US3735668A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Missile launch control system
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1970-12-10
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Granted: 1973-05-29
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Expires: 1990-12-10
Abstract
Abstract A control system for launching missiles from aircraft wherein said missiles are automatically prepared and fired in either an individual or ripple fire sequence, particularly embodying logical mechanisms for arming and firing said missiles in predetermined sequence, including the arming and firing of said missiles in an alternate sequence when individual missiles are missing from their firing positions.
Inventors
- 👤 L Langlois
- 👤 R Tadaki
- 👤 J Ellis
- 👤 R Stevens
- 👤 R Leech
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 15:48
CPC Classifications
F; F41; F41A; F41A19/00; F41A19/58; F41A19/64; F41A19/65
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
On a vehicle having a plurality of missile launching pylons, each supporting a plurality of missile launchers, some of said launchers having missiles thereon of the type which require that an arming signal be applied a preselected time interval before launching, a control system for delivering arming and firing signals to said missiles, comprising: substantially identical control circuits on each pylon; a sequencer for delivering select signals consecutively to different ones of said missiles, said sequencer being operatively connected to assure that consecutively selected missiles are on different pylons; means for producing arming signals, and for directing them through said sequencer to the control circuit upon the selected pylon which corresponds to the selected missile; means for delivering firing signals to said control circuits at said pylons; and wherein said control circuit upon said selected pylon includes means for ensuring that only one missile at each pylon may be armed at any one time, means for delivering said arming signal to an alternate missile when said selected missile is not in its launcher, means for delivering said arming signal to an alternate missile when said selected missile has previously had a firing signal applied thereto and had failed to launch, and means for delivering said firing signals only to missiles which have had an arming signal applied thereto for at least said preselected time interval.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
On a vehicle having a plurality of missile launching pylons, each supporting a plurality of missile launchers, some of said launchers having missiles thereon of the type which require that an arming signal be applied a preselected time interval before launching, a control system for delivering arming and firing signals to said missiles, comprising: substantially identical control circuits on each pylon; a sequencer for delivering select signals consecutively to different ones of said missiles, said sequencer being operatively connected to assure that consecutively selected missiles are on different pylons; means for producing arming signals, and for directing them through said sequencer to the control circuit upon the selected pylon which corresponds to the selected missile; means for delivering firing signals to said control circuits at said pylons; and wherein said control circuit upon said selected pylon includes means for ensuring that only one missile at each pylon may be armed at any one time, means for delivering said arming signal to an alternate missile when said selected missile is not in its launcher, means for delivering said arming signal to an alternate missile when said selected missile has previously had a firing signal applied thereto and had failed to launch, and means for delivering said firing signals only to missiles which have had an arming signal applied thereto for at least said preselected time interval.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for disarming an armed missile upon said selected pylon if after a preselected period following the application of a firing signal thereto, said armed missile had not been launched.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
203 words
Apparatus for controlling the arming and firing of a plurality of missiles of the type which require that an arming signal be applied a preselected time interval prior to firing, sAid missiles being mounted upon a plurality of pylons upon a vehicle, and said apparatus comprising: means for consecutively delivering arming signals to one missile mounted upon each of said pylons, said delivering means including means for redirecting said arming signal to an alternate missile on said pylon when said selected missile is not in firing position, and means for inhibiting the delivery of arming signals to a missile which had previously had a firing signal applied thereto and has failed to launch; means for delivering firing signals consecutively to each of said missiles to which an arming signal had been applied after said preselected time interval has elasped since the application of an arming signal to each of said missiles, and said means for delivering including means for redirecting said firing signal to the particular missile on said pylon which is armed; means for delivering arming signals to a second missile upon each of said pylons after said previously armed missile has been fired; and means for selectively disarming previouly armed missiles.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
203 words
Apparatus for controlling the arming and firing of a plurality of missiles of the type which require that an arming signal be applied a preselected time interval prior to firing, sAid missiles being mounted upon a plurality of pylons upon a vehicle, and said apparatus comprising: means for consecutively delivering arming signals to one missile mounted upon each of said pylons, said delivering means including means for redirecting said arming signal to an alternate missile on said pylon when said selected missile is not in firing position, and means for inhibiting the delivery of arming signals to a missile which had previously had a firing signal applied thereto and has failed to launch; means for delivering firing signals consecutively to each of said missiles to which an arming signal had been applied after said preselected time interval has elasped since the application of an arming signal to each of said missiles, and said means for delivering including means for redirecting said firing signal to the particular missile on said pylon which is armed; means for delivering arming signals to a second missile upon each of said pylons after said previously armed missile has been fired; and means for selectively disarming previouly armed missiles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said means for selectively disarming previously armed missiles includes means for disarming an armed missile if after a preselected period following the application of a firing signal thereto, said missile had not been launched.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-28 | 1976-11-27 | 1977-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-28 | 1980-11-27 | 1981-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-28 | 1984-11-27 | 1985-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |