Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an object from an incoming munition includes a tracking apparatus mounted on the object, for tracking the incoming munition; a firing solution computer connected to the tracking apparatus; a plurality of launch tubes mounted on the object, the plurality of launch tubes pointing in different directions so as to maximize coverage of an area surrounding the object; a parachute container attached to each launch tube; an igniter disposed in a rear of each launch tube and connected to the firing solution computer; a propelling charge disposed in front of each igniter; a mass disposed in front of each propelling charge; a connecting ring attached to a front of each mass; a parachute disposed in the parachute container; and a cable connecting the connecting ring and the parachute.

Abstract: A system for controlling the trajectory of a launched projectile. More particularly, a method for correcting the projectile jump displacement of a launched projectile after it is released from a vessel using on-board G-hardened accelerometers orthogonally mounted along the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Deviation from an intended flight path is corrected by firing selected trajectory diverting thrusters mounted around the periphery of the projectile. Eliminating or reducing projectile jump, or the angular deviation of the flight path of a projectile relative to its intended trajectory, will greatly increase the accuracy of gun fired projectiles.

Abstract: A system for guiding projectiles to a target. More particularly, a system for the guidance of projectiles toward a target using a photo detector array (18) and an arrangement of single use thrusters (22). The system is capable of guiding projectile to targets after firing from extended distances.

Abstract: A projectile includes an elongated forebody and an aft section secured to the forebody. The aft section includes a pair of fins affixed to an aerodynamic, cylindrical section. The lift generated by the low-drag pair of fins is sufficient to counteract most foreseeable angles of attack to be experienced by the projectile. The aft section further includes a bearing that couples the aft section to the forebody of the projectile and is capable of allowing the aft section to rotate freely about the longitudinal axis of the projectile and independently of the forebody. Thus, during flight the aft section rotates into the maximum lift plane and provides a restoring moment to the projectile, thus providing necessary stability to the projectile while imparting minimum drag.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for reducing dispersion in gun launched projectiles. n axial thrust is applied to the projectile at a specific time in the yaw cycle to cancel the effect of aerodynamic jump which arises from the effect of yawing motion disturbance created by an initial disturbance.

Abstract: A soft-recovery projectile having an aft portion, a forward portion and a gas seal mounted between the portions. The aft portion includes a recoverable payload such as projectile components or the like. The forward portion includes a parachute that is attached to the payload and is stored in a housing which is separably attached to the payload. The housing includes an explosive charge which is slectively triggered to cause separation of the housing from the payload and deployment of the parachute. A fin assembly, mounted on the housing, exerts a destablizing moment on the projectile when it is oriented with the fin assembly directed into the flight path. The projectile is launched with the fin assembly as the nose and the payload as the tail. After launch, the destabilizing moment will reorient the projectile into a position where the payload is the nose and the fin assembly is the tail. In this position, the fin assembly exerts a stabilizing moment on the projectile.

Abstract: A weapon arranged to travel in a given orientation when in flight, has a body and a ribbon. The body has a payload casing and a spindle rotatably mounted at the rear of the payload casing. The ribbon is formed into a flexible loop for trailing behind the body in flight. This ribbon is attached to the spindle. The ribbon has an impelling surface shaped to apply a torque to the spindle when in flight.

Abstract: A cartridge for a kinetic energy projectile, where the projectile has a deter of less than a gun bore diameter and the projectile is saboted in order to support and guide the projectile along the gun bore. The sabot 42 has a closing disk 48 which radially extends from the projectile or penetrator 41 to the internal diameter of the gun bore. The closing disk is positioned on the penetrator at a location spaced from an open end 14 of a cartridge case 49. A shell 13 extends from the closing disk to the open end 14 of the cartridge case. The shell 13 is positioned adjacent the internal diameter of the gun bore, and the shell 13 along with the sabot defines a sabot volume. The sabot volume along with the volume defined by the cartridge case is filled with propellant.