A tool for automatically adjusting the required slack in umbilical cables for their separation from a missile in a launching shell using spring actuated cable retractors and consists of a flat bar having notched, oppositely turned end portions. The tool is inserted over the explosive nut assembly at one end, the other end engaging the wire cable separation rope which is attached to the cables and to the retractor. By taking up the slack of the cables until the wire rope engaging end of the tool stops a terminal block fixed on the cables, the correct amount of slack is left for proper separation of the cables by the retractor.
The device for disconnecting a releasable connector for connecting a flexible connecting element (3) of an umbilical tower to a launcher (2) of the type comprising a base (5) fixed on the launcher (2) and adapted to receive a plug (6) connected to the flexible connecting element (3) and comprising pullaway means (7) for releasing the plug upon firing the launcher connected to an end of a pulling element (8), is characterized in that it comprises an element (10) capable of breaking upon firing the launcher for fastening the flexible connecting element (3) to the launcher.
Disclosed is a missile launcher (142) which includes frontal electrical access to electrical apparatus mounted in the aft portion of the luncher. A connectorized extender electrical cable (66) is connected to the aft-mounted electrical apparatus (50). The other end of the cable (66) is routed internal to the launcher (142) and exits a frontal sway brace (24). A hole (108) is bored at a 30-inch launcher mounting location (28), and a connector (90) of the extender cable (66) is mounted therein. Aircraft pylons utilizing 14-inch mounting centers and frontal electrical umbilical connections can thereby utilize existing launchers modified according to the invention.
An umbilical cord retractor assembly and method is provided for retracting an umbilical cord from a torpedo or other vehicle prior to launching the vehicle. A guide arm is utilized to guide a slide member along a predetermined path within the guide arm. The slide is connected through a link to the umbilical cord such that the umbilical cord is pulled to a predetermined position within the launch tube out of the way of the fins, shroud, and propeller of the vehicle. Prior to activation of the retractor assembly, the slide is affixed in position within the guide arm by a lock. A spring under tension applies a force to the slide. A release cord pulls a pin from the slide to release the cord at a desired time, thereby retracting the umbilical cord to the predetermined position within the launch tube.
