APPARATUS FOR LAUNCHING PROJECTILES OR MISSILES FROM BARRELS, e.g. CANNONS (smallarms F41C); LAUNCHERS FOR ROCKETS OR TORPEDOES; HARPOON GUNS (functional features or details common to both smallarms and ordnance, mountings therefor F41A; projecting missiles without use of explosive or combustible propellant charge F41B)

Description

F41F covers mechanical systems and apparatus designed to propel projectiles, missiles, or similar objects through controlled launching mechanisms. This includes traditional barrel-based weapons such as cannons, guns, and rifles, as well as specialized launchers for rockets, torpedoes, and harpoons. The classification encompasses the structural, mechanical, and operational components of these launching devices, including breech mechanisms, firing systems, recoil systems, and barrel design features. Related ammunition feeding, ammunition itself, and general weapon construction details may fall under adjacent F41 subclasses.

Filing statistics

CPC subclass F41F recorded 3,473 patent applications worldwide between 2013 and 2023. Annual filings grew from 184 in 2013 to 315 in 2023 (+71%), peaking at 439 applications in 2020. The most active applicants in class F41 are NEXTER SYSTEMS (562 applications), BAE SYSTEMS (459 applications) and RHEINMETALL WAFFE MUNITION (444 applications).

Source: EPO PATSTAT, worldwide filings