Rocket launch module and rocket launch vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rocket launching module comprising a base frame (1) comprising at least one rail (2a); a sliding table (3) configured to slide substantially vertically on said rail (2a) when driven by at least one electric linear actuator (11), and a targeting device (4) comprising a turntable (5) on which a pivotable body (6) is mounted, supporting a rocket support portion (7). The sliding table (3) comprises a platform (8) configured to receive the turntable (5) of the targeting device (4).

Claims

1. Module for rocket launching, comprising: a base frame comprising at least one rail; a sliding table configured to slide substantially vertically on the at least one rail during an actuation of at least one electric linear actuator, and a targeting device comprising a turntable configured to be mounted by a pivotable body supporting a rocket support portion; wherein the sliding table comprises a substantially flat platform configured to receive the turntable of the targeting device.

2. Module for rocket launching according to claim 1, wherein: the base frame comprises a rectangular shaped frame with four column, each of the four columns defining the at least one rail; the sliding table comprises a support structure supporting the substantially flat platform; the support frame of the sliding table comprises a plurality of lugs configured to slide into the at least one rail of the frame; and the substantially flat platform of the sliding table comprises an opening which receives the turntable of the targeting device.

3. Module for rocket launching according to claim 2, further comprising two linear actuators arranged at opposite ends of the frame.

4. Module for rocket launching according to claim 3, wherein the actuators are powered by an electric motor.

5. Module for rocket launching according to claim 4, comprising three modular rocket receiving housings, the three modular rocket receiving housings being able to be attached together to the rocket support portion.

6. Module for rocket launching according to claim 3, wherein each actuator is powered by an electric motor and is connected to the sliding table by a transition piece.

7. Module for rocket launching according to claim 1, further comprising at least one modular rocket receiving housing configured to be secured to the rocket support portion.

8. Module for rocket launching according to claim 7, wherein the pivotable body of the targeting device is designed such that the position and its pivot axis coincide with the center of mass of the support portion receiving the at least one modular rocket receiving housing.

9. Module for rocket launching according to claim 8, wherein the pivoting movement of the turntable and the pivoting movement of the pivotable body are driven by an electric actuator.

10. Module for rocket launching according to claim 1, further comprising an outer cage.

11. Module for rocket launching according to claim 10, further comprising feet for independent support of the outer cage.

12. Rocket launching vehicle comprising: a bodywork having an upper opening which may be selectively opened or closed; and a module for rocket launching according to claim 1; wherein: when the upper body opening is closed, the sliding table is in a retracted position relative to the frame; and when the upper body opening is open; the sliding table is slid vertically on the at least one rail of the frame to an extended position in which the targeting device is exposed outside the vehicle body.

13. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 12, wherein: the base frame comprises a rectangular shaped frame with four columns, each of the four columns defining the at least one rail; the sliding table comprises a support structure supporting the substantially flat platform; the support frame of the sliding table comprises a plurality of lugs configured to slide into the rails of the frame; and the substantially flat platform of the sliding table comprises an opening which receives the turntable of the targeting device.

14. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 13, further comprising two linear actuators arranged at opposite ends of the frame.

15. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 14, wherein the actuators are powered by an electric motor.

16. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 15, comprising three modular rocket receiving housings, the three modular rocket receiving housings being able to be attached together to the rocket support portion.

17. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 14, wherein each actuator is powered by an electric motor and is connected to the sliding table by a transition piece.

18. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 12, further comprising at least one modular rocket receiving housing configured to be secured to the rocket support portion.

19. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 18, wherein the pivotable body of the targeting device is designed such that the position and its pivot axis coincide with the center of mass of the support portion receiving the modular rocket receiving housings.

20. Rocket launching vehicle according to claim 19, wherein the pivoting movement of the turntable and the pivoting movement of the pivotable body are driven by an electric actuator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) The present invention will be described in more detail herein below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

(2) FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a launching module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the module being illustrated in a retracted configuration;

(3) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the rear of a launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the illustrated configuration module being the retracted one;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a modular launching module housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the interior of a modular launching module housing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a top perspective view and bottom view of a modular bay launching module according to an embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the front of a launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the module being shown in a retracted configuration with modular compartments for receiving rockets;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the rear of a launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the module being shown in a retracted configuration with modular rocket receiving compartments;

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the module being shown in an expanded configuration with modular rocket receiving compartments;

(10) FIG. 9 is a second perspective view of a launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the configuration of the module being shown in an expanded configuration with modular rocket receiving compartments;

(11) FIG. 10 is a schematic view showing the main components of the linear actuator of the launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention;

(12) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a launching module according to a second embodiment of the present invention, the module being shown in an expanded configuration;

(13) FIG. 12 is a side view of the launching module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the module being shown in expanded configuration with the release portion of the hinge;

(14) FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a launching module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the module being shown in the retracted configuration;

(15) FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the frame base of the launching module in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

(16) FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the release slide table module according to the second embodiment of the present invention;

(17) FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the launching module sliding table according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

(18) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the launching module targeting device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

(19) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the outer cage of the launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention; and

(20) FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the outer cage of the launching module according to one embodiment of the present invention, the cage receiving support feet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(21) The present invention will be described hereinafter based on two embodiments of the invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 19.

