Figure 1. The CEL 100K Propellant Anchor System 

 being deployed, loaded with a coral/ 

 sand fluke and a retrievable piston. 



that form a square base. The beams support the vehicle and serve as 

 drag surfaces to limit recoil. They must withstand a distributed reaction 

 during firing, peaking at about 2 million pounds (9 MN) . Diagonal 

 bracing is attached across the corners of the base providing the strength 

 required to sustain the large outward loading produced by the propellant 

 gases that escape the gun barrel shortly after firing. A circular drag 

 plate is attached to the gun barrel atop the leg eyes. Tie rods are 

 fitted to this plate to secure the projectile assembly before firing. 



Firing Assembly 



Included in the firing assembly are a reusable S/A device and the 

 propellant cartridge. 



The S/A device effectively makes the system safe while on deck, 

 arms at a preselected depth, and then causes the system to fire. This 

 device, shown in Figure 2, is screwed into the top of the breech block 

 and contains a firing pin that is driven downward to detonate the propel- 

 lant charge. An electric current, which must be at least 0.3 ampere at 

 24 volts, actuates solenoid valves, releasing gas pressure. The gas 



