U.S. patent number 3,726,036 [Application Number 05/053,423] was granted by the patent office on 1973-04-10 for launch tube assembly.
Invention is credited to Keith J. Conklin, Norman L. Jennings.
United States Patent |
3,726,036 |
Jennings , et al. |
April 10, 1973 |
LAUNCH TUBE ASSEMBLY
Abstract
A launch assembly having a payload secured thereto so arranged
to be discharged from a gun, such as a conventional rifle. The
launch assembly is adapted to be mounted on the end of the barrel
and to utilize forces generated in firing of a bullet, or missile,
from the gun to effect the throwing of the payload. The assembly is
adapted for selective variation in the range of throwing thereof
under the control of the user. The launch assembly incorporates a
unique bullet trap device that safely and effectively captures the
propelled bullet.
Inventors: |
Jennings; Norman L. (Muskegon,
MI), Conklin; Keith J. (Muskegon, MI) |
Family
ID: |
21984116 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/053,423 |
Filed: |
July 9, 1970 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/105;
102/485 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B
30/06 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F42B
30/06 (20060101); F42B 30/00 (20060101); F41c
027/06 (); F42b 011/42 () |
Field of
Search: |
;42/1F ;102/65.2
;244/3.29 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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|
|
|
|
|
|
605,919 |
|
Jan 1960 |
|
IT |
|
591,485 |
|
Apr 1959 |
|
IT |
|
604,510 |
|
Jan 1926 |
|
FR |
|
742,470 |
|
Dec 1932 |
|
FR |
|
Primary Examiner: Borchelt; Benjamin A.
Assistant Examiner: Jordan; C. T.
Claims
We claim:
1. A launch tube assembly for use in throwing a payload by means of
a standard gun having a standard barrel arranged to discharge a
standard bullet from an end thereof, said assembly comprising:
a tubular housing having one end adapted to be coaxially mounted,
at the distal end of the exterior surface of the barrel end;
means for carrying the payload on the housing;
means disposed within the housing for catching and trapping the
bullet and translating a portion of the kinetic energy thereof into
forward throwing of at least a portion of said housing and the
payload carried thereby; and
resilient constrictible means positioned in said housing between
the distal ends of the barrel and the catching and trapping means
releasably engaging the interior of the distal end of the barrel
for effectively containing pyrotechnic combustion products therein
until the assembly moves substantially fully off the barrel
end.
2. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said translating means
further defines means for translating pyrotechnic combustion energy
developed from explosively propelling the bullet to augmentation of
said forward throwing.
3. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing defines
means extending freely concentrically about said barrel end adapted
to permit the entire housing to be thrown with the payload.
4. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing is provided
with means defining a fracturable portion disposed forwardly of the
barrel end and adapted to fracture in the event the portion of the
housing extending about the barrel end fails to move freely
therefrom in the throwing operation.
5. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing is provided
with outwardly projecting flight stabilizing means.
6. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said housing is provided
at said one end with projecting flight stabilizing means.
7. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said tubular housing
includes a tubular guide end having a preselected substantial
length closely spaced coaxially about said barrel end and
effectively containing pyrotechnic cumbustion products until the
assembly moves substantially fully off of the barrel end.
8. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein said tubular housing
includes a tubular guide end having a preselected substantial
length closely spaced coaxially about said barrel end and
effectively containing pyrotechnic combustion products until the
assembly moves substantially fully off of the barrel end, said
guide end having means for facilitating removal of a preselected
end portion thereof to permit facilitated control of the length
thereof providing said containing of the combustion products,
thereby to control the range of throw of the launch assembly.
9. The launch assembly of claim 1 further including flight
stabilizing means and means for retaining said flight stabilizing
means in a retracted position prior to said throwing thereof.
10. The launch assembly of claim 1 wherein means are mounted
adjacent said catching and trapping means for preventing the fired
bullet fragments from rebounding out of the catching and trapping
means.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to ballistic structures and in particular to
launch assemblies for throwing payloads such as grenades and the
like.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Ballistic devices, such as grenades, have conventionally been
thrown by hand in front line combat. This method of throwing such
grenades is limited to an effective range of approximately 35 to 50
yards. Illustratively, fragmentation, offensive, smoke, chemical,
etc., types of grenades may be so utilized.
