DEVICE AND METHOD FOR LAUNCHING AN UNDERWATER PROJECTILE FROM A WATERCRAFT

Abstract

A launching device and associated methods can be utilized to launch an underwater running body from a platform such as a watercraft. The launching device may include a ramp, which extends along a longitudinal ramp axis, and a propellant deflection unit. The ramp may enclose an underwater running body with a propulsion unit underwater. The launching device may activate the propulsion unit, which then emits a propellant. The propellant deflection unit deflects the emitted propellant into an outlet direction. This outlet direction of the propellant may be directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.

Claims

1.-21. (canceled)

22. A launching device for launching a first underwater running body from a platform, with the first underwater running body including a first propulsion unit configured to emit a propellant, the launching device comprising: a first ramp that extends along a first longitudinal ramp axis, wherein the first ramp is configured to enclose and hold the first underwater running body underwater and to guide the first underwater running body during launch based on an orientation of the first longitudinal ramp axis; and a propellant deflection unit, wherein the launching device is configured to activate the first propulsion unit or permit activation of the first propulsion unit while the first underwater running body is enclosed and held in the first ramp underwater, wherein the first ramp is configured to direct the propellant emitted by the first propulsion unit to the propellant deflection unit, wherein the propellant deflection unit is configured to divert the propellant emitted by the first propulsion unit into an outlet direction, which is directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.

23. The launching device of claim 22 wherein the propellant deflection unit is positioned such that the outlet direction is parallel to the first longitudinal ramp axis and such that the propellant that is deflected leaves the propellant deflection unit at a distance from the first longitudinal ramp axis.

24. The launching device of claim 22 wherein the propellant deflection unit is positioned such that the outlet direction forms an acute angle with the first longitudinal ramp axis and such that the propellant deflection unit deflects the emitted propellant by an obtuse angle.

25. The launching device of claim 22 comprising a second ramp configured to enclose, hold, and guide a second underwater running body underwater.

26. The launching device of claim 25 wherein each of the first ramp and the second ramp is configured to direct the propellant emitted by the first and second underwater running bodies into the propellant deflection unit.

27. The launching device of claim 22 comprising a locking device that is transferable from a locking state into a release state, wherein the locking device in the locking state prevents movement of the first underwater running body in the first ramp relative to the first ramp, wherein the locking device in the release state allows the first underwater running body to leave the first ramp, wherein the launching device is configured to prevent activation of the first propulsion unit as long as the locking device is in the locking state.

28. The launching device of claim 27 comprising a position sensor for detecting that the locking device is in the release state, wherein the launching device is configured to activate the first propulsion unit or permit activation of the first propulsion unit in response to the position sensor detecting that the locking device is in the release state.

29. The launching device of claim 22 configured such that water can penetrate into the first ramp.

30. The launching device of claim 29 comprising a first ramp flap that in a closed state closes the first ramp off with respect to surrounding water, wherein the first ramp flap is openable to permit water to flow into the first ramp before the launching device activates the first propulsion unit of the first underwater running body.

31. The launching device of claim 22 comprising a deflection unit flap that separates the propellant deflection unit from surrounding fluid, wherein the deflection unit flap is mounted such that emitted propellant can open or burst the deflection unit flap.

32. The launching device of claim 31 wherein the deflection unit flap is configured such that the emitted propellant opens or bursts the deflection unit flap only when a pressure exerted on the deflection unit flap exceeds a predetermined limit.

33. The launching device of claim 22 configured to be carried onboard a watercraft, wherein in a floating position of the watercraft the propellant deflection unit is positionable such that an entire path of movement of the emitted propellant in the propellant deflection unit is horizontal or ascending.

34. The launching device of claim 22 comprising a ramp actuating element configured to pivot the first ramp.

35. A watercraft that comprises the launching device of claim 22.

36. The watercraft of claim 35 comprising a weapon tube, wherein the launching device is fitted in the weapon tube.

37. The watercraft of claim 35 configured as an underwater vehicle with a pressure hull, wherein the pressure hull encloses an interior region in a pressure-tight manner, wherein the launching device is disposed outside the interior region.

38. The watercraft of claim 35 configured as a surface vessel, wherein in a floating position of the surface vessel the launching device is disposed below a surface of the water.