(22) FIGS. 1 and 2 show a front perspective view and a rear perspective view of the launching module according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

(23) The launching module comprises a base frame 1 and a table 3 configured to slide substantially vertically on rails of the base frame 1.

(24) The base frame 1 preferably comprises a rectangular frame with four columns 2 arranged at the corners of the rectangle shape. Part of the inner surface of each column—that is, part of the surface of each column facing into the frame—forms a rail 2a.

(25) The sliding table 3 is configured to receive a targeting device 4. Thus, in the preferred embodiment of the invention shown, the sliding table 3 comprises an opening for receiving the turntable of the targeting device 4.

(26) Preferably, the sliding table 3 comprises a substantially flat platform 8 (with the opening) and a support structure 9.

(27) The support structure 9 comprises shoulders configured to engage the rails 2a of the base frame. Preferably, the base structure comprises eight shoulders, two spaced aligned shoulders being arranged to fit each rail 2a.

(28) With this configuration in frame 1 and sliding table 3, the flat platform supporting the targeting device 4 can be safely and stably moved vertically, as the platform is slidably supported on the four columns 2a of the base frame 1.

(29) A linear actuator 11 powered by electric motor 12 preferably achieves the substantially vertical displacement of the sliding table 3. In the module shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and 6 to 9, two linear actuators 11 are provided powered by a single electric motor 12.

(30) As shown in the figures, preferably the linear actuators are arranged at opposite ends of the frame 1 so that the vertical movement of the sliding table 3 is carried out in a stable manner. The connection between each actuator 11 and the sliding table is made by a respective transition piece 13 connected to the table.

(31) The upper part of each actuator 11 is secured to frame 1 by a fastener 14 connected to an upper crossbar 15 of frame 1. The lower part of each actuator 11 is secured to the frame by a lower mounting fixture 16.

(32) As best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, the targeting device 4 preferably comprises a turntable 5 on which a pivotable body 6 supporting a rocket support portion 7 is mounted.

(33) The pivotable body 6 is preferably designed such that the position of the pivot axis coincides with the center of mass/gravity of the support portion 7 receiving the modular rocket compartment.

(34) Preferably, the pivoting movement of the turntable 5 and the pivoting movement of the pivoting body 6 are driven by an electric actuator which can, for example, be connected to the underside of the flat platform 8 of the sliding table 3.

(35) The support portion 7 preferably comprises a substantially flat top portion on which the modular rocket compartment is supported and secured.

(36) FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrate the modular rocket compartment M that is secured to the support portion 7 of the targeting device 4.

(37) As can be seen from these figures, modular housing M comprises an outer wrap 20 where positioners 21 are arranged. FIG. 5 illustrates top perspective views (a) and bottom perspective view (b) of the positioner.

(38) The outer wrap may include fairings 22 in the form of longitudinal shoulders.

(39) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer wrap receives eight positioners, four in the upper wall and four in the lower wall.

(40) The inner portion, shown in FIG. 4 where the housing is shown without wrap 20, is formed by a plurality of tubes 23 with frames 24 acting as supports and spacers. The tubes act as rocket receivers.

(41) In the embodiment shown in the figures, each modular compartment M has sixteen rocket receiving tubes.

(42) With this construction, modular compartments can be easily transported and stored. In addition, securing and replacing the M compartments in the launching module is easy, fast and secure.

(43) As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the support portion 7 of the launching module targeting device 4 may receive more than one modular rocket compartment (in the figure, the module receives three modular compartments).

(44) FIGS. 8 and 9 show the launching module in extended configuration, i.e. after the sliding table 3 slides up onto the rails 2a in the frame columns 2.

(45) As can be seen from these figures, with this configuration the modular compartments M can be directed by pivoting the turntable 5 and pivoting the pivoting body 6. Since the positioning of the pivoting body axis 6 coincides with the center of gravity Based on the support portion 7 with the modular compartments M, electric actuation of the targeting device 4 is possible, which reduces the weight of the assembly and eliminates the use of hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems.

(46) FIG. 9 shows a preferred embodiment of linear actuator 11 according to the present invention. In the preferred embodiment, the linear actuator comprises the following elements: (a) body; (b) coverage; (c) male connector; (d) flange; (e) spacers; (f) flange-body joint; (g) cylinder rod-connector joint; (h) body-joint gasket; (i) bushing; (j) cylinder rod; (k) fixed pipe and (l) screw with planetary rollers, being seen from the AA view shown in (m).

