Rapid Additive Integrated Launcher System (RAILS)

The Rapid Additive Integrated Launcher System (RAILS) by Dynovas is a versatile, scalable munition deployment system, designed for simplicity and rapid adaptability. Utilizing advanced manufacturing, notably 3D printing, RAILS addresses key USSOCOM needs for a multi-munition container system capable of supporting a broad weight range (100-1000 lbs.) and ensuring compatibility with standard Type-V Air Force pallets. Its innovative design process leveraging advanced manufacturing methods enables quick iterations and the development of a universal common launch container (CLC) for efficient transportation, storage, and launch. Dynovas’ RAILS is a self-supported, universally adaptable, additively fabricated and reusable manufacturing system engineered for simplicity and reliability to support deployment of multiple payloads classes with the ability to launch from any height, and nearly any aircraft or surface platform.  RAILS will incorporate a standard set of critical launch container parts that will be adapted to different size munitions initially targeting SOCOM specified 250-lb class munitions.  The supporting critical path hardware pieces, such as the umbilical retract, forward cover, and launch tube will be prefabricated for integration into launch containers for different sized munitions.  The hardware that is needed to adapt to different sized munitions, from 100-1,000 lbs, will be 3D printed to interface with the pre-made off-the-shelf hardware. In this way, one canister size can be used for the storage and launching of multiple munition types. This system will allow for fast manufacturing and low cost.  Because all the critical hardware will be off-the-shelf, and the unique adaptive hardware will be 3D printed in days, a complete launch canister can be built in less than 30 days, at a rate of 50 canisters per month.  Dynovas proposes the Common Launch Container as a reusable, platform agnostic, pneumatic launch canister solution underpinned by several improvements and adaptations.  The launch tube will utilize a low-cost aluminum tube that can be further lightweighted via partial or full material replacement via composite wound tubing. RAILS will boast an onboard pneumatic (nitrogen or dry air) system to support egress and deployment of the payloads reliably between 12 and 18 feet per second depending on payload launch requirements. To secure each individual launch container to the next one, adapter rings capable of tool-less assembly of 1 to 24+ launch canisters with quick-spring loaded detent features to initially lock and capture the block assembly of multiple canisters. Once assembled, trapped spring-backed fasteners with T/L-handles can be used to tighten and lock the cannister array into place forming a self-supporting rigidized structure of canisters reinforced with tool-less turnbuckle crossties spanning multiple canisters.  Dynovas will conduct the initial trades, design, analysis and development to validate the concept to TRL3 in PI.