LAUNCHER ADAPTATION KIT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit to U.S. Provisional Ser. No. 63/710,703 filed on Oct. 23, 2024, entitled “Launcher Adaptation Kit”, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a launcher adaptation kit, more specifically the adaptation of a rocket or missile launcher, hereinafter referred to as “launcher”, to a manual or remotely operated weapons station, hereinafter referred to as “weapons station”. In use, the launcher adaptation kit accurately and rigidly adapts a launcher to a weapons station with the use of adapters, pins, tensioners, vibration isolators and other hardware.

BACKGROUND

Generally speaking, a missile launcher is a system that fires missiles and can refer to a variety of devices, ranging from a portable, handheld weapon to a vehicle-mounted system or a large, static launch facility like an underground missile silo. These stations are used for a wide range of military and naval purposes, including anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-ground attacks. Missile launchers can be loaded and fired by a single person or a small crew, depending on the system. They can be used for a wide variety of tasks, including firing missiles that fly at high speeds with explosive warheads to destroy enemy vehicles, command stations, or large groups of infantry. Some advanced systems are designed to launch missiles from internal bays in aircraft to reduce drag and enhance stealth. Missile launchers have different types of ammunition, which vary depending on the system and the intended target.

Generally speaking, a weapons station is a military facility, vehicle, or mechanism that focuses on the storage, loading, and maintenance of weapons, ammunition, and other ordnance. It can also be a standalone component of a weapon system on a vehicle or other platform. A weapons station for a missile launcher is a component that holds, aims, and fires missiles. These can range from a self-contained, remote-controlled turret on a vehicle or ship to a massive underground silo for intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Key features may include vertical launch systems, remote operation, and multi-mission capabilities. Systems like the Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) allow operators to aim and fire weapons from inside an armored vehicle, providing protection. Some vehicle-mounted systems, such as the Typhon, are transporter-erector-launchers (TELs) that can also include the radar system needed for firing. The Mark 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) on Lockheed Martin's website is a shipboard system capable of launching various missiles for different missions, including anti-aircraft, anti-submarine, and land attack. Close-in weapon systems (CIWS) are designed for last-ditch defense against incoming threats and can include missile-based options.

A remote weapons station (RWS) is a remotely operated weapon system that allows an operator to aim and fire weapons from inside a protected vehicle or platform. These systems are equipped with a fire-control system and can be mounted on ground vehicles, ships, and aircraft, keeping the operator safe from enemy fire. RWS can accommodate a range of light to medium caliber weapons, such as machine guns and automatic cannons, and are used for purposes like self-defense and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS). The operator controls the weapon from a remote location, such as inside a vehicle's cabin, which significantly reduces the risk of injury from enemy fire. RWS can be integrated into various platforms, including armored fighting vehicles, logistics vehicles, and naval vessels. Modern systems often include stabilized platforms, integrated electro-optics, and fire-control systems that provide features like night vision, thermal imaging, and laser rangefinders. Some advanced RWS allow for network-based operations, where one operator can control multiple stations, or multiple operators can share control of a single station.

One problem with weapons stations for launchers that the instant disclosure recognizes is the difficulty, time, and effort required for mounting and/or removing launchers from the weapons station. Launchers often require maintenance. In addition, weapons stations are often times equipped with various types of launchers that are changed on the fly to fit the mission or need as it arises. As such, there is clearly a need to provide a system, device, and/or method to allow launchers to be mounted and/or removed from the weapons station easier with less time and effort.

Another problem with weapons stations for launchers that the instant disclosure recognizes is the rigidity of the mounting mechanisms between the launcher and the weapons system. Launchers create various forces when firing that are translated down to the weapons station that they are mounted on and the mounting mechanisms. This can lead to damage of parts on the mount and the weapons station. In addition, especially with vehicle mounted weapons stations, the weapons station creates various forces that are translated to the launcher. This is obviously undesirable as it could damage the launcher As, such, there is clearly a need to provide a system, device, and/or method to allow launchers to be mounted to the weapons station that provides some damping characteristics to and from the launcher and weapons station.

