Abstract: A seeker system for a missile having a housing with a predetermined field-of-regard the system including an image detector adapted to be fixedly mounted to the housing having a predetermined number of pixels, an optical system fixedly mounted to the housing for scanning said predetermined field-of-regard ahead of the nose for focusing images in successive image frames onto the image detector, an image reader for reading image data from the image detector corresponding to each of the successive image frames, a display for displaying the image data of the successive image frames, a selector for selecting a displayed target from the field-of-regard, a comparator for comparing the image data of successive image frames, and a tracker for tracking the selected target by setting a course of the missile in a direction toward the target, a discriminator responsive to the compared frames for discriminating between a first deviation below a predetermined amount and a second deviation above the predetermined amount, a st

Abstract: Improvements to a fiber optically guided projectile include an obturator with a groove formed in the outer wall. An obturator ring is placed in the groove. The ring is made of resilient material, has a relaxed diameter greater than the bottom of the groove and is split so that it is releasable from the groove. Additionally, the rear-most wall of the groove is tapered to aid in the release, and the section of the obturator forward of the groove has a larger diameter than the section aft of the groove. A curved groove acts to transition the fiber from a longitudinal to a substantially tangential direction. Furthermore, either a cone or sleeve extension is included to prevent the fiber from looping about the projectile. An ejectable aft closure plate is provided to seal the interior of the projectile during launch.

Abstract: An accelerometer having a charged particle electrostatically suspended between opposed field plates in a null position when the sum of the forces on the acelerometer equals zero, the accelerometer comprising LEDs projecting light beams for defining opposed boundaries of the null position between the opposed plates, light detectors for detecting occlusion of the light beams by the particle when the particle moves from the null position into the paths of the light beams, and a particle control system responsive to the light detectors for varying the electrostatic field generated by the opposed plates to return the particle to the null position.

Abstract: A reinforced optical fiber including a single optically guiding fiber, a nonmetallic intermediate layer of flexible strength members conforming to the fiber and tapering at a pre-determined rate to expose the fiber, and a metal sheath around the fiber and intermediate layer conforming to the intermediate layer and terminating prior to the taper of the intermediatae layer. A method of manufacturing the fiber sheathed in a metal casing including the steps of separately feeding the optical fiber surrounded by the intermediate layer and the casing material into a die, and drawing the encased fiber from the die. The method also includes measuring and adjusting the tensions of the fiber, casing material, and encased fiber. A die for sheathing the optical fiber includes a die block, an entrance for the fiber and casing material, a continuous and smooth shaping chamber, and an exit for the encased fiber.

Abstract: A round for placement and firing in the barrel of a large caliber gun, the round comprising a cartridge case defining a cylindrical chamber having axially opposed open and closed ends, a plurality of axially-adjacent annualr explosive charges coaxially-disposed in the chamber, the charges defining a bore coaxial with said chamber and each charge being shaped to generate on detonation a predetermined shock wave in the case, a projectile disposed in the chamber proximate the closed end, the projectile having a trailing end shaped to convert shock waves generated by detonation of the annular charges to projectile acceleration, an explosive in the case for initially propelling the projectile axially through the bore toward the open, end, an electrical detonator for each annular charge responsive to an electrical signal, and a power source and circuit for generating the electrical signal in response to axial movement of the projectile in the bore.

Abstract: A tube-launched projectile includes an airframe with an open aft end, an optical fiber dispensing bobbin, and an obturator having a rocket motor attached to a hard point in the aft end of the airframe. The obturator forms a pressure vessel with insulated inner walls which contain rocket propellant and an igniter. An ejectable plug located in the rocket nozzle is expelled upon motor ignition.

Abstract: An electrically charged spherical projectile for use in acceleration devices such as betatrons, cyclotrons, linear accelerators and similar devices. The spherical projectile having a large hollow or low mass filled spherical body which can be electrically charged and perform the same functions as an electron or ion.

Abstract: A multispectral band imaging and detecting device for use with a catoptric zoom optical device having a focal plane. A plurality of electromagnetic radiation detectors are provided that are sensitive to one or more portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. An optical bench has the plurality of electromagnetic radiation detectors disposed thereon. A torque motor or the like is operatively connected to move the optical bench relative to the focal plane to move a selected one of the detectors into coincidence with the focal plane.

Abstract: A projectile controlled by way of an optical fiber includes a body having an airframe; an outlet in the projectile body adapted for allowing the optical fiber to be pulled out of the body; a bobbin for holding the optical fiber, the bobbin being tapered so that a helix formed by the optical fiber will not scrape over the bobbin; and a tapered chamber within the projectile body, the chamber having a first end connected to the outlet and a second end having the bobbin located therein. The diameter of the chamber is smaller than the diameter of the helix formed by the optical fiber at the exit plane of the bobbin measured without the constraining chamber, and the tapered chamber has a polished and lubricated inner surface. Additionally, the chamber may have a tube extension joined by springs for extending the chamber past the outlet.

