Abstract: A munition fuze electronic arming and firing controller includes a micropessor and logic network which verify controller operation and provide an enabling signal necessary to arm the fuze. A signal of predetermined duration is twice produced by the microprocessor and is utilized with a clock signal continuously produced in the logic network to cause a counter to count during two separate periods. The resulting counter count is checked by verifying logic which outputs a signal only if the count is a predetermined count after each counting period. If the counter output is twice verified and an energy storage component external to the controller is charged to less than a predetermined minimum the logic network outputs an enabling signal which triggers the microprocessor to produce drive signals utilized to arm the fuze by charging the energy storage device. User selected inputs and firing sensor initiated inputs initiate munition detonation at a predetermined time and under predetermined conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for selecting and arming each one of a plurality of firing modules in a single-line selective perforating system is disclosed. A single firing line connects each firing module one at a time in a sequence to a control unit to receive power and control signals therefrom. Each module generates internally a module active time interval in response to being connected to the firing line power. Each time interval has a first portion during which the module generates an identification pulse to the control unit to indicate that another module has been connected to the firing line, and a second portion during which the module is enabled to receive a selection pulse from the control unit to terminate further sequencing of the modules to locate the module to be selected. The next module to receive power from the control unit is connected to the firing line by a pass-thru switch in the last connected module at the end of its active time interval if that module was not selected for firing.

Abstract: A relative velocity sensor for projectile fuzes and the like provides adaptive penetration delay for maximum effectiveness. A pair of contact activated switches on the fuze spaced a known distance apart provide electrical signals useful for calculating the relative velocity of the projectile with respect to a target. An adaptive penetration delay circuit utilizes these signals to detonate the projectile after a delay period determined by the relative velocity. Low graze angle impacts will cause immediate detonation of the fuze. The invention provides simple, effective means for achieving adaptive target penetration delay with very low in-flight power consumption.

Abstract: An underwater ignition device is provided comprising a rotor, a detonator disposed at the rotor, a locking pin secured in position by a safety pin, a release pin maintained in position by the locking pin, a first water pressure safety device normally engaging the rotor and preventing a rotating motion of the rotor into an ignition position and a second water pressure safety device actuable after the locking pin is removed and after the first water pressure safety device has been actuated and capable of actuating the release pin for rotating the rotor into an ignition position. An ignition circuit employed comprises a digital logic connected to an analog receiver, dual driver stages connected to the digital logic, parallel discharge circuits connected to the dual driver stages and to a detonator and the voltage supply and suitable for selectively igniting the detonator or for short circuiting the voltage supply. The digital logic actuates two discharge circuits in successive time intervals (t.sub.1, t.sub.

Abstract: A centrifugal rotor operates under the influence of the spin of the fuze to close a switch for a fraction of a fuze revolution. The switch closure controls a counter which counts the cycles of a relatively high frequency oscillator for the fraction of a revolution. This fractional count is multiplied by a constant to attain a required total number of revolutions. A second counter counts the cycles of the oscillator from the time the oscillator is turned on until the total revolution count is attained, at which time the fuze is armed.

Abstract: An impact fuze with a time-delay between the impact of a flying object, such as a rocket or projectile at the target and the detonation thereof renders possible the penetration of the rocket or projectile into the target before the detonation. The flight velocity or speed of a projectile decreases with increasing flying time. In order to ensure for a penetration depth which nevertheless is sufficient, the impact time-delay must increase with decreasing flight velocity of the rocket or projectile. For this purpose, a time-delay counter is set by means of a self-destruction counter as a function of the flight velocity.

Abstract: The invention is an improved process for programming electronic fuzes, whby the fuze facility may be reprogrammed electronically without the need for disassembly and replacement of components of the circuitry. The invention comprises a circuit arrangement which provides a secondary receiving coil, of the reprogrammable electronic fuze system, that is positioned adjacent to the interior surface of a munition wall so that it can easily pick up high frequency programming signals from an external drive circuit. The receiving coil feeds programming signals to a rectifier. The output of the rectifier encodes a bubble memory. The bubble memory can be reprogrammed anytime prior to the use of the munition, by the same procedure. When the munition is deployed a launching mechanism closes an activation switch to the munitions power supply and at the same moment a short high frequency arming pulse from the external signal activates the internal power supply.

