Abstract: A launching device with a work-controlled gas generator employs a dampening piston in combination with an accumulator volume to provide substantially uniform acceleration of a launching piston.

Abstract: Sensed engine inlet temperature is utilized to detect compressor surge whenever its computed temperature rate of change or rise signal exceeds a predetermined value. This signal may be coupled to another engine operating parameter, such as rotor speed, compressor discharge pressure and the like and permutations thereof, to guard against false detection. Engine inlet temperature rate of change or rise is an efficacious surge detection parameter particularly when an afterburner is used inasmuch as the hot gases of the afterburner will have a significant influence on the engine inlet temperature sensor in a reverse flow situation making that signal a positive indication of imminent surge.

Abstract: A digital discriminator having circuit means for discriminating a unidirectional transient in the input signal over a two or more compute cycle period. Noise spike clipping by providing a programmable constant in a feedback circuit is disclosed and serves to clip the signal in one given direction giving positive sensitivity of that signal in the other direction.