The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certain aspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing the disclosed launcher adaptation kit.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available means, mechanisms, systems and processes for mounting launchers to weapons stations, by providing the disclosed launcher adaptation kit. The disclosed launcher adaptation kit may generally include an upper adapter, a lower adapter, and a riser structure. The upper adapter may be configured to be removably attached to the launcher. The lower adapter may be configured to be removably attached to the weapons station. The riser structure may be removably attached to the upper adapter on a top side, and removably attached to the lower adapter on a bottom side.

One feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that the upper adapter can include a top slot. The top slot may be configured to receive a top portion on the top side of the riser structure. The top portion of the riser structure may be configured to be removably locked inside of the top slot of the upper adapter for removably attaching the upper adapter to the top side of the riser structure. In select embodiments, the top slot on the upper adapter may include at least one set of outer pin holes therethrough. The top portion on the riser structure may include at least one inner pin hole therethrough. Wherein, the top portion of the riser structure may be configured to be removably locked inside of the top slot of the upper adapter via at least one removable pin being inserted through the at least one set of outer pin holes and the at least one inner pin hole. Wherein, the at least one removable pin may be configured to provide a quick-release of the launcher from the launcher adaptation kit. In select embodiments, the top slot on the upper adapter may include two sets of outer pin holes therethrough. The top portion on the riser structure may include two inner pin holes therethrough. Wherein, the top portion of the riser structure may be configured to be removably locked inside of the top slot of the upper adapter via two removable pins. The two removable pins may include a first removable pin and a second removable pin. The first removable pin may be configured to be inserted through a first set of outer pin holes and a first inner pin hole. The second removable pin may be configured to be inserted through a second set of outer pin holes and a second inner pin hole. In select embodiments, the first removable set of outer pin holes and the first inner pin hole may be positioned approximate a front side of the launch adaptation kit. The second removable set of outer pin holes and the second inner pin hole may be positioned approximate a back side of the launch adaptation kit. In select embodiments, the upper adapter may include an alignment notch at approximately a top midpoint of the top slot. The riser structure may include a positioning pin at approximately a bottom midpoint of the top portion. Wherein, when the top portion of the riser structure is positioned in the top slot of the upper adapter and the positioning pin of the riser structure is positioned in the alignment notch of the upper adapter, the two inner pin holes on the top portion may be configured to be aligned with the two sets of outer pin holes through the top slot.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that each of the at least one removable pin can include a tethering cord. The tethering cord of each of the at least one removable pins may be configured to tether the removable pin to the launcher adaptation kit when removed.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that the upper adapter can further include a mounting plate. The mounting plate may be affixed on the top slot. The mounting plate may be configured to removably attach the launcher adaptation kit to the launcher. In select embodiments, the mounting plate may include at least one mechanical fastener around the mounting plate configured to secure the launcher on the mounting plate of the upper adapter. In select embodiments, each of the at least one mechanical fastener can include a vibration isolator. The vibration isolator on each of the at least one mechanical fasteners may be configured to dampen the movements of the launcher about the launcher adaptation kit, and vice versa. In select embodiments, each of the vibration isolators can include a top vibration isolator element and a bottom vibration isolator element. The top vibration isolator element may be positioned on top of the mounting plate around each of the at least one mechanical fastener. The bottom vibration isolator element may be positioned under the mounting plate around each of the at least one mechanical fasteners. In select embodiments, each of the top vibration isolator elements and the bottom vibration isolator elements may be bayonet style shock absorbers. In select embodiments, the mounting plate may include four mechanical fasteners positioned approximate each corner of the mounting plate, and four vibration isolators, one vibration isolator on each of the four mechanical fasteners. In select embodiments, each of the at least one mechanical fasteners may be a captive fastener. Each of the captive fasteners may be configured to remain fastened to the mounting plate.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be the inclusion of a tensioner device, the tensioner device is configured to provide tension forces between the riser structure and the upper adapter. In select embodiments, the tensioner device may include a tensioner mounting bracket affixed to the riser structure. The tensioner mounting bracket may include a threaded hole therethrough. A spindle rod may be threaded in the threaded hole of the tensioner mounting bracket. The spindle rod may include a rotatable knob on one end configured to rotate the spindle rod. A platform may be on the other end of the spindle rod and positioned below a bottom surface on the upper adapter. Wherein, the tensioner device may be configured to provide the tension forces between the riser structure and the upper adapter by rotating the rotatable knob.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that the lower adapter can include a top flange. The top flange may be configured to be inserted into a bottom slot on a bottom of the riser structure. The top flange of the lower adapter may be configured to be removably locked inside of the bottom slot of the riser structure for removably attaching the lower adapter to the bottom of the riser structure. In select embodiments, the bottom slot on the riser structure may include at least one set of outer screw holes therethrough. The top flange on the lower adapter may include at least one inner screw hole therethrough. Wherein, the top flange of the lower adapter may be configured to be removably locked inside of the bottom slot of the riser structure via at least one removable screw being inserted through the at least one set of outer screw holes and the at least one inner screw hole. In select embodiments, the bottom slot on the riser structure may include three sets of outer screw holes therethrough. The top flange on the lower adapter may include three inner screw holes therethrough. Wherein, the top flange of the lower adapter may be configured to be removably locked inside of the bottom slot of the riser structure via three removable screws. The three removable screws may include a first removable screw configured to be inserted through a first set of outer screw holes and a first inner screw hole. A second removable screw may be configured to be inserted through a second set of outer screw holes and a second inner screw hole. A third removable screw may be configured to be inserted through a third set of outer screw holes and a third inner screw hole. In select embodiments, the lower adapter may include a positioning surface with a front end below the top flange. The positioning surface may be configured to be positioned on bottom walls of the bottom slot with the front end of the positioning surface positioned on a notched wall of the riser structure for positioning the top flange in the bottom slot. In select embodiments, the lower adapter may include a mounting hole through a sloped bottom. The mounting hole through the sloped bottom may be configured to receive a mounting pin for mounting the lower adapter to the weapons station. In these embodiments, the riser structure may include a control connector at a font end. The control connector may be configured to connect to a vertical control on the weapons station configured to control the rotational position of the launcher adaptation kit about the mounting hole on the lower adapter, whereby the vertical aim of the launcher may be adjusted.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that it can be configured to adapt a launcher to a weapons station with the use of adapters, pins, tensioners, and vibration isolators.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that it can be configured with an ability to separate a launcher from a weapons station without the use of tools.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that it can be configured and designed with a quick-release feature that permits the system or weapons station to be reconfigurable.