Because of the disadvantage of limited range, an effort was made to
utilize grenade launchers developing increased range. One such
launcher comprises a device adapted to be mounted on the muzzle of
a rifle or carbine and has been used by military forces for about
33 years. A disadvantage in such devices, however, is that a
special blank cartridge be used in lieu of the usual rifle
cartridges. Thus, whenever the rifle is arranged for use in
throwing a grenade, it is ineffectual as a conventional rifle due
to the need for the insertion of the blank cartridge therein. Thus,
this places a rifleman in a precarious position before and after
the firing of the grenade by such a device because he is in effect
disarmed.
More recently there has been an influx of devices that use live
rounds of ammunition overcoming one of the prior art deficiencies.
All of these devices comprise series of plates stacked in a housing
tube. These devices rely on the stacked plates fracturing
progressively to stop the bullet short of hitting the payload.
However, these devices have several main or paramont disadvantages:
(1) as the plates fracture to stop the bullet projectile, the
bullet has a tendency to alter its flight path and can exit through
the side of the housing tube and the payload is not launched; (2)
there must be an excess of stacked plates to stop the bullet
projectile but the number of plates required to stop the bullet is
not accurately predictable; therefore, (a) the device cannot
function to trigger the fuse of the payload and (b) accurate
projecting of the payload is not possible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improved bullet trap in
combination with an improved launch assembly for throwing payloads,
such as grenades, from a gun eliminating the disadvantages of the
above discussed rifle grenade throwers in a novel, simple and
accurate manner.
It is the object of this invention to provide a new and novel
bullet trap device that can be used in combination with a unique
launch tube assembly for throwing payloads, such as grenades, from
a standard gun using a standard round of ammunition. The bullet
trap functions to confine a bullet projected in a desired path and
to absorb a significant and predictable amount of the bullet's
kinetic energy.
It is another object of the invention to combine the bullet trap
with a new and novel launch tube assembly so that the distance of
the payload attached thereto can be selectively controlled.
And still another object of the invention is to provide means
within the launch tube for triggering the payload's fuse from the
predictable action of the bullet trap.
More specifically, the present invention comprehends an improved
launch assembly adapted to throw the payload by means of the energy
developed in firing a conventional bullet from a firearm such as a
rifle. Thus, the rifle may be combat ready at all times eliminating
the disabled condition attendant the use of the prior art rifle
launchers wherein special blank cartridges were required to replace
the usual cartridge.
The present launch assembly utilizes both the kinetic energy of
both the fired bullet, or missile, as well as the pressure force
energy of the combustion products of the firing.
The launch assembly is adapted for selective control of the range
of throwing of the payload by new and improved means permitting
facilitated adjustment thereof. More specifically, the invention
comprehends providing such a launch assembly utilizing a tubular
connector with means for varying the length of the connector
portion fitting over the gun muzzle thereby to control the range.
The range may further be controlled by selective utilization of
flight stabilizing fins.
As the launch assembly is thrown by forces generated in the firing
of a conventional bullet, the firearm may be used in the
conventional manner against the person's shoulder thereby providing
substantially increased accuracy in the use thereof.
The payload may be any form of conventional payload including the
various above discussed grenades and anti-vehicular weapons.
The invention further comprehends provision of means in the launch
assembly to effectively preclude a failure of throwing of the
payload notwithstanding a seizure of the muzzle by the tube portion
of the assembly thereon. The launch assembly can be arranged to
automatically ignite the fuse of the payload and the danger
attendant a nonthrown ignited payload on the gun muzzle is
eliminated by the assured throwing of the payload.
The invention further comprehends a sub-device or subcombination
wherein the launch assembly includes a bullet trap for catching the
fired bullet or missile and converting a portion of the kinetic
energy thereof and means for utilizing the gases generated into
throwing of the assembly. Means are provided for guiding the fired
bullet coaxially into the bullet trap to assure proper controlled
translation of the firing forces and to plastically deform the
bullet trap so that it will catch the bullet safely and prevent
shattered particles from rebounding out of the trap.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent
from the following description taken in connection with the
accompanying drawing wherein:
FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a launch assembly embodying the
invention mounted on the muzzle of a rifle;
FIG. 2 is a fragmentary diametric section thereof;
FIG. 3 is an enlarged diametric section of one embodiment of the
bullet trap thereof;
FIG. 4 is an enlarged diametric section of one embodiment of the
bullet trap thereof;
FIG. 5 is a fragmentary diametric section similar to that of FIG. 2
illustrating the arrangement thereof upon the assembly being thrown
from the rifle muzzle;
FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view illustrating the fracturing of the
assembly in the event of a seizure of the connector portion on the
muzzle;
FIG. 7 is a side elevation of a modified form of coupler between
the launch tube assembly and the payload;
FIG. 8 is a side elevation of a modified form of launch assembly
embodying the invention;
FIG. 9 is a partial side view of the end of a launch tube with fins
thereon;
FIG. 10 is a front forward end view of the launch assembly of FIG.
