LAUNCH PAD

PURPOSE:To permit the sure launching of a fine and long body with a predetermined splashdown angle by a method wherein the launch pad is provided with rolling members, supporting the fine and long body slidably in the lengthwise direction thereof, a stopper mechanism, precluding the forward movement of the fine and long body, and an elevating mechanism, supporting the rear end of the main body of the launch pad elevatably. CONSTITUTION:When the supporting pedestal 24 of an elevating mechanism 21 is set vertically on a deck 5 and a winch 27 is turned by the rotating operation of a handle 29 to wind up a wire 26, the rear end of the main body 2 of a launch pad is lifted while being guided by a guide slit 28 and the main body 2 of the launch pad is slanted by a predetermined angle. Under such a condition, the rotary shaft 9 of a stopper mechanism 7 is pivoted by a wrench or the like into the direction of an arrow C in a diagram, then, a retaining device 16 is pivoted in the same direction and an engaging recess 15 is released form an engaging projection 13, a pivoting arm 12 and an abutting plate 11 are tilted in a direction shown by an arrow A whereby the fine and long body 1 can be launched. In this case, the fine and long body 1 slides on respective guide rollers 6 very smoothly and is launched with a sufficient launching speed.