39. A method for launching a first underwater running body from a platform, wherein the first underwater running body comprises a propulsion unit, wherein a launching device with a first ramp that extends along a first longitudinal ramp axis is used for launching, the method comprising: enclosing and holding the first underwater running body underwater; activating the propulsion unit while the first underwater running body is enclosed in and held underwater by the first ramp; emitting a propellant from the propulsion unit that has been activated; guiding the first underwater running body with the first ramp during launch of the first underwater running body based on an orientation of the first longitudinal ramp axis; directing the propellant emitted by the propulsion unit with the first ramp to a propellant deflection unit; and diverting the emitted propellant with the propellant deflection unit into an outlet direction, which is directed perpendicularly or obliquely away from the platform.

40. The method of claim 39 wherein the launching device comprises a locking device, wherein in a locking state the locking device prevents movement of the first underwater running body in the first ramp relative to the first ramp before the propulsion unit is activated, wherein the activation of the first propulsion unit is prevented as long as the locking device is in the locking state, wherein the activation of the propulsion unit comprises: transferring the locking device into a release state; and the locking device in the release state allows the first underwater running body to leave the first ramp.

41. The method of claim 40 wherein the launching device comprises a position sensor for the locking device, wherein the position sensor is configured to detect transfer of the locking device into the release state, wherein the activation of the propulsion unit is prevented as long as the position sensor does not detect transfer of the locking device into the release state, wherein the activation of the propulsion unit is performed in response to the position sensor detecting that the locking device is in the release state.

42. The method of claim 39 comprising pivoting the first ramp with a ramp actuating element from a traveling position into a firing position before the propulsion unit is activated.

Description

[0058] The launching device according to the invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment represented in the drawings, in which:

[0059] FIG. 1 shows in a side view a launching device according to the solution with two ramps for two underwater rockets, the rocket propulsion unit of one underwater rocket having just been ignited and the other underwater rocket being locked still;

[0060] FIG. 2 shows a locking device by way of example for an underwater rocket in three successive states;

[0061] FIG. 3 shows in a plan view a modification of the launching device from FIG. 1;

[0062] FIG. 4 shows in a side view a further modification of the launching device from FIG. 1.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, the invention is applied in a launching device that is arranged on board an underwater vehicle, for example on board a manned submarine. The underwater vehicle has a vehicle hull Fh, for example a pressure hull or an outer hull. The launching device according to the solution is recessed flush in this vehicle hull Fh. Preferably, the launching device according to the solution is arranged completely outside the pressure hull, that is to say between the pressure hull and the outer hull, and when traveling submersed is exposed to the pressure of the surrounding water.

[0064] The invention can be applied equally well on board a surface vessel. In this application, the launching device is mounted on a region of the vehicle hull Fh of the surface vessel that remains permanently under the surface of the water during use. The underwater rocket stays under water the entire time it is traveling.

[0065] The launching device is able to launch at least one underwater rocket, in the exemplary embodiment a number of underwater rockets, under the surface of the water WO. An underwater rocket is understood as meaning a running body that is designed for use under water and has a rocket propulsion unit, that is to say a drive, which can be activated and, after activation, converts a fuel into a propellant, for example burns it, emits the propellant produced and thereby moves the running body in the opposite direction to the direction of emission of the propellant. In the exemplary embodiment, the underwater rocket stays under the surface of the water WO during the entire use and can withstand the water pressure to a predetermined maximum water depth. The underwater rocket may have a cruising propulsion unit and in addition a launching propulsion unit, which is only used for launching the underwater rocket, or a single propulsion unit for the entire time it is traveling. Hereinafter, the term “rocket propulsion unit” is used for that propulsion unit that brings about the launching of the underwater rocket from the ramp. Generally, an underwater rocket accelerates faster in the water than a torpedo, which is driven by at least one propeller.

[0066] Each underwater rocket also comprises a sonar system, which operates actively and/or passively, and a warhead with an explosive charge and is designed for locating another underwater running body by means of the sonar system, traveling to this other underwater running body and destroying it by igniting the explosive charge before the underwater running body reaches the watercraft with the launching device or another watercraft.

[0067] In FIG. 1, the launching device of an embodiment according to the solution is shown in a side view. The launching device comprises two ramps 3.1, 3.2 arranged one above the other, which have in each case the form of a cylindrical tube and extend in each case along a longitudinal ramp axis La.1 and La.2, respectively. The two parallel longitudinal axes La.1, La.2 of the two ramps 3.1, 3.2 lie in the plane of the drawing of FIG. 1. It is possible that further ramps of the launching device are arranged in front of or behind the ramps 3.1, 3.2. The direction of travel of the watercraft is perpendicular or oblique to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 1.

