Launching apparatus and projectile

摘要

A projectile comprising a compressed gas cylinder (1) and a nose cone (2) are particularly suited to marine safety applications. Prior to deployment the projectile is mounted within a launcher (3, 4, 7, 8). When a trigger (4) is operated a valve (6) on the projectile is opened and compressed gas escapes from the cylinder (1) to propel the projectile out of the launcher. A range of 200 metre or more is easily obtained. The nose cone (2) of the projectile may be buoyant or may contain a buoyancy aid or raft which inflates on contact with water. Additionally or alternatively the projectile is provided with a tether (5). Unlike conventional explosive launchers, such apparatus may be operated by unskilled personnel and in hazardous environments such as oil rigs and avalanche zones.