12. A fluid cylinder 22 is also connected through a connecting rod 220 for shifting the combination flap and table supporting member 21. In addition, control means are provided for rotating the barrels l and 2 fronilthe position indicated in FIG. 1, in which the launching tube 1 is in a firing position and the launching tube 2 is position, to a position intermediate this position in 'wliich both tubes are located in substantially horizontal alignment as indicated in F l6. 4, or to a position at which the upper tube 1 is located for firing purposes with compensaQpn'beiug made for shifting of the axis of the vehicle. as indicated in HQ. 3. The rotation of the pivot member 7 about the pivot aids l2 and about the axis 14 makes possible a lateral adjustment or sighting of the guide tubes 1 and 2 the'i'dtation of the guide tubes 1' and 2 about the axis 18 makes it possible to shift the tubes from the firing to the loading position, The rotation of the tubes 1 and 2 is advantageously limited to so that the actuating mechanism may be simplifipd. A machine gun 35 may advantageously be mounted centrally within the conical projection 7a of the ball-Shaped members 7 to fire concentrically between the tubes 3 2,
As indicated in FIG. 3, the guide tube 1 is in a firing position and the guide tube 3 is in registry with an opening 20 defined in the ball-shaped member by the movement of the combination flap and supporting table 21 from the dotted line position to the solid line position. in the open position indicated, the loading table 23 is substantially horizontal and in alignment with the tube 2. The loading table 23 facilitates the supply of flying bodies from a magazine 30 which is advantageously rotatably mounted in a magazine carrier 31. The magazine carrier 31 is connected through a connecting piece 32 to the cradle 11 and is jointly rockable with the cradle ill during the shifting movement thereof. in this manner the loading procedure can always take place independently of the position of the cradle and independently of the firing position of one of the guide tubes 1 and 2.
in the embodiment indicated in FIG. 2, there is shown a loading device which is particularly suitable for manual or semiautomatic loading. In this embodiment no loading flap 21 is provided but instead there is a loading device 26 which includes an arcuate slide 26 which is slidable relative to the socket element 8. For the loading operation the slide 26 is moved into a position at which a loading opening 20' which is covered by a plate 24 is in registry with a guide tube 2' which is positioned in a loading position as indicated in F IG. 3.
During the loading procedure, diaphragms 27, which are located within a bore formed on an extension 25 of the slide are moved one after the other from a closing position to an open position by the insertion of the flying body into the center of the assembled diaphragms. As the flying body is moved against the diaphragms, they are deflected outwardly and when the flying body 'gsirnoved through the two diaphragm sets, they automatically close. The inner end of the tubular portion is advantageously and formed into a funnel 29 for facilitating loading of the flying bodies.
As indicated in FIG. 2, the guide tube 2' is advantageously made with a substantially U-shaped lower wall with a flat upper wall. Between the inner portions of the wall 33 and the flying body 28 there is space for connections and guide elements which has been indicated schematically by the numeral 34 in FIG. 2. In some instances the flying bodies 28 are of a type which are able to be started from transporting pipes or tubes 36 which may also be accommodated within the guide tube 2'. With a construction of this nature it is certain that the flying body will be inserted in the guide tube only in the correct correlation and direction.
Such connections and guide elements 34 may be provided between the guide tube 2' and the transporting pipe 36 also.
In the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 the guide tubes 1, l and 1'', respectively, are shown in a vertical correlation relative to the transverse axis of the vehicles 52 and and 10', respectively. The arrangements correspond to one of several possible firing positions in which a loading guide tube may be positioned. As indicated in FIG. 3, the tube 1' may extend above the armored vehicle 10, or, as positioned in FIG. 4, located entirely below the top surface of the vehicle. When the guide tube 1' is located above the vehicle, as indicated in FIG. 3, the gases from the flying body will not impinge on the armored vehicle. To present a low silhouette, the sighting tube 37, as indicated in FIG. 3, is retracted so that a vehicle 10', as indicated in FIG. 4, will present a low silhouette.
When the vehicle 10 in FIG. 3 is oriented so that its horizontal axis corresponds to the true horizontal axis as indicated at 40, then the guide tube 1' may be oriented substantially vertically in order to effect correct firing without compensation. The position of the tube 1 is corrected, however, to the position indicated 1a in the event that the transverse axis of the vehicle extends in an inclined direction relative to the horizon, as indicated in FIG. 3 by the dash-dotted horizontal line 40a. In such instance, the deviation of the gyro horizon of the flying body from the natural horizon can be compensated in a simple manner without any additional means be rocking the guide tube ll to the position in at which it would extend substantially perpendicular to the line 40a.
As indicated in FIG. 4, the front silhouette of the armored vehicle 10' remains low with the guide tubes 1" and 2" arranged in substantially lateral alignment.
In FIG. 1 the connecting line i9 is indicated as being the connection for the control means for setting each of the adjustable electrical or hydraulic elements 15, 16, 17 and 22. All of these elements are advantageously controlled by a common control station and preferably in dependence on the movement of the target device or the sighting device 37.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied otherwise without departing from such principles.
What I claim is:
1. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second normally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extend above said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and a position opening said opening.
2. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second nonnally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extends above said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and opening said opening, said closure flap including a flat plate portion alignable with the bottom of the tube aligned with the opening thereof in a loading position for facilitating the movement of a guided missile over the flat plate portion and into the launching tube.
3. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a pivot member having a pro jecting portion with a loading opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, means for pivoting said member about said first and second axes, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position to a second position at which said tubes are posi tioned in a reverse manner, and a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the loading opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said ball member.
4. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with a loading opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, means for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, first and second flying body launching tubes, means rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the loading opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said ball member, a magazine for flying bodies located adjacent said ball member on the interior of said armored vehicle pivoted to said pivot member for orienting the flying bodies carried thereby in alignment with the opening in said pivot member for loading into a launching tube.
5. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with an opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said ball member, a magazine for flying bodies located adjacent said ball member on the interior of said armored vehicle, a socket member of armored material surrounding said ball member, said magazine being pivoted to said ball member for orienting the flying bodies carried thereby in alignment with the opening in said ball member for loading into a launching tube, and means for pivoting said ball member about its first and second including fluid pressure cylinder and piston means.
6. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with an opening defined therethrough below said project ing portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for ivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis including a fixed column mounted within said armored vehicle and a pivotal column carrying said ball member and pivotal on said fixed column, means for pivoting said pivotal column including a fluid pressure cylinder and a piston slidable therein having a connecting rod connected to said pivotal column for pivoting said column in accordance with displacement of said piston in said cylinder, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said pivot member, a magazine for flying bodies located adjacent said ball member on the interior of said armored vehicle being pivoted to said ball member for orienting the flying bodies carried thereby in alignment with the opening in said ball member for loading into a launching tube, means for pivoting said ball member about its first axis including fluid pressure cylinder and piston means, and a machine gun mounted in said projecting portion and aimed centrally between said flying body launching tubes.
7. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a pivot member having a projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for rotation about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, a plurality of flying body launching guides rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member, and control means operatively connected to said first and second pivotal mounting means for shifting said ball member about said first and second axes and connected to said launching tubes for rotating said launching tubes, said pivot member having a tubular inner extension with an outer opening, and diaphragm means in said tubular extension closing the interior thereof, said diaphragm means including separable diaphragms which are displaceable upon entrance of a flying body through the bore thereof for loading into a launching tube.
8. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for rotation about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, a plurality of flying body launching guides rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member, and control means operatively connected to said first and second pivotal mounting means for shifting said ball member about said first and second axes and connected to said launching tubes for rotating said launching tubes, said pivot member having a tubular inner extension with an outer opening and an inner flared loading portion, and diaphragm means in said tubular extension closing the interior thereof, said diaphragm means including separable diaphragms which are displaceable upon entrance of a flying body through the bore thereof for loading into a launching tube.
9. An armored vehicle comprising a body of relatively low height, wheel means for propelling said body over the ground, said body having a wall with an armored socket portion with an opening, a substantially ball-shaped pivot member pivotally mounted within said socket portion and closing the opening, said pivot member being pivotal about a first normally horizontal axis and a second normally vertical axis, said pivot member having a projecting portion, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member for positioning one of said launching tubes above the top of said vehicle body in a position for firing and for positioning another of said launching tubes below the top of said vehicle body in a loading position, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough and communicating with the interior of said tank body which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position, and a flap member carried by said ball-shaped member and pivotal between a position opening the loading opening and a position closing the loading opening.
10. An armored vehicle comprising a body of relatively low height, wheel means for propelling said body over the ground, said body having a forward sloping wall with an armored socket portion having a socket opening, a substantially balishaped pivot member pivotally mounted within said socket portion and closing the socket opening, said pivot member being pivotal about a first normally horizontal axis and a second normally vertical axis, said pivot member having a projecting portion, at least one first and one second flying body launching guide rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member for positioning one of said launching guides above the top of said vehicle body in a position for firing, and another of said launching guides below the top of said vehicle body in a loading position, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough for alignment with the launching tube in a loading position, and a flap member carried by said ball-shaped pivot member and pivotal between a position opening the loading opening and a position closing the loading opening, said flap including a flat plate portion extending inwardly from said opening when the flap is opening the loading opening to permit loading of said launching guide from the interior of said armored vehicle.