[0068] Each ramp 3.1, 3.2 is able in each case to receive a canister 2.1, 2.2 with an underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2. It is possible that an adapter is arranged inside a ramp 3.1, 3.2, in order that the same ramp 3.1, 3.2 is able to receive objects with different diameters one after the other. It is possible that an adapter is arranged inside a canister 2.1, 2.2, in order that a number of identical canisters 2.1, 2.2 for underwater rockets with different diameters can be used.

[0069] In one design, each ramp 3.1, 3.2 has in each case a muzzle flap 6.1, 6.2, which is opened before the launch of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2. At the latest when launching an underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2, the ramp 3.1, 3.2 is filled with water, so that there is no difference in pressure between the ramp 3.1, 3.2 and the surrounding water. The hull of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 is able to withstand the surrounding water pressure. Instead of a muzzle flap 6.1, 6.2, a membrane that is perforated by the head of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 when it is launched may also be provided on the outer end of a ramp 3.1, 3.2.

[0070] In one design, the ramps 3.1, 3.2 are movably fastened on the outer hull of the submarine. Before the underwater rockets 1.1, 1.2 are launched, the ramps 3.1, 3.2 are in a hydrodynamically favorable position, in which they cause as little water resistance as possible. Before an underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 is launched, a ramp actuating element that is not shown pivots the ramps 3.1, 3.2 into a desired direction toward the target. It is also possible that the ramps 3.1, 3.2 are fixedly mounted on the outer hull, for example perpendicularly or obliquely in relation to the direction of travel. In another design, each ramp 3.1, 3.2 is in each case recessed in a torpedo tube of the submarine.

[0071] Each underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 comprises a rocket propulsion unit and a number of stabilizing fins. The rocket propulsion unit is able to emit a propellant, which in the case of use under water moves the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 through the water. The stabilizing fins stabilize the movement of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 through the water.

[0072] An underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 is transported to the watercraft in each case in a round-cylindrical canister 2.1, 2.2. The canister 2.1, 2.2 with the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 is fitted into a ramp 3.1, 3.2 and remains ready for use in this ramp 3.1, 3.2 while the watercraft with the launching device according to the solution carries out a predetermined task. Each canister 2.1, 2.2 has in each case a front membrane 7.1, 7.2 and a rear membrane 8.1, 8.2. The terms “front” and “rear” relate to the direction of travel of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 out of the canister 2.1, 2.2. The canister 2.1, 2.2 surrounds the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 in a watertight and airtight manner. The space in the canister 2.1, 2.2 around the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 is filled with a fluid, preferably an inert fluid. A closure plug 13 at the rear of the rocket propulsion unit of the underwater rocket 1.1 prevents fluid from penetrating into the interior of the propulsion unit before the propulsion unit is activated. The canister 2.1, 2.2 need not necessarily be able to withstand the pressure of the surrounding water or the pressure of the emitted propellant Tr.1. Rather, before the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 is launched, the ramp 3.1, 3.2 and/or the hull of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2, depending on the embodiment, absorbs this water pressure.

[0073] It is possible that recessed in the interior of the canister 2.1, 2.2 is a drainage channel, which extends parallel to the longitudinal ramp axis La.1, La.2 and guides emitted propellant, exhaust gases and fluid and makes it easier for them to flow out of the canister 2.1, 2.2. The outflow channel also makes it easier to fill the canister 2.1, 2.2 with a fluid.

[0074] FIG. 2 shows by way of example a locking device, which holds the underwater rocket 1.1 in the canister 2.1 and prevents the underwater rocket 1.1 from moving in relation to the canister 2.1 while the watercraft is traveling and before the launch, and therefore possibly becoming canted. Two claws 9.1 and 9.2 engage from two sides in corresponding clearances at the tail of the underwater rocket 1.1. The claw 9.1 is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation D.1, the claw 9.2 about an axis of rotation D.2. The axes of rotation D.1 and D.2 are perpendicular to the plane of the drawing of FIG. 2 and preferably are supported on the wall of the canister 2.1. These two claws 9.1, 9.2 are connected by way of an articulated connection 11 to a pushrod 10. The pushrod 10 can be displaced linearly along the longitudinal ramp axis La.1. The pushrod 10 is surrounded by a chamber Km.1, which is filled with a fluid that is under positive pressure. A closing unit 12 closes this chamber Km.1. It is possible that three or four claws engage from three or four sides in corresponding clearances in the underwater rocket 1.1, which is indicated in the cross-sectional representation on the right in FIG. 2.

