A launcher for torpedoes and underwater vehicles includes an inlet recess in
fluid
communication with a shutterway recess. A primary shutterway is provided both for
ejection of the vehicle and for supplying fluid intake to the launcher. A pump
circulates fluid from the inlet recess to the shutterway recess, and a launch tube
houses a vehicle such as a weapon, within the launcher prior to launch thereof.
A slide valve and impulse tank combination are positioned intermediate the pump
and the launch tube, such that the slide valve controls a flow of fluid to the
launch tube. A guide can is positioned at the shutterway recess for guiding the
vehicle from the launch tube to an exterior of the launcher and fluid within the
launcher is continually moderated to enable selective launch of the vehicle with
a fluid force.
