Abstract: A smoke munition or smoke grenade which can be fired from a launcher, for example a grenade launcher, and has at least one active charge for producing smoke as a protection for ships. To achieve the effect that the active charge of the smoke grenade can be delivered quickly and safely for the ship's crew and the active compound thereof can be converted completely into smoke even after hitting the water, the invention proposes providing the active charge with a floating aid, which can be deployed before the active charge hits the water and prevents the active charge from sinking and prevents the active compound that produces the smoke from becoming wet.

Abstract: A distributed sensor module system comprises a plurality of sensor modules configured to be aerially deployable from a deployment device, the deployment device including an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or an aeronautically deployable unitized container, the plurality of sensor modules configured to communicate with each other. A first sensor module comprises a first sensor configured to obtain first sensor information from a first environment proximate to the first sensor, a processor coupled to the first sensor, the processor configured to process the first sensor information to obtain locally processed first sensor information, and a communication transceiver coupled to the processor, the communication transceiver configured to communicate the locally processed first sensor information to a second sensor module, the first sensor module and the second sensor module configured to be aerially deployable.

Abstract: An igniter device (10) operable to remediate a floating oil spill in a body of water is provided. The device (10) comprises a pyrotechnic device (28) that is actuated through an actuator assembly (20) comprising time delay circuitry (24). Upon actuation, the time delay circuitry (24) begins a countdown permitting the device (10) to be safely deployed from an aerial vehicle. The pyrotechnic device (28) ignites a fuel source (38), which in turn ignites the floating oil spill.

Abstract: A remote detonator system is provided. The remote detonator system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver includes a transducer configured to receive an ultrasonic acoustic signal. The transducer is electrically coupled to a first controller, the first controller having a processor responsive to executable computer instructions for detonating a charge in response to the transducer receiving the ultrasonic acoustic signal. A transmitter is provided having a transmitter configured to selectively emit the ultrasonic acoustic signal in response to an actuation by an operator.

Abstract: A remote detonator system is provided. The remote detonator system includes a receiver and a transmitter. The receiver includes a transducer configured to receive an ultrasonic acoustic signal. The transducer is electrically coupled to a first controller, the first controller having a processor responsive to executable computer instructions for detonating a charge in response to the transducer receiving the ultrasonic acoustic signal. A transmitter is provided having a transmitter configured to selectively emit the ultrasonic acoustic signal in response to an actuation by an operator.

Abstract: An oceanographic information collection system includes an anchor arranged on a sea bottom, an intermediate buoy connected to the anchor and floating in a sea, a mooring cable connected at one end to the intermediate buoy and at another end to an observation buoy. The observation buoy includes a main body whose longitudinal direction is arranged in a flowing direction of an ocean current. A specific gravity adjuster is arranged in the main body and includes an expandable and shrinkable buoyancy bag, an antenna arranged on the main body and transfers data, and an observation unit arranged in the main body and acquires prescribed oceanographic information. The observation buoy floats upward by expanding the buoyancy bag of the specific gravity adjuster, and sinks by shrinking the buoyancy bag in order to stand by in the sea. The buoy can easily float, sink and stand by in the sea.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved kinematic countermeasure flare and method of constructing the same wherein the housing has integrated internal features. The flare nose weight is set at the end of a die core prior to molding for integration with the housing. Longitudinal grooves and other recesses in the die core allow for the formation of internal longitudinal ribs which propellant can bond to and a retaining bead for retaining the nose weight in the housing which are integrated with the housing. Propellant is cast into the formed housing. A propellant shaping mandrel is then inserted into the formed housing thereby forcing the propellant into the internal cavity created by the integrally molded longitudinal ribs, the shaping mandrel and the wall of the flare housing such that the propellant is bonded to the interior housing wall and the longitudinal ribs.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic signaling means (10) are ignited manually by pulling on a pulling member (24). In known pyrotechnic signaling means (10), the pulling member (24) has a short cable which is knotted to an operating means (26). A knot such as this can be produced only manually, thus making the production of pyrotechnic signaling means (10) quite complex. In addition, an ignition device (14) for known pyrotechnic signaling means (10) has a hole through it for a firing bolt (36) which is connected to the pulling member (24). This allows moisture to enter the pyrotechnic signaling means (10) through the ignition device (14). The pyrotechnic signaling means (10) according to the invention provides for the pulling member (24) to be formed from flexible strip-like sections (48, 50), which are connected by film hinges (54) and can be collapsed, saving space, when not in use.

