Missile launch apparatus

摘要

Apparatus suitable for the deployment of a fibre optic cable (14) from a missile (10) during launch includes a protective can (32) which encloses the spool (12) of fibre optic cable (14) and beacons (33 protecting both from any motor efflux. Wrapped around the outside of the can (32) is enough fibre optic cable to reach approximately half way down a launch tube (16). Once the rear of the missile (10) reaches approximately half way down the tube (16) the can is pulled off. 'Pit' pins (35) secure the can (32) to the missile (10) until cables (34) pull them out, and the can (32) off when taut as a result of the missile reaching half distance along the tube. At this point the cable (14) starts to pay out from the spool (12) with strain relief provided by an optional rear-mounted damper (18).