Abstract: An electronic delay blasting circuit (100) receives an input signal through input lines (102, 104). The input signal is passed through a rectifier (106) to produce a DC signal for storing charge on capacitors (140, 152). The capacitor (152) serves as a power supply for a digital counting circuit. The capacitor (140) serves to store electrical energy for firing an electric match ignition element (174). A plurality of switches (200, 202, 244, 246, 248, 250 and 252) are set to a reference count to determine the delay period of the circuit (100). When the input signal is terminated, counter circuits (196, 198) are initiated to count the clock output of an oscillator (208). When the sequential count from the counters (196, 198) equals the stored reference count, an SCR (176) is triggered to apply the stored electrical charge from capacitor (140) to the electric match ignition element (174).

Abstract: A digital timer fuze (DTF) in subcombination with a digital timer fuze sym. The central element in the fuze system is the aircraft fire-control computer including a fuze setter, which receives input signals from various sensors as required for rocket trajectory computations and, in addition, pilot commands. When the pilot arms the system and selects a firing mode, power is supplied to each fuze in the load. When the firing button (pickle switch) is depressed, timing commands are injected into each fuze in proper sequence and the rocket motors are initiated via circuits and initiators incorporated in the launcher pods. As each rocket moves forward under motor thrust, the lead to its fuze is separated. Physical interruption of this circuit initiates the "run" phase of the digital timer fuze.The digital timer fuze is electrically connected to the fuze setter. A signal from the fuze setter charges a power supply capacitor and causes a counter to count clock pulses for a given period of time and store the count.

Abstract: An electrical projectile detonator which includes a voltage source, an impact detector, a timing element as well as an ignition switch which is arranged intermediate the voltage source and a detonating agent, and wherein the timing element is connected with the impact detector and the ignition switch.

Abstract: A programmable fuze for initiating weapon warhead detonation. The deacceltion of the weapon warhead is measured by an accelerometer. The output of the accelerometer is integrated to obtain velocity and subsequently digitized and stored in a microcomputer or microprocessor. A zero-slope detector indicates to the microcomputer or microprocessor if the forward velocity component is constant for a given time. This indicates whether the weapon warhead has entered a cavity in the target. The microcomputer or microprocessor has an algorithm programmed into it so that it determines whether certain dynamic variables have exceeded threshold values thus initiating a detonating signal to a firing circuit. The dynamic variables are the distance of travel of the weapon warhead into the target, the deceleration level of the weapon warhead in the target, the transverse velocity component of the weapon warhead in the target, and the number of cavities entered.

Abstract: An underwater ignition device is provided comprising a rotor, a detonator disposed at the rotor, a locking pin secured in position by a safety pin, a release pin maintained in position by the locking pin, a first water pressure safety device normally engaging the rotor and preventing a rotating motion of the rotor into an ignition position and a second water pressure safety device actuable after the locking pin is removed and after the first water pressure safety device has been actuated and capable of actuating the release pin for rotating the rotor into an ignition position. An ignition circuit employed comprises a digital logic connected to an analog receiver, dual driver stages connected to the digital logic, parallel discharge circuits connected to the dual driver stages and to a detonator and the voltage supply and suitable for selectively igniting the detonator or for short circuiting the voltage supply. The digital logic actuates two discharge circuits in successive time intervals (t.sub.1,t.sub.2,t.

Abstract: A weapon firing system including weapon interrogation means is disclosed wherein a weapon control computer (8) provides a signal (at 27) for closing a normally open switch (16) and signals (at 29, 29A, 29B, 29N) for connecting one of a plurality of weapon select relays (18, 18A, 18B, 18N) to the switch. During weapon interrogation, a low level interrogation signal (from 20) is applied through the closed switch and the one relay to a weapon igniter (12, 12A, 12B, 12N) connected to a corresponding weapon (2, 2A, 2B, 2N) to interrogate the availability of the weapon for firing. The igniter provides an impedance indicative of said availability, which is sensed by a sensor (28) for providing a signal (E.sub.L) which is applied to the computer for mission programming and display purposes.

Abstract: A timing system for providing a fuze function time for firing a fuze which s independent of power source rise time. A non-volatile counter is programmed with a count indictative of the function time, and is read out starting at missile take-off to fire the fuze upon completion of read out of the count. Inhibit circuitry is provided for automatically reducing the stored count during the setting operation and for subsequently inhibiting the reading out of the counter by a time corresponding to the reduction in the stored count. This time is selected to be greater than the largest expectable rise time of the fluidic generator power source, but no longer than is necessary.

Abstract: A weapon firing system including weapon interrogation means is disclosed wherein a weapon control computer (8) provides a signal (at 27) for closing a normally open switch (16) and signals (at 29, 29A, 29B, 29N) for connecting one of a plurality of weapon select relays (18, 18A, 18B, 18N) to the switch. During weapon interrogation, a low level interrogation signal (from 20) is applied through the closed switch and the one relay to a weapon igniter (12, 12A, 12B, 12N) connected to a corresponding weapon (2, 2A, 2B, 2N) to interrogate the availability of the weapon for firing. The igniter provides an impedance indicative of said availability which is sensed by a sensor (28) for providing a signal (E.sub.L) which is applied to the computer for mission programming and display purposes.

Abstract: Separate electrical timing and load activation devices are provided for each of plural electrical loads and each device is connected to receive reference timing signals from a central unit. Each of the separate timing and load activation devices measures a reference time interval accurately defined by the reference timing signals and subsequently activates its associated electrical load after a respectively corresponding predetermined time delay which is determined as a function of the locally measured reference time interval.

Abstract: A desired range is selected prior to firing the projectile carrying the remote set fuze and after firing a Doppler radar provides Doppler pulses proportional to the relative velocity of the projectile. Constant frequency pulses are counted during a predetermined number of the Doppler pulses to provide an indication of the actual velocity of the projectile and the preselected range-to-function is achieved by means of a time-to-function adjustment to compensate for differences between the actual velocity and a predicted velocity. The adjusted time-to-function is transmitted to the remote set fuze in a coded form.

Abstract: A microcomputer having a microprocessor operative in response to a dual frequency clock, such microprocessor being adapted to read data stored in a programmable memory in response to address and read enable signals supplied to a programmable memory and being adapted to process such data in response to the clock pulses supplied by the dual frequency clock. The dual frequency clock produces clock pulses at a relatively low rate until such time as either a sensing device is activated or a time duration has passed, in which case the mine is to selfdestruct. When the sensor is activated the microprocessor commands the dual frequency clock to produce relatively high frequency clock pulses to enable the microprocessor to rapidly determine whether the mine should or should not be detonated. Relatively low power is consumed by the microcomputer during the period of time the processor is "counting time" and computing whether the predetermined period of time has arrived, i.e.

Abstract: In an electronic fuze for a projectile the ignition energy, upon firing of the projectile, is produced by a generator and stored in a storage capacitor. An electronic circuit serving for the barrel safety i.e. to prevent premature detonation of the projectile in front of the barrel, delaying ignition upon impact, the delay-free ignition upon impact and the self-destruction of the projectile, controls the delivery of the energy stored in the capacitor to the detonator or ignition cap. To ensure that the energy of the storage capacitor is sufficient the electronic circuit of the fuze must work with extremely low current. This is realized by providing for the circuit a stabilizer, a switching-on element, resetting elements, blocking elements and time-delay elements, the stabilizer and time-delay elements being structured as solid-state circuits.

Abstract: A frequency modulated continuous wave radar signal is transmitted to a tat and the signal reflected from the target is compared with a sample of the continuous wave transmitter to produce a difference frequency signal. The difference frequency signal is band-pass amplified, wide-band limited, and processed by two frequency discriminators displaced from each other in the frequency domain, but both within the frequency band of the limiter and band pass amplifier. Detectors, integrators, and thresholding circuits determine, with suitable false alarm rates, in which half of which discriminator the difference frequency signal is concentrated.