8 with the fins secured in a wrapped retracted position;
FIG. 11 is a chart illustrating a series of different trajectories
in providing controlled throwing of the payload by the launch
assembly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the exemplary embodiments of the invention as disclosed in the
drawing, a launch assembly generally designated 10 is shown to
comprise a ballistic device adapted to be mounted on the muzzle 11
of a firearm, such as a conventional rifle. Illustratively, the
rifle may comprise a standard M16 United States Army automatic
rifle utilizing a 55 grain bullet to provide a muzzle velocity
thereof of approximately 3100 feet per second. Assembly 10 is
adapted to utilize energy developed in firing a bullet from a gun
to throw a payload generally designated 12, which illustratively
may comprise a grenade. Payload 12 may comprise any suitable weapon
including grenades characterized as a fragmentation, anti-tank,
chemical, offensive, smoke, incendiary, illuminating, practice,
pyrophoric, chemiluminescent, insecticidal, etc. Launch assembly 10
may be utilized to throw such a payload which, illustratively, may
weigh at least approximately 1 1/4 lbs., substantial distances. The
payload may be thrown selectively different distances as will be
brought out more fully hereinafter and illustratively, an 8-oz.
payload may be thrown thereby distances of approximately 800 feet
or more. The maximum distance that a payload may be thrown can be
calculated by an energy balance between the total weight of the
launch assembly with payload and the bullet weight and muzzle
velocity.
In the illustrated embodiment, muzzle 11 comprised a muzzle similar
to a conventional M16 automatic rifle. The muzzle is provided with
a conventional flame quencher, or flash deflector, portion 13
defining the distal end of the muzzle. Launch assembly 10 includes
a tubular housing 14 having a trailing portion 15 concentrically
mounted about the flash deflector portion with a small annular
clearance 16 therebetween. The launch assembly is secured to muzzle
11 by means of a elastomeric cap 17 having a frustoconical rear
portion 18 wedgedly fitting the outwardly tapering frustoconical
bore end surface 19 of muzzle 11. Cap 17 includes an axial bore 20
adapted to permit the passage of the fired rifle bullet into a
bullet trap device 21 coaxially carried by the connector 23 located
at the forward end or portion 22 of tubular housing 14; the
connector 23 effectively closes the leading end 24 of the tubular
housing 14. One means of securing the connector 23 to the housing
14, as shown in FIG. 2, is provided by an annular or segmentally
formed crimp 25. Crimp 25 also provides a detatchment zone for
separating connector 23 and the bullet trap device 21 from the
housing 14 in the event that the trailing portion 15 of the housing
seizes on muzzle 11. As shown in FIG. 6, in the event that a
portion of housing 14 seizes on any portion of muzzle 11 when the
rifle is fired with a live round, there is sufficient kinetic
energy that is not absorbed by device 21 and generated by
combustion gases to straighten out the crimp 25. Thus, projecting
of the armed payload 12 is accomplished a safe distance to protect
the person firing the weapon. Other means of securing the connector
23 to the housing 14 may be utilized to provide the same safety
feature such as tack welding, gluing, swaging and the like.
Connector 23 is provided with a threaded bore 27 adapted to receive
a threaded coupling 28 with a fuse well 28A for firing the payload
12. Coupling 28 connects the payload to launch assembly 10, as best
seen in FIG. 2. Thus, the payload 12 coupled to the launch assembly
10 may be readily substantially instantaneously installed on the
rifle muzzle by a simple movement of the trailing end 15 of housing
14 concentrically over flash deflector portion 13 of muzzle 11
until cap 17 frictionally engages the muzzle in bore portion 19
whereby the assembly is temporarily held in place on the rifle
permitting the user to manipulate the rifle with the assembly
thereon without the assembly falling off. Thus it is possible to
handle the rifle in the ordinary manner prior to aiming and firing
the rifle in the conventional manner from the user's shoulder.
