초록 ▼

An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed

An air-based vertical launch system is described by means of which ballistic missile defense can be achieved effectively from a large aircraft. A method for ensuring safe missile egress is proposed. A method for ensuring that the missile strikes the ballistic missile payload section is also proposed. Together, the air basing method employing vertical (or near-vertical) launch and semi-active laser guidance yield an affordable and operationally effective missile defense against both tactical and long-range ballistic missiles. The affordability of missile defense is enhanced by the ability of an aircraft equipped with a vertical launcher to simultaneously carry out several defensive and offensive missions and to provide other capabilities such as satellite launch at other times. Methods for employing an aircraft equipped with a vertical (or near-vertical launcher) and one or more of the proposed egress assurance mechanisms in offensive ground attack missions, mine laying, and satellite launch missions are also proposed.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method for launching naval mines into a minefield from great standoff comprising the steps of: placing the mine in a missile bus consisting of a dual-thrust booster with thrust vector control (TVC), a global positioning system (GPS)-aided inertial navigation system (INS), a retarding device, a

1. A method for launching naval mines into a minefield from great standoff comprising the steps of: placing the mine in a missile bus consisting of a dual-thrust booster with thrust vector control (TVC), a global positioning system (GPS)-aided inertial navigation system (INS), a retarding device, a separating shroud, and a mine initialization and safety arming device;mounting the missile bus in an approximately vertical position in an aircraft;launching a set of mine buses to release their mines into a prescribed grid location based on GPS coordinates,whereby minefield can be safely deployed to a desired location without exposing a number of launch platforms to heavy air defenses. 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the missile bus is vertically mounted. 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the missile bus is mounted in a tilted position.