摘要 |
A system for launching precision guided munitions (PGMs), artillery rockets/missiles, and cruise missiles from an aircraft includes a mobile unit having a storage compartment provided with a rack assembly arranged to define multiple tiers for storing munition ejection containers (MECs) therein. An elevator apparatus raises and lowers a tray between the tiers in order to load and remove the MECs from predetermined storage positions on the multiple tier rack assembly. Each MEC is structured to encapsulate one or more PGMs, artillery rockets/missiles, or cruise missiles and includes forward and rear end plates attached to longitudinal side panels. Pre-formed packing inserts protectively surround and stabilize the missile(s) contained in the MEC. An ejection ramp extends from the aft end of the mobile unit for individually directing the MECs through a cargo door of the aircraft for ejection therefrom. Once ejected, the MEC end plate unlocks, which causes the end plates, side panels, and packing inserts to be stripped from the encapsulated munition(s) by the wind blast, thereby enabling the PGMs, rockets, or missiles to assume an aerodynamic flight attitude while following a pre-programmed flight path to a designated target.
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