Abstract: Pyrotechnic systems and associated methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a pyrotechnic system includes a combustible material in a housing having a first and second portion. The first portion of the housing can have an inlet for receiving combustion products and the second portion can have an outlet to propagate combustion between the second portion of the housing and the combustible material. The system can further include a combustible carrier material movable from the first portion of the housing to the second portion of the housing. The combustible carrier material can be ignited in a first portion of the housing and capable of sustaining combustion while being moved to the second portion of the housing. Additional embodiments can include a seal positioned to block a migration of combustion products between the first and second portions of the housing when the combustible carrier material is in the first portion of the housing.

Abstract: A supercavitating projectile is disclosed and includes a combustion chamber, a forward-directed jet nozzle and a comparatively larger gas duct/rear-directed jet nozzle. The combustion chamber is filled with a propellant having a hollowed core. The core serves as a pathway to fluidly allow combustion gases to the jet nozzles. In operation, the propellant combusts to form gasses forced forward through the forward-directed nozzle to generate a virtual cavitator in the form of a ventilation gas bubble. Combusted gasses are also forced out the rear-directed nozzle forming a propulsion jet. The projectile therefore uses the rear-directed jet to maintain a cruise velocity approximate to the launch velocity and employs a source of ventilation gas using the forward-directed jet for supercavitating of the projectile.

Abstract: A floatable smoke pot which floats in a stable position with a casing can water-tightly closed by a cover through a closure device. Smoke-generating bodies of a pyrotechnic material, which can be ignited by an igniting device, are arranged in the casing can. A stable floating position is achieve through a ballast weight in the casing can at the can bottom (14). A number of column elements forming the smoke-generating bodies are arranged in the casing can in a uniformly distributed relationship, standing on the ballast weight. The space which remains free of the column elements in the casing can is filled with a buoyancy material. The cover has holes which in the unused original condition of the smoke pot are water-tightly closed with closure elements which can be torn open so that the smoke pot can also be submerged in water for a limited time without extinguishing of the smoke-generating bodies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a tubular member (e.g., leg of an abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment) is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having a frame carrying explosive shaped charges. The frame includes charges having curved sections which can be moved relative to one another for engaging the inside bore of a tubular member to be severed. The charges are biased (e.g., spring loaded) to be moved automatically to an extended position that engages the tubular member (e.g., platform leg) when a trigger is activated from a remote location. The trigger can be a pin carried in a tube with wires connecting each curved charge section to the pin. When the pin is lifted from its tube, the wires are released enabling the springs to thrust the charges against the inside of a pipe, leg or tubular member to be cut. Once in this position, the charges can be fired.

Abstract: A method of decoying an incoming missile from a target. The method comprises deploying an array of barrels each containing multiple projectiles, determining a position and orientation for a decoy image of the target in relation to the incoming missile, and firing multiple projectiles substantially simultaneously from respective barrels of the array to create the image. Each projectile contains image forming matter.

Abstract: A launch platform for a host vehicle. There is a cradle having a cylindrical shape with peripheral axial recesses formed therein and arranged around the cradle. A release mechanism is positioned within the cradle. The release mechanism releasably joins small cylindrical undersea vehicles positioned in said peripheral axial recesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having an expandable frame carrying explosive charges. The frame includes curved sections which are adjustably moved relative to one another for fitting the explosive charge members to the inside bore of a vertical leg section of the rig. A shaped charge arrangement focuses the explosive charges at a desired location on the rig leg so that when the explosive charge detonates, the rig is cut with minimal invasion of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An IR radiating decoy for an IR seeking anti-ship missile (ASM) includes a propulsion section, safe and arming section, gas generator section, fuel tank section, and flight stabilization section to ignite and continuously maintain an IR plume for decoying the ASM away from the targeted ship. The IR radiating decoy ignites the IR plume immediately when the decoy reaches a safe separation distance from the targeted ship. The IR plume continues to be emitted as the decoy flies away, as it lands on the water, and while it floats upon the water until all the fuel is used from the fuel tank. The fuel can be changed to change the signature of the IR plume so that different ASM missiles can be drawn away from the ship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment is provided. The apparatus includes a frame carrying an explosive charge. The frame includes a linear and a curved section which are adjustable moved relative to one another for fitting the explosive charge member to the inside bore of a vertical leg section of the rig. A shaped charge arrangement focuses an explosive charge at a desired location on the rig leg so that when the explosive charge detonates, the rig is cut with minimal invasion of the surrounding environment.

Abstract: An air-delivered infrared anti-ship missile decoy is delivered from an aiaft to a desired location below sea surface ahead of advancing forces and then activated at a later time by a remotely-transmitted encoded signal to separate a payload assembly from the remainder of the decoy, float the payload assembly on the sea surface and then produce a relatively large infrared plume above the payload assembly and atop the sea surface that provides an infrared signature for decoying and deception purposes.