Another feature of the disclosed launcher adaptation kit may be that it can be configured and designed with an ability to dampen vibrations imparted onto or from a launcher with the use of vibration isolators.

In select embodiments, the disclosed launcher adaptation kit can be configured and designed: to adapt a launcher to a weapons station with the use of adapters, pins, tensioners, and vibration isolators; with an ability to separate a launcher from a weapons station without the use of tools; with a quick-release feature that permits the system or weapons station to be reconfigurable; and with an ability to dampen vibrations imparted onto or from a launcher with the use of vibration isolators.

In another aspect, the instant disclosure embraces the launcher adaptation kit in any embodiments and/or combination of embodiments shown and/or described herein.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present apparatuses, systems and methods will be better understood by reading the disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a top, rear-left isometric view of a launcher adaptation kit according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top, rear-right isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top, front-left isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top, front-right isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom, rear-left isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a bottom, front-left isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom, front-right isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom, rear-right isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a left side view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a right side view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a bottom view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 13 is a front view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 15 is a partially disassembled, top, front-right isometric view of the launcher adaptation kit from FIG. 1;

FIG. 16 is a top, front-right isometric view of a launcher adaptation kit according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure installed between a generic weapons station and a launcher; and

FIG. 17 is a top, front-right isometric view of a launcher adaptation kit according to select embodiments of the instant disclosure installed between a specific weapons station and a specific launcher.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely for the purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neither desired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exact details of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemed essential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-17, in describing the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of the claims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The examples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merely examples among other possible examples.

Referring to FIGS. 1-15, the present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of the currently available means, mechanisms, systems and processes for mounting launchers 12 to weapons stations 14, by providing the disclosed launcher adaptation kit 10. Launcher adaptation kit 10 may generally include upper adapter 16, lower adapter 18, and riser structure 20. Upper adapter 16 may be configured to be removably attached to launcher 12. Lower adapter 18 may be configured to be removably attached to weapons station 14. Riser structure 20 may be removably attached to upper adapter 16 on top side 22 of riser structure 20, and removably attached to lower adapter 18 on bottom side 24 of riser structure 20.