Claims (10)

1. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reactiondriven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second normally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extend above said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and a position opening said opening.
2. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member, means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivotal movement about a first normally horizontal axis and about a second normally vertical axis, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on said pivot member, control means operatively connected to said pivotal mounting means for said pivot member for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough below the pivotal mounting of said launching tubes thereon, said first and second launching tubes being rotatable between a firing position at which one of said first and second launching tubes extends aboVe said ball member and a loading position at which one of said first and second loading tubes extends in alignment with the loading opening defined in said ball member, and a closure flap carried by said ball member and movable between a position closing said opening and opening said opening, said closure flap including a flat plate portion alignable with the bottom of the tube aligned with the opening thereof in a loading position for facilitating the movement of a guided missile over the flat plate portion and into the launching tube.
3. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a pivot member having a projecting portion with a loading opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, means for pivoting said member about said first and second axes, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, and a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the loading opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said ball member.
4. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with a loading opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, means for pivoting said pivot member about said first and second axes, first and second flying body launching tubes, means rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the loading opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said ball member, a magazine for flying bodies located adjacent said ball member on the interior of said armored vehicle pivoted to said pivot member for orienting the flying bodies carried thereby in alignment with the opening in said pivot member for loading into a launching tube.
5. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with an opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launchiNg tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said ball member, a magazine for flying bodies located adjacent said ball member on the interior of said armored vehicle, a socket member of armored material surrounding said ball member, said magazine being pivoted to said ball member for orienting the flying bodies carried thereby in alignment with the opening in said ball member for loading into a launching tube, and means for pivoting said ball member about its first and second including fluid pressure cylinder and piston means.
6. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a substantially ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion with an opening defined therethrough below said projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis including a fixed column mounted within said armored vehicle and a pivotal column carrying said ball member and pivotal on said fixed column, means for pivoting said pivotal column including a fluid pressure cylinder and a piston slidable therein having a connecting rod connected to said pivotal column for pivoting said column in accordance with displacement of said piston in said cylinder, first and second flying body launching tubes, means connecting said flying body launching tubes together and rotatably mounting said tubes on the projecting portion of said pivot member, said first and second tubes being rotatable between a first position at which one of said first and second tubes extends above said projecting member in a firing position and one of said tubes is located below said projecting portion in alignment with the opening in said ball member in a loading position, to a second position at which said tubes are positioned in a reverse manner, a closure flap carried by said pivot member and slidably movable to close the opening in said pivot member, said closure flap including a flat plate portion which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position when said flap is in a position opening the opening in said pivot member, a magazine for flying bodies located adjacent said ball member on the interior of said armored vehicle being pivoted to said ball member for orienting the flying bodies carried thereby in alignment with the opening in said ball member for loading into a launching tube, means for pivoting said ball member about its first axis including fluid pressure cylinder and piston means, and a machine gun mounted in said projecting portion and aimed centrally between said flying body launching tubes.
7. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a pivot member having a projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for rotation about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, a plurality of flying body launching guides rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member, and control means operatively connected to said first and second pivotal mounting means for shifting said ball member about said first and second axes and Connected to said launching tubes for rotating said launching tubes, said pivot member having a tubular inner extension with an outer opening, and diaphragm means in said tubular extension closing the interior thereof, said diaphragm means including separable diaphragms which are displaceable upon entrance of a flying body through the bore thereof for loading into a launching tube.
8. A device for launching flying bodies particularly reaction-driven missiles, comprising a ball-shaped pivot member having a substantially conical projecting portion, first means pivotally mounting said pivot member for rotation about a first normally horizontal axis, second means pivotally mounting said pivot member for pivoting about a second normally vertical axis, a plurality of flying body launching guides rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member, and control means operatively connected to said first and second pivotal mounting means for shifting said ball member about said first and second axes and connected to said launching tubes for rotating said launching tubes, said pivot member having a tubular inner extension with an outer opening and an inner flared loading portion, and diaphragm means in said tubular extension closing the interior thereof, said diaphragm means including separable diaphragms which are displaceable upon entrance of a flying body through the bore thereof for loading into a launching tube.
9. An armored vehicle comprising a body of relatively low height, wheel means for propelling said body over the ground, said body having a wall with an armored socket portion with an opening, a substantially ball-shaped pivot member pivotally mounted within said socket portion and closing the opening, said pivot member being pivotal about a first normally horizontal axis and a second normally vertical axis, said pivot member having a projecting portion, at least one first and one second flying body launching tube rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member for positioning one of said launching tubes above the top of said vehicle body in a position for firing and for positioning another of said launching tubes below the top of said vehicle body in a loading position, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough and communicating with the interior of said tank body which aligns with the launching tube in a loading position, and a flap member carried by said ball-shaped member and pivotal between a position opening the loading opening and a position closing the loading opening.
10. An armored vehicle comprising a body of relatively low height, wheel means for propelling said body over the ground, said body having a forward sloping wall with an armored socket portion having a socket opening, a substantially ball-shaped pivot member pivotally mounted within said socket portion and closing the socket opening, said pivot member being pivotal about a first normally horizontal axis and a second normally vertical axis, said pivot member having a projecting portion, at least one first and one second flying body launching guide rotatably mounted on a projecting portion of said pivot member for positioning one of said launching guides above the top of said vehicle body in a position for firing, and another of said launching guides below the top of said vehicle body in a loading position, said pivot member having a loading opening defined therethrough for alignment with the launching tube in a loading position, and a flap member carried by said ball-shaped pivot member and pivotal between a position opening the loading opening and a position closing the loading opening, said flap including a flat plate portion extending inwardly from said opening when the flap is opening the loading opening to permit loading of said launching guide from the interior of said armored vehicle.
US475627A 1964-08-01 1965-07-26 Device for launching flying bodies Expired - Lifetime US3595127A (en)