[0075] In order to release the locking of the underwater rocket 1.1 in the canister 2.1, the pushrod 10 is pulled to the rear, that is to say away from the canister 2.1 with the underwater rocket 1.1 (to the right in FIG. 2). As a result, the closing unit 12 is also pulled to the rear, and the fluid that is under positive pressure emerges from the chamber Km.1, moves the pushrod 10 rearwards and holds it in the pulled-back position. The conical shape of the closing unit 12 accentuates the linear movement of the pushrod 10 away from the canister 2.1. The linear movement of the pushrod 10 brings about the effect that the articulated connection 11 goes over from a T shape into a Y shape. The two points at which the connection 11 is connected to the two claws 9.1 and 9.2 are moved toward one another. This in turn brings about the effect that the two claws 9.1 and 9.2 are turned about the two axes of rotation D.1 and D.2—or all four claws about the respective axis of rotation—and release the underwater rocket 1.1 in the canister 2.1. The linear movement of the pushrod 10 away from the underwater rocket 1.1 also brings about the effect that the rear membrane 8.1 of the canister 2.1 is perforated.

[0076] In compliance with the requirements of STANAG 4368, the ignition of the propulsion unit Tw.1 of the underwater rocket 1.1 is blocked as long as the locking device with the claws 9.1, 9.2 holds the underwater rocket 1.1 in the canister 2.1. A position sensor 16, for example a contact switch, generates a signal when the connection 11 strikes against the position sensor 16 during the movement away from the canister 2.1. This event means that the locking device (claws 9.1, 9.2, pushrod 10, connection 11) is in the release position. As soon as the event that the claws 9.1, 9.2 are in a release position is positively detected, the blocking of the ignition of the propulsion unit Tw.1 is lifted, and the propulsion unit of the underwater rocket 1.1 can be ignited, and consequently activated. The canister 2.1 is electrically connected to a triggering device (not shown) outside the ramp 3.1, which ignites the propulsion unit Tw.1. The closure plug 13 on the rear of the propulsion unit Tw.1 of the underwater rocket 1.1 is discharged out of the canister 2.1 through the opened rear membrane 8.1.

[0077] In FIG. 1, a situation in which the propulsion unit Tw.1 of the first underwater rocket 1.1 has been ignited and is emitting the propellant Tr.1 is shown. The underwater rocket 1.1 leaves the canister 2.1 in a firing direction AR, and the first canister 2.1 stays in the ramp 3.1. The second underwater rocket 1.2 is still locked in the second canister 2.2.

[0078] The propellant Tr.1 emitted from the underwater rocket 1.1 and emitted exhaust gases penetrate the rear membrane 8.1 and arrive in a chamber Km, which is located behind the two ramps 3.1 and 3.2, cf. FIG. 1. If the launching device has a further pair of ramps arranged one above the other, a corresponding chamber is preferably likewise arranged behind these further ramps.

[0079] The chamber Km is surrounded by a wall 4, which can withstand the heat and the mechanical impulse of the emitted propellant Tr.1. In particular, the wall 4 contributes to stopping propellant Tr.1 from getting into the interior of the watercraft. Further propellant Tr.1 is emitted through the membrane 8.1, and the rear membrane 8.2 of the second canister 2.2 is closed and can likewise withstand the propellant Tr.1. Therefore, the emitted propellant Tr.1 can only escape from the chamber Km through a channel Ka. This channel Ka extends along a longitudinal axis La.K and is surrounded by a wall 5, which likewise can withstand the heat and mechanical impulse of the propellant Tr.1. The longitudinal axis La.K of the channel Ka is preferably not arranged horizontally, but slightly ascending, which is indicated in FIG. 1. Therefore, the wall 4 around the chamber K and the wall 5 around the channel Ka direct the emitted propellant Tr.1 to an outlet A, which is recessed flush in the vehicle hull Fh. This outlet A is closed by a flap 14 or membrane. The diverted propellant Tr.1 opens this flap 14 or membrane. An actuating element for the flap 14 is therefore not necessary. In one design, the outlet A is closed by a closure flap with a predetermined breaking point. The emission of the propellant Tr.1 from the channel Ka brings about the effect that this closure flap breaks at the predetermined breaking point, fragments are discharged and after that the outlet A is open.