Abstract: A flare including a body, an ignitable projectile in the body, an igniter for initiating ignition of the ignitable projectile and initiating propulsion of the projectile out one end of the body, a cap removably coupled to the other end of the body and an ignition member in the body and the cap which can be pulled to ignite the igniter composition. The flare also includes a safety shield at least partially receiving the body and the cap and being releasably retained against substantial axial movement relative to the body in a retracted position to inhibit removal of the cap from the body and being responsive to a force to move relative to the body and cap to an extended position. Confronting surfaces of the shield and cap are configured to provide a passage for water to escape from a region between the shield and the body. The end of the shield adjacent the body is configured to provide a plurality of resilient fingers.

Abstract: A floating torch burning polydimethylsiloxane to provide a decoy over the termediate infrared spectrum of a ship.

Abstract: A floating torch burning polydimethylsiloxane to provide a decoy over the termediate infrared spectrum of a ship.

Abstract: A decoy device for deployment in a marine environment to decoy heat seeking issiles from their intended target. The device consists of a canister of fuel and means for igniting the fuel. The canister is designed such that the operation of the device creates a spray of burning fuel and a resultant large radiation area decoy.

Abstract: A sea marker for emergency flights of ship-based planes onto a ship is disclosed which comprises a float, a tube containing a pyrotechnical charge and also a percussion igniter. The tube consists of a material which does not burn away, and is provided with a light charge consisting of about 30 to 60% by weight of sodium nitrate, about 3 to 18% by weight of polyolefin resin and about 30 to 60% by weight of magnesium.

Abstract: A swimmer distress signal of the smoke or flare type has an ignition system hich can be operated with one hand. A stab primer is activated by a sliding firing pin that is normally locked in position and protected by a metal cover. Upon withdrawal of the signal from a pouch, a lanyard pulls off the cover to expose and unlock the firing pin which has an enlarged head. A hit or force on the firing pin head drives it into the primer to ignite the display.

Abstract: A infrared flare is used as a military decoy for infrared heat seeking missiles. The flare burns a pyrophoric fuel to provide a good simulation of an aircraft spectral signature. To minimize blow-out under extreme wind and high altitude conditions, the flare has an oxygen injector arranged concentrically around the fuel ejector and a shroud sheltering an ignition space just downstream of the fuel ejector. The injected oxygen reacts with a small amount of the fuel to produce a pilot flame in the shroud.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a floating incendiary device adapted to be dropped from an aircraft onto a combustible material on a body of water. The device includes means for directing the resulting heat by convection and radiation to concentrate on a particular area of the combustible material for a time sufficient to raise the temperature of the combustible material to its fire point to produce ignition and self-sustaining combustion of the combustible material. A novel incendiary composition for use with the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A signaling device to be launched underwater having a fuze body, a time dy element, an ejection charge and at least one carrier having a pyrotechnic composition attached to a parachute. The ejection charge is ignited by an electric squib which is detonated by voltage from a sea water battery. The battery is sealed from sea water until a valve opens to permit entry of water into the fuze body. An electronic deplay module is electrically connected between the sea water battery and squib to delay detonation of the ejection charge until the signaling device has assumed a stable vertical position at the water surface.

Abstract: The ejection seat on a high performance aircraft is provided with a plurality of inflatable air bags on the back of the seat. The air bags are generally elliptical in cross-section and arranged one above the other in two parallel vertical rows on a supporting pallet attached to the seat back. Suitable gas generators cause the air bags to inflate in sequence top-to-bottom as the seat ejects from the aircraft to produce a rearwardly extending generally streamline afterbody thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and stabilizing the seat with its occupant after emergency ejection.

Abstract: Precompression fins extending perpendicular from the wings of a high speed missile are judiciously located relative to an axisymmetric inlet of an airbreathing power plant such that the outwash angle induced by the body and wing of the missile enhances the performance of the inlet.

Abstract: A model rocket, the nose cone of which is ejected clear of the rocket body after the rocket has spent its fuel, including means for replacing the ejected nose cone during flight with another nose cone and means for altering the configuration wing elevator during flight thereby converting the rocket to a glider.

Abstract: A portable, rocket-deployed signaling system for deploying a pin-point loion marker including a tractor rocket propulsion unit and attached payload container launched from a hand-held tube. The payload comprises an inflatable marker balloon, a gas generator for inflating the balloon and a tether line connecting the balloon to the launcher tube. A coupling pin, secured to the tether line at a predetermined length from the end attached to the launcher tube and removably supported on the payload container, is pulled subsequent to launch to permit the container to separate and deploy the balloon. A percussion igniter then actuates the gas generator to inflate the balloon with the generator separating after inflation.