Fuse well 28A may comprise any conventional type fuse, such as a
delay, percussion, pyrotechnic, impact, time delay, altitude,
combination, etc., adaptable for the type of payload 12 being
used.
As discussed above, bullet trap 21 is adapted to catch the fired
bullet from muzzle 11 and to translate a portion of the kinetic
energy not being absorbed thereby into throwing of the payload 12.
Launch assembly 10 further is adapted to receive the products of
combustion resulting from firing of the bullet and to translate the
pressure forces thereof into augmented throwing of the payload. The
construction and functioning of launch assembly 10 and bullet trap
21 may best be seen by reference to FIGS. 3 and 5. As shown in FIG.
3, bullet trap 21 includes a tubular member 29 which may be formed
of a relatively rigid but not brittle material such as steel. A
cylindrical plug 30 is provided in the trailing end 31 of a through
bore 32 of member 29. A cylindrical guide element 33 is disposed
forward of plug 30 within the bore 32 and a closure 34 is installed
forwardly of guide 33 in the forward end 35 of bore 32. Guide 33 is
provided with a rearwardly widening conical recess 36 extending
partially through the guide as seen in FIG. 3. Closure 34 is
provided with a forwardly projecting firing pin portion 37. Plug 30
may be preferably formed of a relatively soft material such as a
synthetic plastic. Illustratively, the plug may be formed of nylon,
polyethylene, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc. It is desirable
that the plug tend to close the opening, such as opening 38, formed
by the passage of the bullet therethrough as shown in FIG. 5 to
prevent fragments of the bullet from rebounding rearwardly.
Guide 33 is preferably formed of a tough material having a high
energy absorption ratio. Illustratively, the guide may be formed of
an AISI 4100 or 4300 series steel or the like. The conical surface
36 is adapted to cause the fired bullet to remain centered
coaxially relative to the bullet trap thereby effectively
precluding the bullet flying outwardly laterally from the device
and assuring a positive impact thereof against the closure 34 which
is adapted to complete the catching of the bullet in the bullet
trap 21. To this end, closure 34 is preferably formed of a
relatively soft material, such as soft metal, including aluminum,
mild steel, copper and the like, or a suitable relatively tough but
soft synthetic thermoplastic having a high energy absorption
characteristic. The assembly of plug 30, guide 33, and closure 34
may be retained within trap 21 by suitably crimping the opposite
ends of tubular member 29 as at 39.
When a bullet is fired into trap 21, it is captured and a major
portion of the bullet's energy is absorbed therein by the plastic
deformation of the closure 34, the tubular member 29 and the guide
33 in cooperation with each other. Although several internal parts
of the trap 21 may exceed their elastic limits, the major energy
absorbing components are guide 33 and tubular member 29; the energy
absorbed by member 29 is translated into only plastic deformation
thereby containing all the parts of the trap 21. By selection of
the proper materials (depending upon the bullet weight and muzzle
velocity) a very light weight catcher 21 can be provided
significantly reducing the overall weight of the launch assembly
thereby providing the ability to project a given payload farther
than the prior art means. The plug 30 prevents the shattered
bullet's particles from rebounding out of the bullet trap 21.
As best seen in FIG. 5, the combustion pyrotechnic gases 40
produced in the firing of the bullet pass from muzzle 11 into
tubular housing 14. As the trailing portion 15 of the tubular
housing has a relatively close fit with the flash deflector portion
13 and the forward end of the housing is effectively closed by
connector 23, gases 40 are trapped within the housing and the
pressure forces thereof cause a forward movement of the launch
assembly from the muzzle. Cap 17 becomes dislodged from the end of
the muzzle bore 19 permitting the free movement of the launch
assembly from muzzle 11 as shown. At the same time, bullet 41
having ruptured and passed axially through plug 30 is guided by
surface 36 of guide 33 into axial abutment with closure 34. The
kinetic energy is partially absorbed by the bullet catcher 21 and
the remainder is translated into a forward movement thereof which,
in turn, is transferred to payload 12 through the connector 23 and
coupling 28. As shown in FIG. 5, the impact energy of bullet 41
causes a forward displacement of closure 34 forcing firing pin
portion 37 thereof into firing relationship with fuse well 28A.
