Acme Launcher Acoustic Counter Measures – Expendable

The ACME Launcher is a deck-mounted system to provide surface combatants with a robust, easy to operate, and cost effective acoustic counter measures (ACM) launch system for expendable torpedo decoys and sonobuoys.  The system is comprised of 12 launch tubes in two banks of six, with six tubes being dedicated to torpedo decoys and six tubes to sonobuoys.  This standard configuration can be modified to best meet user requirements. The system employs a compressed air launch mechanism and use ship’s power.  Projectiles are launched remotely from the bridge or operations room. The ACME Launcher significantly reduces launch times, significantly increases the frequency at which ACMs can be launched, and significantly reduces the possibility of ACMs coming in contact with—and being disabled by—the launching vessel.

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Description

A two-launcher standard shipboard fit, with port/starboard bridge wings or port/starboard waist as possible launcher locations. This standard configuration can be modified to best meet user requirements. Positioned to maximize ease of access for ACM loading/unloading and planned/corrective maintenance. The ACME launcher is to be used in conjunction with ship torpedo countermeasures (TCM) maneuvering to increase vessel survivability in high sub-surface threat areas.

Features
  • 12-tube acoustic counter measures (ACM) launcher
  • Deck-mounted system oriented perpendicular and outboard to ship’s centreline
  • Tubes angled 10 degrees outboard from the vertical to ensure proper ACM deployment
  • Compressed air launch mechanism, using ship’s power for initiation
  • Can deploy both torpedo decoys and sonobuoys
  • Built-in sleeve to remove decoy shear plugs during launch
  • Armed/safe key at launcher
  • Luminescent launcher control panel located in bridge or operations room
  • Ready/fired indicator for each launcher tube
  • Launcher control panel fitted with safe-to-launch key
Options

Future interfacing of the ACME launcher with the Combat Management System (CMS) of surface combatants will further integrate the ACME launcher into ASW operations by enabling ACM launch from the UnderWater Warfare Director (UWWD) workstation in the operations room. Such an ergonomic operator interface will further simplify ACME launcher operation and responsiveness during high-intensity ASW operations, such as prosecuting sub-surface contacts while conducting Search Attack Units (SAU).

Components
  • 12 launch tubes, each with bottom gasket seal and removable plastic cap
  • 12 compressed air cannons
  • Luminescent launch control panel
  • Angled base plate
  • Removable angled support structure and tube clamp assembly
Launch tube
length: 107 cm (42 in)
diameter: 14 cm (5.5 in)
Angled base plate
length: 134.6 cm (53 in)
width: 76 cm (29.9 in)

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