[0080] In one design, the emitted propellant Tm.1 always opens the flap 14. In an alternative design, the emitted propellant Tm.1 only opens the flap 14 if the pressure that the propellant Tm.1 exerts on the flap 14 from the inside is above a predetermined limit. As long as the flap 14 is still closed, the pressure of the emitted propellant Tm.1 contributes to firing the underwater rocket 1.1. At the same time, the desired safety effect is ensured, in particular if the underwater rocket 1.1 does not leave the ramp 3.1.

[0081] The propellant Tr.1, together with the fluid from the canister 2.1, exhaust gases and evaporated water, is emitted to the outside through the opened outlet A in a direction of emission AR.T. The desired effect that the propellant Tr.1 is emitted to the outside occurs whenever the underwater rocket 1.1 is jammed in the canister 2.1 or in the ramp 3.1, and therefore does not leave the ramp 3.1. In this case, the entire propellant Tr.1 of the underwater rocket 1.1 is guided to the outside through the chamber Km, the channel KA and the outlet A without entering the interior of the watercraft.

[0082] Seen in the direction in which the propellant Tr.1 is pushed through the channel Ka, the channel Ka ascends slightly. Therefore, and because the propellant Tr.1 is lighter than water, the entire propellant Tr.1 that is emitted into the chamber Km and enters the channel Ka quickly leaves the channel Ka again. No emitted gas collects in the channel Ka. This prevents the watercraft from leaving a trace of bubbles behind it because propellant or exhaust gases gradually leave the channel Ka. This effect is undesired in particular whenever the watercraft is an underwater vehicle traveling submersed.

[0083] In the example of FIG. 1, the chamber Km with the wall 4 and the channel Ka with the wall 5 and the outlet A are assigned to two adjacent ramps 3.1 and 3.2 and belong to a propellant deflection unit. Consequently, in each case a deflection device for the propellant is assigned to two adjacent ramps. This design makes it possible to save space, because fewer chambers and channels than the launching device has ramps are required. Also possible is an alternative design in which each ramp is assigned a propellant deflection unit of its own. The design with a propellant deflection unit of its own saves the need for the rear membrane 8.1, 8.2 of a canister 2.1, 2.2 having to be able to withstand the emitted propellant of another underwater rocket.

[0084] In one design, the channel Ka extends parallel to the longitudinal axis La.1, La.2 of a ramp 3.1, 3.2. The propellant Tr.1 is emitted parallel to the travel of the underwater rocket 1.1 and with a lateral offset. The propellant deflection unit consequently deflects the propellant Tr.1 by 180°.

[0085] In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, two alternative designs are shown. The second ramp 3.2, the second canister 2.2 and the second underwater rocket 1.2 are not shown in FIG. 3 and

[0086] FIG. 4. FIG. 3 shows an alternative design in a plan view from above, FIG. 4 a further alternative design in a side view. The watercraft travels in a traveling direction FR (in FIG. 3 in the plane of the drawing and from the bottom upward, in FIG. 4 perpendicularly or obliquely in relation to the plane of the drawing). The longitudinal axis La.1 of the ramp 1.1 and the longitudinal axis La.K of the channel Ka likewise lie in the planes of the drawings of FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The situations shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 arise at least during the launching of the underwater running body 1.1. It is possible that a ramp actuating element that is not shown has previously pivoted the ramp 1.1 into the firing position shown.

[0087] In the example shown in FIG. 3, an angle of α=40° occurs between the longitudinal axis La.1 of the ramp 3.1 and the longitudinal axis La.K of the channel Ka. The longitudinal axis La.K of the channel Ka is perpendicular to the traveling direction FR, the longitudinal axis La.1 of the ramp 3.1 oblique to the traveling direction FR. The firing direction AR of the underwater rocket 1.1 is consequently directed obliquely forward. In the example of FIG. 3, the propellant deflection unit deflects the emitted propellant Tr.1 by 180°−α=140°. It goes without saying that other angles of deflection are also possible. Preferably, the angle of deflection lies between 90° and 180° (inclusive).