Upper adapter 16 may be attached to top side 22 of riser structure 20 by any various means, mechanisms, devices, etc. In select possibly preferred embodiments of launcher adaptation kit 10, as shown in FIGS. 1-15, upper adapter 16 can include top slot 26. Top slot 26 may be configured to receive top portion 28 on top side 22 of riser structure 20. Top portion 28 of riser structure 20 may be configured to be removably locked inside of top slot 26 of upper adapter 16 for removably attaching upper adapter 16 to top side 22 of riser structure 20. In select embodiments, top slot 26 on upper adapter 16 may include at least one set of outer pin holes 30 (best shown in FIG. 15) therethrough. Top portion 28 on riser structure 20 may include at least one inner pin hole 32 therethrough, corresponding in position to outer pin holes 30 through top slot 26 in upper adapter 16. Wherein, top portion 28 of riser structure 20 may be configured to be removably locked inside of top slot 26 of upper adapter 16 via at least one removable pin 34 being inserted through the at least one set of outer pin holes 30 and the at least one inner pin hole 32. Wherein, the at least one removable pin 34 may be configured to provide quick-release feature 36 of launcher 12 from launcher adaptation kit 10. In select embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 1-5, top slot 26 on upper adapter 16 may include two sets of outer pin holes 30 therethrough. Top portion 28 on riser structure 20 may include two inner pin holes 32 therethrough, corresponding in position to the two sets of outer pin holes 30 through top slot 26 in upper adapter 16. Wherein, top portion 28 of riser structure 20 may be configured to be removably locked inside of top slot 26 of upper adapter 16 via two removable pins 34. The two removable pins 34 may include first removable pin 34 and second removable pin 34. The first removable pin 34 may be configured to be inserted through a first set of outer pin holes 30 and first inner pin hole 32. The second removable pin 34 may be configured to be inserted through a second set of outer pin holes 30 and a second inner pin hole 32. In select embodiments, first removable set of outer pin holes 30 and the first inner pin hole 32 may be positioned approximate front side 38 of launch adaptation kit 10. Second removable set of outer pin holes 30 and second inner pin hole 32 may be positioned approximate back side 40 of launch adaptation kit 10. In select embodiments, upper adapter 16 may include alignment notch 42 at approximately top midpoint 44 of top slot 26. Riser structure 20 may include positioning pin 46 at approximately bottom midpoint 48 of top portion 28 of riser structure 20. Wherein, when top portion 28 of riser structure 20 is positioned in top slot 26 of upper adapter 16 and positioning pin 46 of riser structure 20 is positioned in alignment notch 42 of upper adapter 16, the two inner pin holes 32 on top portion 28 of riser structure 20 may be configured to be aligned with the two sets of outer pin holes 30 through top slot 26 of upper adapter 16.

Another feature of launcher adaptation kit 10 may be that each of the at least one removable pin 34 can include tethering cord 50. Each tethering cord 50 of each of the at least one removable pins 34 may be configured to tether the respective removable pin 34 to launcher adaptation kit 10 (or to weapons station 14 or to launcher 12) when removed. As shown in the Figures, in select embodiments of launcher adaptation kit 10, two tethering cords 50 may be provided for the two removable pins 34.