Abstract: An optical fiber-guided projectile launch system for firing from a generally tubular launcher comprising a projectile having tubular casing, an extended length of optical fiber disposed in the casing for continuous streaming from the trailing end thereof, a portion of the fiber extending from the casing for operative connection to a controller, an axial groove in the casing surface for removably receiving a part of the extending fiber, tape securing the fiber part in the groove with force sufficient to withstand axial launch forces but insufficient to resist imposed radial forces, and a communication device providing two-way communication over the fiber. An alternative embodiment uses an un-grooved projectile casing with a tube launcher having a preformed fiber relief-groove in the inner peripheral surface and a discarding sabot having a tab member receivable in the relief.

Abstract: A missile seeker head comprises a telescope mounted on a gimbal apparatus in a forward end of a projectile, pivotal in the gimbal sufficient to search a field of regard of up to 60.degree., and a camera mounted further back in the projectile, connected to the telescope by a coherent fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for covertly viewing a target using transmission of infrared radiation through an atmosphere having given atmospheric conditions. The target is illuminated with only a selected frequency band of infrared radiation having the least effective transmittance properties of all frequencies of infrared radiation in the given atmospheric conditions. This selected frequency band of infrared radiation is reflected from the target and detected. The selected frequency band of infrared radiation may be generated by generating a broad spectrum of infrared radiation and filtering this broad spectrum to output only the selected frequency band of infrared radiation. Alternatively, a laser may be employed to output the selected frequency band of infrared radiation.

Abstract: A fixed step catoptric zoom optical device comprising a plurality of axially-spaced, readily substituted reflectors disposed in a set for receiving and reflecting energy from an object in the ultraviolet through infrared spectrum to generate a real image of the object on a fixed focal plane. The object is magnified, and the image is focused by changing the individual reflectors in the reflector set using a rotating structure. This effects a change in the shape of the reflectors within the reflector set, and the relative distances between the reflectors and the fixed focal plane.

Abstract: A variable inertia energy storage system for storing large amounts of mechanical energy for an extended period of time on land or on a mobile vehicle includes a fly wheel having a rotating hub with spoke appendages each having an associated mass the center of which can be controllably changed with respect to the hub axis of rotation. The energy storage system also includes motor/generator elements for providing rotation forces to input mechanical energy to the flywheel or for generating electrical power for use on demand by a subsystem or the like.

Abstract: The apparatus for winding optical fiber on a bobbin in axially compact coils includes a bobbin mount reciprocably driven along the fiber deployment axis, a winding arm for receiving optical fiber being fed along the deployment axis, and a supply reel for feeding optical fiber along the deployment axis with the reel being mounted on a twist arm, with the reel axis orthogonal to the deployment axis, for rotating the reel a preselected amount for each turn of the winding arm. An optical time domain reflectometer continuously monitors optical signal attenuation through the free start end of the fiber, and an optical scanner continuously scans the formed coils for the presence of gaps and overlaps. A controller is used to automatically stop, rewind, and adjust the winding apparatus when excessive signal attenuation, gaps or overlaps are detected.

Abstract: An optical fiber-guided projectile launch system for firing from a generally tubular launcher comprising a projectile having a tubular casing, an extended length of optical fiber disposed in the casing for continuous streaming from the trailing end thereof, a portion of the fiber extending from the casing for operative connection to a controller, an axial groove in the casing surface for removably receiving a part of the extending fiber, tape securing the fiber part in the groove with force sufficient to withstand axial launch forces but insufficient to resist imposed radial forces, and a communication device providing two-way communication over the fiber. An alternative embodiment uses an un-grooved projectile casing with a tube launcher having a preformed fiber relief-groove in the inner peripheral surface and a discarding sabot having a tab member receivable in the relief.

Abstract: A seeker head for a target pointer/tracker and the like, the head comprising a rigid mounting plate, an optical seeker for receiving a target signal, the seeker having a longitudinal axis, a joint proximate the longitudinal axis for securing the seeker to the mounting plate with freedom for reciprocal movement about at least two pivot axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axes, an eccentric driving element mounted on the mounting plate for selectively engaging the seeker to move the seeker about the pivot axes, and a controller for controlling operation of the eccentric drive element.

Abstract: Apparatus for interconnecting a missile/RCV launch device with a remote control station includes composite cable having glass fibers for transmitting optical signals and electrical conductors embedded in a coating layer that is reinforced with fibers, for transmitting electric power. The apparatus also includes electrical and optical connectors at the cable end portions wherein the reinforcing fibers are grouped with the glass fiber at termination.

Abstract: Improved optical fiber constructions having an intumescent coating and one or mroe reflective coatings for protection against intermittent laser beams. Fire retardant latex ("FRL") is a preferred intumescent material, and aluminum, gold, silver, copper, rhodium and platinum are preferred reflective materials.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing reinforced optical fiber including conveying optical fiber from a source; symmetrically, coaxially winding reinforcing fiber to a selected density per unit length around the optical fiber; forming an resin matrix among the reinforcing fibers; and coating the resin matrix with an external coating. Reinforcing a predetermined length of an elongated optical fiber comprises gradually reducing the thickness of the external coating and then gradually reducing the density of reinforcing fiber and the thickness of the resin matrix to form a transition from a reinforced fiber and a non-reinforced fiber.