Inventors:
Matthew R. Montgomery - Clearwater FL, US
M. Keith Stephens - Clearwater FL, US
W. Noel McCormick - Dunedin FL, US
Paul D. Stevenson - Seminole FL, US
Assignee:
Arnold Defense and Electronics, LLC - Arnold MO
International Classification:
F41F 3/04
Abstract:
A blind-mating rocket launcher connector and protection system having a connector, a floating connector member, a cam, a connector cover, and a linkage between the cam and connector cover whereby the connector may mate with a second connector when the cam is displaced despite misalignments between the first and second connector. For the preferred embodiment, the floating connector member has multiple degrees of freedom with a reduced diameter portion and a lengthwise key whereby the connector is capable of mating with an aerodynamic hood of a rocket. The preferred embodiment biases and closes the connector cover upon the connector prior to a plume of the rocket passes the connector whereby exposure of the connector to the deleterious effects of the plume are minimized.