Lockheed Martin Corporation
Launch canister with air bag ram

Abstract:

A payload launch system that uses an inflatable air bag ram to launch a payload, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle, from a launch chamber of a launch tube. The air bag ram seals with the interior surface of the launch tube to isolate a dump valve that controls the flow of compressed gas from a gas storage chamber into the air bag ram. The air bag ram sealing with the interior surface of the launch tube isolates the dump valve, both pre-launch and post-launch, from any water or debris carried in with water in which the payload launch system is disposed.