(47) FIGS. 11 to 17 show a second embodiment of the launching module of the present invention. In this embodiment, the launching module receives a set of rocket or F-rocket receiving tubes.

(48) FIGS. 11 and 12 show a perspective view and a side view of the launching module according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the module being shown in the extended configuration. FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the module according to the second embodiment of the present invention in retracted configuration.

(49) Characteristics that are similar to the first embodiment will be represented with the same reference numerals.

(50) Thus, the launching module comprises a base frame 1 and a table 3 configured to slide substantially vertically on rails of the base frame 1.

(51) As best illustrated in FIG. 14, the base frame 1 preferably comprises a rectangular frame with four columns 2 arranged at the corners of the rectangle shape. Part of the inner surface of each column—that is, part of the surface of each column facing into the frame—forms a rail 2a.

(52) The sliding table 3 is configured to receive a targeting device 4.

(53) Thus, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 16, the sliding table 3 comprises an opening 3a for receiving the turntable of the targeting device 4.

(54) Still as shown in FIG. 6, the sliding table 3 comprises a substantially flat platform 8 comprising opening 3a and a support structure 9.

(55) The support structure 9 comprises lugs 10 configured to engage rails 2a of the base frame. In this embodiment, the base frame comprises eight shoulders 10, two spaced aligned shoulders are arranged to fit each rail 2a.

(56) With this configuration in frame 1 and sliding table 3, the flat platform supporting the targeting device 4 can be safely and stably moved vertically, as the platform is slidably supported on the four columns 2a of the base frame 1.

(57) The substantially vertical displacement of the sliding table 3 is achieved by a linear actuator 110, powered by electric motor 120 (electric piston schematically illustrated in the figures). Thus, as best seen in FIGS. 11, 13 and 15, the launching module preferably comprises two linear actuators 110 driven by two electric motors 120.

(58) As shown in the figure, preferably the linear actuators are arranged at opposite ends of the frame 1, so that the vertical movement of the sliding table 3 is stable. The connection between each actuator 110 and the sliding table is made by a respective transition piece 13 connected to the table.

(59) The upper part of each actuator 110 is secured to frame 1 by a fastener 14 connected to an upper crossbar 15 of frame 1. The lower part of each actuator 110 is secured to the frame by a lower fixture. 16

(60) As best illustrated in FIG. 17, the targeting device 4 preferably comprises a turntable 5 on which a pivotable body 6 supporting a rocket support portion 7 is mounted.

(61) The pivotable body 6 is preferably designed such that the position of the pivot axis 17 coincides with the center of mass/gravity of the support portion 7 receiving the rocket receiving assembly F.

(62) Preferably, the pivoting movement of the turntable 5 and the pivoting movement of the pivoting body 6 are driven by an electric actuator which can, for example, be connected to the underside of the flat platform 8 of the sliding table 3.

(63) The support portion 7 preferably comprises a substantially flat top portion on which the rocket receiving assembly F is supported and secured.

(64) As shown in FIG. 18, the launching module may further comprise an outer cage 18, into which the frame/sliding table/targeting device assembly and transporting drive means may be arranged. The upper part of the outer cage 18 is preferably open to allow passage of the assembly.

(65) As shown in FIG. 19, support feet 19 can be attached to cage 18. Thus, cage 18 can be used as a support chassis for the module.

(66) In this regard, it should be noted that the launching module of the present invention, with its electric actuators, may function in a completely independent way, in any vehicle. Thus, the cage 18 may serve as a chassis in case of independent operation.

(67) Alternatively, the launching module of the present invention may be installed in a vehicle, whereby frame 1 is connected to the internal structure of the vehicle.

(68) The launching module of the present invention provides a compact, safe and stable rocket launching solution (preferably 70 mm diameter rockets).

(69) As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, when the sliding table 3 is in extended configuration relative to the frame 1, the targeting device 4 can be rotated and the support surface 7 can be pivoted to adjust both the direction and angle of release.

(70) On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 3, when the sliding table 3 is in the retracted configuration, the assembly becomes extremely compact. Thus, the module can be installed in an adapted 4×4 vehicle so that the module is completely internal to the vehicle when retracted and can be expanded through a predicted opening in the vehicle roof (when expanded, the targeting device 4 is outer to the vehicle body).

(71) In addition, as the sliding table 3 slides over the rails 2a in the frame 2 columns, the flat platform 8 with the targeting device 4 can be safely and stably moved vertically by actuating the linear actuator without risk of tipping and without the need for hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems, which ultimately reduces the risk of failures, especially considering sand or gravel operating environments.

(72) The use of the turntable 5 and the positioning of the pivot shaft 17 of the pivoting body 6 also ensures the possibility of electrical actuation of the targeting device 4, which reduces the weight of the assembly and eliminates the use of hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems.

(73) Having described two example that are the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations of the inventive concept described herein, that is limited solely by the wording of the claims, including the possible equivalents.