Definition
Firing a missile from a launcher using gas pressure or a catapult instead of igniting the engine inside the tube. It's the missile equivalent of spitting instead of vomiting.
Example Usage
The Vertical Launch System uses cold launch technology to protect the ship's superstructure from rocket exhaust.
Origin
Developed by Soviet Navy in the 1970s; NATO adopted for submarine-launched cruise missiles
Fun Fact
Cold launch allows missiles to be fired from enclosed spaces without destroying the launch platform.
Source: Naval Engineering Publications, NATO Technical Standards
Related Terms
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