Thus, the payload fuse can automatically ignite simultaneously with
the throwing of the payload from the rifle muzzle as a result of
the catching of bullet 41 in the device 21.
The pressure forces of gas 40 continues to urge the assembly
forwardly from the barrel muzzle 11 until the trailing end 15 of
housing 14 leaves the forward end of the muzzle. The pressure
forces continue to propel the assembly forwardly by their reaction
rearwardly in the manner of a rocket exhaust in spewing outwardly
from the rear end 15 of the housing subsequent to the movement of
the housing from the muzzle. Cap 17 may be ejected by the force of
the gases moving outwardly from the trailing end 15 of the
housing.
The length of housing 14 may be varied to control the throw of the
payload. Control of the length of housing 14 may be provided by
means of a plurality of fracture lines, such fracture lines 42, 43,
and 44 as shown in FIG. 8, in the trailing portion 15 of the
housing 14. Illustratively, the overall length of housing 14 as
shown in FIG. 8 may be 7 inches with the fracture lines being
spaced 1 inch apart. Thus, if the user wishes to shorten the
housing to a 6 inch length, he merely breaks off the trailing
portion at fracture line 42 to provide the desired 6 inch overall
length. Similarly, by breaking off the trailing portion at fracture
line 43, he will provide a 5 inch overall length housing and
breaking off the trailing length at fracture point 44 will provide
a 4 inch housing.
A further control of the throw of the payload may be obtained as
discussed previously by providing suitable flight stabilizing fins
45 or 45A on the mid-portion of the trailing end 15 of housing 14,
as shown in FIG. 8 and 9. The fins are preferably installed
forwardly of the forwardmost fracture line 44 when the fracture
lines are utilized to provide the controlled length feature
discussed above. Thus, the fins may be used in conjunction with any
of the different length configurations obtainable. The use of fins
45 or 45A can effectively increase the throw and the accuracy of
the payload by launch assembly 10.
Total assemblies, payload 12 coupled to connector 14, were
assembled on the end of a conventional M16 automatic rifle. The
rifle was loaded with a standard 55 grain bullet round with the
bullet having a muzzle velocity of approximately 3100 feet per
second. A variety of payloads, tube lengths and tube materials,
elevation angle of the rifle and tubes with and without stabilizing
fins were thus fired. In Table I the average distances of throw are
listed for a number of examples fired wherein the tubular housing
14 does not contain stabilizing fins.
TABLE I
Payload Angle Type of Weight of Shot Tube Distance 8 oz. 45.degree.
4" alum. 354 ft. 8 oz. 40.degree. 4" alum. 386 ft. 8 oz. 45.degree.
5" alum. 435 ft. 8 oz. 45.degree. 5" fiberglass 540 ft. 8 oz.
45.degree. 6" alum. 630 ft. 8 oz. 45.degree. 7" alum. 665 ft. 13
1/2 oz. 30.degree. 4" alum. 206 ft. 13 1/2 oz. 45.degree. 4" alum.
255 ft. 13 1/2 oz. 45.degree. 5" alum. 245 ft. 13 1/2 0z.
45.degree. 5" alum. 380 ft.
In addition, a number of similar examples were also fired but with
thin resin impregnated fiberglass fins. In Table II the average
length of throw for these examples are listed.
TABLE II
Payload Angle Type of Weight of Shot Tube Distance 6 oz. 45.degree.
4" alum. 568 ft. 8 oz. 45.degree. 5" alum. 675 ft. 8 oz. 45.degree.
5" fiber- 670 ft. glass 8 oz. 45.degree. 6" alum. 795 ft. 8 oz.
45.degree. 7" alum. 770 ft. 3 oz. 45.degree. 6" alum. 1160 ft. 8
oz. 45.degree. 8" alum. 868 ft.
It can readily be observed that stabilizing fins provide a longer
throw distance for the same payload and tube length as shown in
FIG. 11. However, it is not always desirable to obtain the longest
throw distance and therefore the stabilizing fins may easily be
removed in the field if desired. Alternatively, the fins may be
left in place and the angle of shot altered to compensate for
distance control.
