Abstract: An apparatus and method relating to a cooling hole of a component of a turbine engine. The cooling hole can extend from an inlet to an outlet to define a connecting passage. The cooling hole can contain a diffusing section. The diffusing section can be defined by an interior surface having variable geometries.

Abstract: A blade for a turbine engine with a wall separating a cooling fluid flow and a hot gas fluid flow and having a heated surface along which the hot gas fluid flow flows and a cooled surface facing the cooling fluid flow. A plurality of cooling holes each having a passage extending between an inlet at the cooled surface and an outlet at the heated surface. The outlet extending between an upstream end and a downstream end with respect to the hot gas fluid flow to define a distance, the passage defining a centerline forming a first angle (?) with the heated surface.

Abstract: Deployed, air dropped buoys are presented which can be used as calibrated targets for imaging lidar systems. In this way, oceanographic optical measurements can be made to determine in advance how an imaging lidar system will perform at the time of its deployment. This calibrated optical buoy is deployable from an airborne platform. The target is illuminated by an imaging lidar system and the target reflection is compared with the backscattering from the ocean volume illuminated. At the same time, measurements of light intensity are carried out to provide a direct measurement of the attenuation in the ocean. These data are taken at all depths and the results telemetered to the airborne lidar platform. In addition, a simplified embodiment is presented which uses the imaging lidar system to obtain both backscatter and attenuation. This simplified embodiment requires no telemetry.

Abstract: An underwater maneuverable vehicle is presented which carries an explosive charge and can be used for immediate removal or destruction of various menaces to navigation and other underwater hazards. The battery powered vehicle is air dropped from a platform which carries an imaging lidar system for detection and is operated and navigationally controlled in conjunction with an imaging lidar system.