Release and alignment mechanism for jet-propelled projectiles.

摘要

A projectile release mechanism is disclosed for facilitating launching a jet-propelled projectile in the form of a spherical spin-stabilized missile. The mechanism includes a nozzle extending from the projectile, including fusible joint means for heating by high-temperature exhaust gases expelled by the projectile to release the projectile. A projectile support includes an open-ended receptacle generally coaxial with the nozzle for receiving the nozzle and thereby supporting the projectile. Forwardly and rearwardly facing shoulders on the support engage complementary rearwardly and forwardly facing shoulders on the nozzle for retaining the nozzle in the receptacle and permitting fore and aft sections of the nozzle to move out of the open ends of the receptacle on fusing and separation of the fusible joint means. The forwardly facing shoulder on the support means and the rearwardly facing shoulder on the nozzle comprise conical sections generally concentric with the axis of the nozzle. Springs are operatively associated with the nozzle and are effective to maintain the shoulder portions in engagement until complete separation of the fusible joint, thereby accommodating any thermal expansion of the nozzle.