A maverick igniter cable saver employs a longitudinal housing having a first portion, a second portion, an outer surface, an inner surface, a forward end, and an aft end. The inner surface of the first portion is configured to snap fasten substantially around an igniter cable. The second portion has off-setting tapered tabs. Each of the tapered tabs has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal ends are interfaces configured to friction-fit in an umbilical slot groove.

A process for starting an engine in a cruise missile that is launched from an aircraft during flight, where the cruise missile is ejected from a weapons bay of the aircraft and towed using a tow line, where the cruise missile engine is started while being towed and then released after the engine has started. The tow line is a low radar signature line and the weapons bay door is closed quickly after the cruise missile has been ejected to reduce radar signatures.

A process for starting an engine in a cruise missile that is launched from an aircraft during flight, where the cruise missile is ejected from a weapons bay of the aircraft and towed using a tow line, where the cruise missile engine is started while being towed and then released after the engine has started. The tow line is a low radar signature line and the weapons bay door is closed quickly after the cruise missile has been ejected to reduce radar signatures.

A guide system for securing a torpedo pre-set power cable to move within a torpedo tube is provided. The guide system includes a longitudinal keeper and a guide assembly. The longitudinal keeper secures the power cable and includes a protrusion. A channel of the guide assembly connects to a Torpedo Mount Dispenser such that the channel receives the protrusion with the keeper sliding within and along a length of the channel. An alternate channel connects to a torpedo tube land and is configured to pivot to a stowed position and a deployed position where the channel is configured to receive the protrusion of the keeper such that the keeper slides within and along a length of the channel. When using each of the channels, the power cable can move within the torpedo tube when the protrusion of the keeper with the secured power cable slides within each channel.

According to exemplary inventive practice, a frame has a geometric vertical axial plane and supports a receptacle, four thumbscrews, and four dial indicators. Each thumbscrew has a dial indicator associated therewith and can be turned to move along its geometric axis, perpendicular to the vertical axial plane. The thumbscrews are paired, with respective axes aligned, on opposite sides of the vertical axial plane. The frame is placed upon a base, the body is secured to the frame using the receptacle to grip a portion of the body, and the dial indicators are calibrated for matching thumbscrew displacement measurements in each opposite thumbscrew pair. The thumbscrews are moved into contact with the base and are adjusted to align the body with the base, as indicated by matching dial indicator readings in each opposite thumbscrew pair. The aligned body is affixed to the base, and the frame (with accompanying components) is removed.

A launcher for launching a flying vehicle, such as a projectile or missile, includes a cutter for cutting a line, such as an umbilical line, that is coupled to the vehicle prior to launch. An example of a line is a tube for providing cooling for onboard components of the vehicle, such as a seeker of the vehicle. The cutter may be part of a mount of the launcher for mounting the line and other components, such as a compressor. The cutter may be configured so that as the vehicle translates relative to the launcher during the initiation of launch, the line moves against the cutter, severing the line. The cutter may retract after severing the line, for example being pulled away from the vehicle (and into the mount) by a spring mechanism.

A launcher for launching a flying vehicle, such as a projectile or missile, includes a cutter for cutting a line, such as an umbilical line, that is coupled to the vehicle prior to launch. An example of a line is a tube for providing cooling for onboard components of the vehicle, such as a seeker of the vehicle. The cutter may be part of a mount of the launcher for mounting the line and other components, such as a compressor. The cutter may be configured so that as the vehicle translates relative to the launcher during the initiation of launch, the line moves against the cutter, severing the line. The cutter may retract after severing the line, for example being pulled away from the vehicle (and into the mount) by a spring mechanism.