To facilitate handling of the launch assemblies with fins 45, or
45A, the fins may be wrapped circumferentially about the tubular
connector as shown in FIG. 10, and secured in the wrapped
configuration by suitable means such as adhesive strips 46.
Illustratively, the fins may be formed of flexible resin reinforced
fiberglass. In lieu of the tape retaining means, a paper tube may
be provided around the fins to maintain them in the retracted
position of FIG. 10. Still further, a solid cone construction,
slitable fin construction, or other suitable stabilizing
configuration may be utilized in lieu of fins to provide the
desired stabilizing function. Thus, the user may selectively
utilize the fins to obtain the desired longer range or retain them
retracted to obtain a desired shorter range.
As shown in FIG. 7, a modified coupling 128 may be utilized in lieu
of coupling 28. As discussed above, the invention comprehends the
use of any suitable type of fusing tube installed in fuse well 28A
with suitable types of payloads. In illustrating the invention, the
fuse coupling 128 is threaded to simply provide a connection
between the payload 12 and the launch assembly 10 if the payload
has a separate fusing mechanism such as a contact, impact or
altitude fuse. Thus, when coupling 128 is used the projecting
firing pin portion 37 is not required. Other suitable coupling
means may be utilized within the scope of the invention as
desired.
Housing portion 15 is illustrated as being right circularly
cylindrical for use with the illustrated flash deflector portion 13
of muzzle 11. Obviously, where other types of muzzle constructions
are employed, such as those utilizing sights, the configuration of
connector portion 15 may be suitably modified to accommodate the
modified muzzle construction.
The centering action of guide surface 36 further assures free
movement of the launch assembly from the muzzle by effectively
maintaining the launch assembly coaxially of the muzzle and thereby
maintaining the desired clearance space 16 between housing portion
15 and flash deflector portion 13. As discussed briefly above,
should for some reason the housing portion 15 seize or bind on the
muzzle, the crimp 25 at the leading end of housing 14 and connector
23 shears, straightens or fractures as shown in FIG. 6, to permit
throwing of payload 12 from the muzzle and thereby prevent the
dangerous condition of an activated grenade remaining on the end of
a user's rifle.
An alternative embodiment of the bullet trap 21a is shown in FIG.
4. The tubular member 29a has a through bore 32 with a guide
element 33a disposed forward of plug 30a within the bore 32. Guide
33a is provided with a rearwardly widening conical recess 36a
extending partially therein and a forwardly projecting firing pin
portion 37a. At the ends 31a and 35a of the tubular member 29a the
edges of the bore 32 are crimped inwardly at 39a to retain the
guide 33a and plug 30a therein. Bullet trap 21a is secured in bore
23a of connector 23 by any suitable means including swaging,
press-fitting, bonding, etc. Bullet trap 21a functions similarly to
bullet trap 21. The payload, the gun, the bullet and the muzzle
velocity determine which device is optimum for each set of
conditions.
The use of launch assembly 10 is extremely simple. The user merely
mounts the suitable grenade and fuse on the forward end of the
launch assembly as by threading the fuse into threaded bore 27 of
the connector 23. The assembly is then slipped over the muzzle 11
of the rifle barrel to the position of FIG. 1. Retainer 18 (which
is adaptably shaped for each gun) of cap 17 releasably secures the
assembly to the rifle barrel permitting the user to handle and
sight the rifle in the conventional manner. As the launch assembly
utilizes the standard rifle bullet for effecting the throwing of
the payload, no other change in the arrangement of the rifle need
be effected whereby the rifle is maintained ready for combat use
substantially at all times in contradistinction to the prior art
launchers wherein the rifle is effectively disabled as a personnel
weapon by the requirement of the replacement of the standard bullet
by a blank cartridge.
The user may aim the rifle in the conventional manner with the butt
thereof against his shoulder to effect the throwing of the payload.
As discussed above, high accuracy in the range of throwing of the
payload is obtained by means of the user's control of the
stabilizing flight means and the length of the housing portion 15.
The payload may vary substantially in weight and type while yet the
launch assembly is adapted for effectively throwing the payload
over a controlled substantial range greatly enhancing the military
capability of the rifle user. The user can also control the
accuracy of the payload delivery by varying the trajectory
angle.
The foregoing disclosure of specific embodiments is illustrative of
the broad inventive concepts comprehended by the invention.
* * * * *