Upper adapter 16 may be configured to attach to launcher 12 by any various means, shapes, configurations, fasteners, or the like. In select embodiments of launcher adaptation kit 10, as shown in the Figures, upper adapter 16 can further include mounting plate 52. Mounting plate 52 may be affixed on top slot 26 of upper adapter 16. Mounting plate 52 may be configured to removably attach launcher adaptation kit 10 to launcher 12. Mounting plate 52 may include any shape, size or configuration configured to match the mounting features of launcher 12. In select embodiments, mounting plate 52 may include at least one mechanical fastener 54 around mounting plate 52 configured to secure launcher 12 on mounting plate 52 of upper adapter 16. In select embodiments, each of the at least one mechanical fastener 54 can include vibration isolator 56. Each vibration isolator 56 on each of the at least one mechanical fasteners 54 may be configured to dampen the movements of launcher 12 about launcher adaptation kit 10, and vice versa. In select embodiments, each of the vibration isolators 56 can include top vibration isolator element 58 and bottom vibration isolator element 60. The top vibration isolator element 58 may be positioned on top of mounting plate 52 around each of the at least one mechanical fastener 54. The bottom vibration isolator element 60 may be positioned under the mounting plate 52 around each of the at least one mechanical fasteners 54. In select embodiments, each of the top vibration isolator elements 58 and the bottom vibration isolator elements 60 may be bayonet style shock absorbers 62. In select possibly preferred embodiments, each bayonet style shock absorber 62 of the vibration isolators 56 may be, but is not limited to, microcellular urethane bayonet style shock absorbers. Wherein the type and the number of microcellular urethane style shock absorbers used in launcher adaptation kit 10 may be set based on the weight and the action of launcher 12 and weapons station 14. In select embodiments, mounting plate 52 may include four mechanical fasteners 54 positioned approximate each corner 64 of mounting plate 52, and four vibration isolators 56, one vibration isolator 56 on each of the four mechanical fasteners 54. In select embodiments, each of the at least one mechanical fasteners 54 may be captive fastener 66 (best shown disassembled in FIG. 15). Each of the captive fasteners 66 may be configured to remain fastened to mounting plate 52, even when not in use or secured to launcher 12.

Another feature of launcher adaptation kit 10 may be the inclusion of tensioner device 68. Tensioner device 68 may be configured to provide tension forces between riser structure 20 and upper adapter 16. Tensioner device 68 can be configured to impart tension forces 70 unto upper adapter 16 minimizing any compliance in the connection between upper adapter 16 and riser structure 20. In select embodiments, tensioner device 68 may include tensioner mounting bracket 72 affixed to riser structure 20. Tensioner mounting bracket 72 may include threaded hole 74 therethrough at its distal end. Spindle rod 76 may be threaded in threaded hole 74 of tensioner mounting bracket 72. Spindle rod 76 may include rotatable knob 78 on one end configured to rotate spindle rod 76. Platform 80 may be on the other end of spindle rod 76 and positioned below bottom surface 82 on upper adapter 16. Wherein, tensioner device 68 may be configured to provide tension forces 70 (see FIG. 10) between riser structure 20 and upper adapter 16 by rotating rotatable knob 78.

