Flight launched fiber optic dual payout system

A flight launched fiber optic dual payout system (10) for a command guided missile (12) is disclosed which combines a missile (12) with two fiber optic cable dispensers (18, 20) into a single unit that can mount to a single launch station of a launch platform (14). The dual payout system (10) of the present invention includes a missile (12) having a missile dispenser (18) for dispensing a first fiber optic cable (22) connected to the missile (12) and a launch platform dispenser (20) for dispensing a second fiber optic cable (24) detachably connected to the missile dispenser (20). The first and second fiber optic cables (22, 24) are connected by a length of reinforced cable splice or leader line (26) which is housed in a protective retainer (28) on a launch platform interface unit (16) that operates to mount the missile (12) to the launch platform (14) and complete a fiber optic data link between the missile (12) and the launch platform (14). In a "launch-ready" position, the launch platform interface unit (16) separates the launch platform dispenser (20) from the missile dispenser (18) to facilitate payout of the fiber optic cable (22, 24). Upon missile launch, the launch platform dispenser (20) is retained with the launch platform (14). Further, the launch platform interface unit (16) provides a universal interface (36) for attaching any given command guided missile (12) to variety of high-speed, mobile launch platforms (14) such as aircraft and helicopters.