Abstract:
A passive step trimmer for a maneuvering re-entry body (MRB) which uses existing inertial forces acting on the MRB to deploy a free flowing mass from the rear of the MRB to trim the MRB altitude. The mass deployment from the MRB causes a forward shift in the center of gravity (CG) which in turn creates a more stable body which flies at a reduced angle-of-attack (.alpha.).
Abstract:
An improved fin attachment having a socket for reception of a tang mountedn a missile fin, an element for drawing the tang into the socket, and frusto-conical concentric rings which engage the tang and the socket to connect them rigidly in a predetermined angular relation. All elements of the attachment are retained so as not to be lost when the fin is detached, and the attachment provides effective connection without the use of complex shapes or precise manufacturing tolerances.
Abstract:
A method of increasing the predictable effectiveness of a ballistic reentryody having a predicted nominal reentry trajectory. Beginning at reentry or another predetermined location, the distance travelled by said reentry body is calculated based on measured longitudinal acceleration and preset predicted trajectory parameters. When the reentry body reaches a predetermined altitude as measured by an onboard radar, the calculated distance travelled to the altitude is compared with the predicted nominal distance travelled to the altitude to determine the actual trajectory of the reentry body. Based on this actual trajectory, the actual distance travelled from reentry to a preferred fuzing location is determined. When the calculated distance travelled equals the distance required to reach the preferred fuzing location, the fuze signal is sent to the fire set and then to the warhead.
Abstract:
A modular, apogee-control package is disclosed which can be added to exisg missiles, and which will limit the apogee of the missile trajectory by implementation of thrust vector control (TVC). The package comprises a boost guidance unit, a solid rocket propellant motor, and jet vane TVC.
Abstract:
A missile having a sensor in the nose thereof. The nose is in the shape of transparent ogive window which has an index of refraction that assumes different values at different positions on the window whereas the window appears to the sensor as if it were a hemispherical window.
Abstract:
A missile system in which a missile is guided in a predetermined trajectoryrom launch or shortly thereafter in yaw by proportional navigation and in pitch first by a pitch programmer until said missile reaches a predetermined angle between a line of sight of a seeker of the missile and a centerline of the missile, then in pitch by a time optimal controller to direct the missile at a predetermined angle toward a target and finally by proportional navigation in pitch of the missile to the target.
Abstract:
An automatic balancing concept including two annular containers used to dmically balance a rocket during flight. The containers are partially filled with a high density fluid and are installed forward and aft of the longitudinal CG of the rocket. When spin is induced in the rocket the radial CG will shift to the spin axis and the fluid will couple itself to the outside diameter of the ring.
Abstract:
A lifting body missile is controlled by pitch and roll commands wherein theaw autopilot is caused to change in accordance with the roll and estimated angle of attack input information. A command logic is provided to determine the polarity of the command signals to the autopilot.
Abstract:
A simplified strapdown inertial guidance system is provided for the cross track or inertial ''''line-of-sight'''' planar guidance of an unmanned tactical vehicle, or the like; wherein one of the attitude angles can be of large magnitude. The system includes three orthogonally-mounted accelerometers and two gyroscopes. The large attitude angle is accommodated by torquing the appropriate gyroscope in a capture loop. The system implements the body attitude angles to inertial attitude angles in two steps. First a transformation is made from body to gyroscope coordinates, and then a transformation is made from gyroscope to inertial coordinates.
Abstract:
1. A tracking system including: a device having means providing a surface on which light from a predetermined optical field may be focused, said means emitting electrons at each point of said surface in accordance with the intensity of light impinging thereon, an anode, and means for focusing electrons emitted from a small area of said surface on said anode; moving means for continuously changing in a predetermined manner the position of said small area of said surface from which emitted electrons are focussed on said anode; and means and operatively associated with last mentioned means responsive to the intensity of the emitted electrons focussed on said anode for causing the position of said small area to be within a large area of said surface on which impinges light of an intensity different than that of the light impinging on areas of said surface about said large area by causing said moving means to move the position of said small area back into said large area and away from an edge of said large area when said small area tends to move past an edge of said large area.