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DEB77943A DE977819C (en) 1964-08-01 1964-08-01 Firing and loading device for recoil-propelled missiles with several guide tubes

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US20060006121A1 (en) * 2004-07-08 2006-01-12 Simpson Gregory D Synergistic composition and method for odor control
US10788284B1 (en) 2019-05-09 2020-09-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Grounded and vehicular mounted weapons with improved recoil stability
US11110362B2 (en) * 2018-10-30 2021-09-07 Tomy Company, Ltd. Spinning top launching device

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DE3341875A1 (en) * 1983-11-19 1985-05-30 Krauss-Maffei AG, 8000 München Apparatus for the loading of ammunition

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US2137612A (en) * 1936-05-13 1938-11-22 Vickers Armstrong Ltd Machine gun and automatic small arms
US2566390A (en) * 1945-09-06 1951-09-04 Jr Matt J Weber Self-propelled rocket launcher
US2559714A (en) * 1946-06-27 1951-07-10 United Shoe Machinery Corp Gun turret

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060006121A1 (en) * 2004-07-08 2006-01-12 Simpson Gregory D Synergistic composition and method for odor control
US20070241062A9 (en) * 2004-07-08 2007-10-18 Simpson Gregory D Synergistic composition and method for odor control
US11110362B2 (en) * 2018-10-30 2021-09-07 Tomy Company, Ltd. Spinning top launching device
US10788284B1 (en) 2019-05-09 2020-09-29 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Grounded and vehicular mounted weapons with improved recoil stability

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GB1217481A (en) 1970-12-31
DE977819C (en) 1971-01-21

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