Abstract: A time delay firing device used for initiating explosives or pyrotechnics ter a preset delay. The unique design allows the device to be used directly in combination with explosives or pyrotechnics or with a variety of accessories. It can be used in conjunction with a standard safety and arming device or with a special blasting adapter for initiating electric caps, or in conjunction with a training adapter for initiating standard pyrotechnics. When used in conjunction with a blasting or training adapter, the device can be refurbished and reset by the user in the field. Furthermore, a self test feature is provided. Time delays in eleven discrete settings from 15 minutes to 72 hours are achieved through the use of a highly stable oscillator coupled to a shift register counting circuit.

Abstract: A command fuzing system for use in conjunction with small, rapid-fire protiles. A narrow-beam radar transmitter, mounted on the weapon, transmits radar pulses along the trajectory of the projectiles. Each projectile contains a small horn antenna, a detector responsive to the radar pulses, an amplifier and a counter which is advanced with the receipt of each pulse. Upon receipt of a predetermined number of pulses, the counter triggers an SCR switch to cause detonation of the projectile in a well known manner. By adjusting the pulse rate of the radar transmitter the operator of the weapon can control the number of pulses reaching each projectile in a given time period, thereby controlling the point along the trajectory at which detonation occurs.

Abstract: A device for electromagnetically encoding an energy passive munition prior o launch. A high frequency (HF) external energy source charges a first rectifier-capacitance circuit, having a relatively long time constant, via a secondary receiving coil. The first rectifier-capacitance circuit acts as a temporary power source for energizing programming circuitry capable of receiving subsequently pulsed HF encoding signals. A second rectifier-capacitor circuit, having a shorter time constant, is used to energize logic circuitry for programming a nonvolatile memory in binary coded bits. The binary code information is used to set a timer which subsequently causes the munition to self-destruct after launch in a time period in accordance with encoded signals stored in a memory.

Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide an additional order of decimal magnitude to a single, continuous tape type decimal to binary converter for a counter in a controlled range fuze, utilizing the setting ring for the tape to set in the additional order as a vernier to the tape supplied orders.

Abstract: In a fuse for spinning explosive projectiles, a base member having a sliding member mounted thereon for generally radially outwardly sliding movement in response to centrifugal force, a shear pin holding the sliding member in a safe position with a piston actuator mounted to break the shear pin upon proper actuation thereof to allow the sliding member to move to an arm position, a detonator mounted so as to be properly positioned only when the sliding member has moved to the arm position, switch means normally maintaining the piston actuator and the detonator in a safe mode and operating in response to centrifugal force and the movement of the sliding member to provide a circuit for the actuation of the piston actuator and the detonator, a battery actuatable in response to setback and spin of the projectile, and redundant and sequential electrical timing means connected to the battery and the switch means for activating the piston actuator a predetermined time after the battery is activated and for arming the

Abstract: The time-to-go of the fuze of an artillery shell is digitally set after the round has been fired but before it leaves the muzzle of the gun. The communications link for setting the fuze includes a transmitting coil mounted on the gun muzzle and a receiving coil mounted on each shell round. The transmitting coil is energized with a plurality of signals on discrete frequencies. The output from the receiving coil is detected to derive one binary digit representing each discrete frequency. All the binary digits, "0" or "1", are simultaneously set into a binary counter in the fuze, so that the binary number represents the time-to-go.

Abstract: A coherent optical modulated sensor for use with missiles and the like wherein a series of pulses of optical energy which are intensity modulated by a radio frequency sub-carrier are transmitted to a preselected target having relative motion thereto and wherein returned pulses from the target are received. Phase coherence is effectively maintained by utilizing a single continuously operating local oscillator for down-converting the received detected pulses to a Doppler frequency signal. Target velocity information may be extracted from the Doppler frequency shift induced on the coherent radio frequency sub-carrier of the return pulses.A first channel, or radio frequency sub-carrier channel is provided for receiving the Doppler signal and generating a threshold signal in response to the magnitude of the Doppler signal being equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude. A second channel (baseband) detects the average direct current power of the received pulse.