[0088] As can be seen in the side view of FIG. 4, in this example the firing direction AR of the underwater rocket 1.1 is directed obliquely downward and is perpendicular or oblique to the traveling direction FR of the watercraft. The longitudinal axis La.K of the channel Ka, and consequently the direction of emission AR.T of the propellant Tr.1, is directed obliquely upward. This prevents propellant Tr.1 from collecting in the channel Ka and bubbles escaping, and the watercraft therefore leaving a trail of bubbles behind it.

REFERENCE SIGNS

[0089] 1.1 first underwater running body in the form of an underwater rocket, comprises the propulsion unit Tw.1, is accommodated in the first canister 2.1 [0090] 1.2 second underwater running body in the form of an underwater rocket, is accommodated in the second canister 2.2 [0091] 2.1 first canister, in which the first underwater rocket 1.1 is stored [0092] 2.2 second canister, in which the second underwater rocket 1.2 is stored [0093] 3.1 first ramp, in which the first canister 2.1 with the first underwater rocket 1.1 is stored and which guides the first underwater rocket 1.1 during launching [0094] 3.2 second ramp, in which the second canister 2.2 with the second underwater rocket 1.2 is stored and which guides the second underwater rocket 1.2 during launching [0095] 4 wall of the common chamber Km behind the two ramps 3.1 and 3.2 [0096] 5 wall of a channel Ka, which leads to the outside from the chamber Km [0097] 6.1 muzzle flap or membrane in front of the first ramp 3.1, is opened or penetrated during the launching of the underwater rocket 1.1 [0098] 6.2 muzzle flap or membrane in front of the second ramp 3.2, is opened or penetrated during the launching of the underwater rocket 1.2 [0099] 7.1, 7.2 front membrane of the canister 2.1, 2.2, is penetrated during the launching of the underwater rocket 1.1, 1.2 [0100] 8.1, 8.2 rear membrane of the canister 2.1, 2.2, adjoins the chamber Ka [0101] 9.1, 9.2 claws, which hold the underwater rocket 1.1 in the canister 2.1, are rotatable about the axis of rotation D.1 or D.2 and are connected in an articulated manner to the connection 11 [0102] 10 pushrod, which is linearly movable and is connected by way of the articulated connection 11 to the claws 9.1, 9.2, is surrounded by the closing unit 12, penetrates the rear membrane 8.1 [0103] 11 articulated connection between the claws 9.1, 9.2 and the pushrod 10, converts a linear movement of the pushrod 10 into a rotational movement of the two claws 9.1, 9.2 [0104] 12 closing unit for the chamber Km.1 of the locking device, firmly connected to the pushrod 10, has a conical front part [0105] 13 closure plug at the rear end of the propulsion unit Tw.1 of the underwater rocket 1.1, is discharged from the canister 2.1 through the rear membrane 8.1 after the ignition of the propulsion unit Tw.1 [0106] 14 flap, which closes the outlet A of the channel Ka, is opened by emitted propellant Tr.1 or by an actuating element [0107] 16 position sensor in the form of a contact switch, detects the event that the locking device is in the release position [0108] A outlet of the channel Ka, recessed in the vehicle hull Fh, closed by the flap 14 [0109] AR firing direction in which the underwater rocket 1.1 is fired out of the first ramp 3.1 [0110] AR.T outlet direction, in which the propellant Tr.1 is let out of the channel Ka through the outlet A [0111] D.1, D.2 axis of rotation about which the claws 9.1, 9.2 are rotatable [0112] Fh vehicle hull of the watercraft, in which the launching device with the ramps 2.1, 2.2 is recessed [0113] Ka channel, which leads to the outside from the chamber Km, is surrounded by the wall 5 and closed by the flap 14 [0114] Km common chamber behind the two ramps 3.1 and 3.2, receives emitted propellant Tr.1, is surrounded by the wall 4 and connected to the channel Ka [0115] Km.1 chamber of the locking device, surrounds the pushrod 10, is closed by the closing unit 12 [0116] La.1 longitudinal axis of the first ramp 3.1, coincides with the longitudinal axis of the first canister 2.1 [0117] La.2 longitudinal axis of the second ramp 3.2, coincides with the longitudinal axis of the second canister 2.2 [0118] La.K longitudinal axis of the channel Ka [0119] Tr.1 propellant, which is emitted by the propulsion unit Tw.1 of the first underwater rocket 1.1 during launching [0120] Tw.1 propulsion unit of the first underwater rocket 1.1, emits the propellant Tr.1 [0121] WO surface of the water