Abstract: A dissolvable jet vane (22/30) is a composite structure, having a support frame (38), a plug leading edge (40) connected to the forward edge (42) of the frame (38), and an insulation layer (44) on the side walls of the support frame (38). The dissolvable jet vane materials withstand the pressure and thermal loads associated with missile steering during the first few seconds of rocket boost until the missile attains sufficient speed to use conventional external aerodynamic control fins for steering control. Once control passes to the external fins, the jet vanes rapidly and uniformly dissolve in the exhaust stream. The dissolvable jet vane provides a lightweight, reliable means of removing steering jet vanes from the exhaust stream of a solid rocket motor nozzle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved electrical interconnection assembly adaptable for creating electrical connections between spaced-apart sections of a high performance missile assembly. Because the electrical connection must extend outside the missile, a plurality of electrical interconnections are integrally formed within a protective housing that is, itself of aerodynamic configuration. The cables may take the form of flat wires, or printed wire assemblies integral with the housing. Pre-stressed foam is formed in the housing to insulate the electrical interconnections. Wire mesh is preferably mounted in the housing between the interconnections and the outside of the housing to protect the interconnections from Electro-magnetic Interference (EMI).

Abstract: A jet vane control system and method for a missile in which the system is compact, rugged, lightweight and detachably connected to the aft end of a missile. The system provides for very quick pitch over and roll control during launch. The system then detaches from the missile so as not to burden the missile during its flight to target. The vanes of the system are divided into quadrants, each having its own, mounting support and gear train assembly. Each vane is also connected through a, detachable coupling to the steering control system of the missile such that actuation of the steering control system simultaneously actuates the jet vane control system.

Abstract: An integral missile antenna-fuselage assembly (50) is provided for integration into an armament missile (12) which carries primary missile loads, houses internal electronic assemblies, provides mounting surface zones for external sensor antennas (71) , and protects sensitive antenna components from supersonic aerodynamic heating. Each end of the fuselage assembly (50) is formed from a fastener ring (52,54) having a circumferential recess (84,86) which receives a filament wound main structure (60) to form the missile fuselage tube. Preferably, a titanium liner (58) is first joined to each fastener ring with a step-lap joint (94,96) along which it is adhesively bonded. The liner (58) and adjacent fastener ring portions (52,57) provide a mandrel on which a graphite/Bismaleimide (BMI) resin pre-preg is filament wound and co-cured to form the integral fuselage (60).

Abstract: A mechanism locking and controllably releasing two space vehicles along a preselected separation axis. The mechanism including a mechanical lock/release and a spring separation device that controllably forces the two space vehicles apart. An electrical interconnect maintains electrical communication between the two space vehicles when locked together. The two space vehicles can be reliably separated by activating a single disengagement actuator.