Lower adapter 18 may be configured to attach to weapons station 14 by any various means, shapes, configurations, fasteners, or the like. In select embodiments of launcher adaptation kit 10, as shown in the Figures, lower adapter 18 can include top flange 84. Top flange 84 may be configured to be inserted into bottom slot 86 on bottom 88 of riser structure 20. Top flange 84 of lower adapter 18 may be configured to be removably locked inside of bottom slot 86 of riser structure 20 for removably attaching lower adapter 18 to bottom 88 of riser structure 20. In select embodiments, bottom slot 86 on riser structure 20 may include at least one set of outer screw holes 90 therethrough. Top flange 84 on lower adapter 18 may include at least one inner screw hole 92 therethrough, corresponding to the sets of outer screw holes 90 in bottom slot 86 on riser structure 20. Wherein, top flange 84 of lower adapter 18 may be configured to be removably locked inside of bottom slot 86 of riser structure 20 via at least one removable screw 94 being inserted through the at least one set of outer screw holes 90 and the at least one inner screw hole 92. In select embodiments, and clearly not limited thereto, as shown in the Figures, bottom slot 86 on riser structure 20 may include three sets of outer screw holes 90 therethrough. Top flange 84 on lower adapter 18 may include three inner screw holes 92 therethrough, corresponding to the three sets of outer screw holes 90 in bottom slot 86 on riser structure 20. Wherein, top flange 84 of lower adapter 18 may be configured to be removably locked inside of bottom slot 86 of riser structure 20 via three removable screws 94. The three removable screws 94 may include a first removable screw 94 configured to be inserted through a first set of outer screw holes 90 and a first inner screw hole 92. A second removable screw 94 may be configured to be inserted through a second set of outer screw holes 90 and a second inner screw hole 92. A third removable screw 94 may be configured to be inserted through a third set of outer screw holes 90 and a third inner screw hole 92. In select embodiments, lower adapter 18 may include positioning surface 96 with front end 98 below top flange 84. Positioning surface 96 may be configured to be positioned on bottom walls 100 of bottom slot 86 with front end 98 of positioning surface 96 positioned on notched wall 102 of riser structure 20 for positioning top flange 84 in bottom slot 86. In select embodiments, lower adapter 18 may include mounting hole 104 through sloped bottom 106. Mounting hole 104 through sloped bottom 106 may be configured to receive mounting pin 108 for mounting lower adapter 18 to weapons station 14. In these embodiments, riser structure 20 may include control connector 110 at font end 112 of riser structure 20. Control connector 110 may be configured to connect to vertical control 114 on weapons station 14 (see FIGS. 16 and 17) configured to control the rotational position of launcher adaptation kit 10 about mounting hole 104 on lower adapter 18, whereby vertical aim 116 of launcher 12 may be adjusted.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 16 and 17, launcher adaptation kit 10 is shown in position between launcher 12 and weapons station 14. As shown, weapons station 14 is removably attached to lower adapter 18, which is connected to bottom side 24 of riser structure 20. Launcher 12 is attached to upper adapter 16, which is removably attached to top side 22 of riser structure 20 via removable pins 34 for providing quick-release feature 36 of launcher 12 from weapons station 14. As shown, launcher adaptation kit 10 may be configured to adapt launcher 12 to weapons station 14 with the use of adapters (upper adapter 16 and lower adapter 18), pins 34, tensioners 68, and vibration isolators 56. Launcher adaptation kit 10 may be configured with an ability to separate launcher 12 from weapons station 14 without the use of tools. Launcher adaptation kit 10 may also be configured and designed with quick-release feature 36 that permits the system or weapons station 14 to be reconfigurable. Launcher adaptation kit 10 may also be configured and designed with an ability to dampen vibrations imparted onto or from launcher 12 with the use of vibration isolators 56.

In sum, the disclosed launcher adaptation kit 10 may generally be comprised of upper adapter 16, riser structure 20, lower adapter 18, vibration isolators 56, captive fasteners 66, removable pins 34, and tensioner device 68. Upper adapter 16 can be configured to assemble to any mounting provisions of launcher 12 with vibration isolators 56 and captive fasteners 66.

Upper adapter 16 can be configured to be rapidly assembled, disassembled or reconfigured from riser structure 20 with the use of removable pins 34. Riser structure 20 and lower adapter 18 can be configured to assemble to the mounting provisions weapons station 14. Tensioner device 68 can be configured to impart tension forces 70 unto upper adapter 16 minimizing any compliance in the connection between upper adapter 16 and riser structure 20. In a possibly preferred configuration, tensioner device 68 and lower adapter 18 can be affixed to riser structure 20 with fasteners such as nuts and bolts, screws, pins, rods, dowels, adhesives or the like. In its simplest configuration, tensioner device 68, and/or lower adapter 18 can be monolithic to riser 20, not requiring any fastener for assembly. The upper adapter 16, riser structure 20, lower adapter 18, captive fasteners 66, removable pins 34 and tensioner device 68 can be comprised of any rigid or semi-rigid material such as wood, plastic, foam, and any ferrous or non-ferrous material or the like. The vibration isolators 56 can be comprised of any material intended to dampen vibrations, such as rubber, foam, plastic, or any elastomer or the like.

As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 16, there is illustrated a possibly preferred launcher adaptation kit 10 in use with launcher 12 and weapons station 14. The launcher 12 and weapons station 14 may be assembled utilizing mating features on launcher adaptation kit 10. One feature of launcher adaptation kit 10 may be is its ability to accurately and rapidly adapt launcher 12 to weapons station 14 with the use of removable pins 34 and locating features on upper adapter 16 and riser structure 20. Another feature of launcher adaptation kit 10 may be its ability to rapidly separate launcher 12 from weapons station 14 without the use of tools. This design has quick-release feature 36 that permits the system or weapons station 14 to be reconfigurable. Another feature of launcher adaptation kit 10 may be its ability to dampen vibrations imparted onto or from launcher 12 with the use of vibration isolators 56.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrative embodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure. Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain order does not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of that method. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limited only by the following claims.