Missile launch apparatus

摘要

A deployment mechanism for deploying an optical fibre (14) on the launching of a missile (10) incorporating a coiled tubular spring (42) located at the rear of the missile through which the fibre (14) passes. The spring (42) serves to protect the fibre (14) from motor blast and also acts as a damper for the fibre as it begins to unwind on launch from a spool (12) carried on board the missile (10).