Abstract: A destruct initiation unit having a high current source connected to a deator by a gap switch which is triggered by either a commanded destruct signal or an auto-destruct signal. A CMOS input logic circuitry provides noise immunity and pulse-width discrimination, and the destruct output from the input logic circuitry is delayed before triggering the gap switch to provide sufficient time to monitor the status of the destruct initiation unit for failure analysis.

Abstract: An improved flueric cartridge initiator (FCI) comprising a heat resistant or composite material resonance tube, a hardened high strength thermal disk and copper seals, in combination with an ignition train is made safe utilizing specific fluid dynamic phenomenon associated with the operation of the resonance tube. The present device uses simultaneous dual fluid inputs to create a Boolean AND logic element in order to reduce inadvertent firing functioning of the FCI.

Abstract: Fuzing incorporating a doppler signal for establishing warhead fuzing time. ore particularly, circuitry is provided in which the doppler is detected, integrated and used upon exceeding the level of a preset threshold device to enable two preset counters to effect fuzing only if their individual preset counts are achieved within a time established by their associated timers. A third, higher count, preset counter effects the fuzing if not earlier realized from one of the other counters, while a dropout detector responsive to the threshold device output effects the fuzing in cases where the threshold level is exceeded and then lost.

Abstract: An electronic firing device of a missile, enabling precise setting of a time delay from several milliseconds up to an hour or more, comprises an energy accumulator formed by a capacitor associated with an energy receiving coil charging the capacitor from an external signal. This signal has a low frequency energy-supply component and a high frequency signal having a series of pulse trains defining a decimal number up to, for example, 10.sup.7. The high frequency signal passes via a coded selective filter supplying, to a memory, a coded value defining a time delay. An oscillator triggered by a security switch supplies clock signals which are divided to provide 1 millisecond pulses counted in a coding circuit in the same code as the memory. This coding circuit and the memory are connected to a comparator which supplies a firing signal when the count reaches the memorized value.

Abstract: The triggering head comprises a case containing a battery connected by means of an electronic switching device to the terminals of an output intended for connection of the device to be triggered and a control circuit fed by the battery and comprising several double-pole inputs mounted in series and a starting switch with external actuation. The control circuit functions to make the electronic switching device conductive when, the starting switch having been actuated, the potential difference appearing across the end poles of the inputs exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The ammunition firing system is especially advantageous for electrically firing military rockets from a multiple tube rocket launcher. The system provides an electrical signal indicating the presence or absence of a rocket ready to be fired in each launching tube. The signal is derived from the firing wire or lead which is also used to fire the rocket. In each rocket, an igniter of low electrical resistance is connected between the firing lead and a common ground. Initially, the firing lead is connected by switching means to a signal source which supplies a signal current of a low energy, insufficient to cause the igniter to fire the ammunition. The system includes indicating means for indicating the presence or absence of the signal current through the igniter, so as thereby to indicate the presence or absence of the rocket in the launching tube.

Abstract: A safety-arming device for use in a highly maneuverable missile is disclo which takes into account lateral acceleration of the missile and selects the proper point in the trajectory after which arming of the missile warhead may safely proceed. The safety-arming device uses a series of electrical, mechanical, and electromechanical interlocks to insure that premature arming of the missile warhead does not occur.

Abstract: An on board system for determination of slant range to a ground impact point of a ballistic vehicle. The system utilizes two infrared sensors viewing the ground at a very small divergent angle with respect to each other. The off axis displacement angle is small enough to enable viewing of infrared landmarks at low approach angles. The system utilizes a correlator to measure time delay between successive sensings of ground landmarks and slant range is computed without necessity of knowledge of any of the angles involved.

Abstract: A motion-induced stimuli initiation system for actuating various missile otechnic devices based upon attainment of specified values of acceleration, velocity and distance after launch. Data from accelerometers are integrated to obtain velocity, the velocity data are integrated to obtain distance. Comparison of acceleration, velocity and distance with predetermined values by appropriate logic circuitry provides the signals to initiate the pyrotechnic devices.