Abstract: According to one implementation of the present disclosure, a method for formation flight is disclosed. The method includes: during flight, arranging for a first aircraft to fly into a proximity range of a second aircraft; and determining first aircraft positioning based on power consumption data of the first aircraft, where the first aircraft positioning corresponds to power-reducing formation flight of the first aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for guiding a store, represented by a dynamic system having transitory nonlinear characteristics, between release from a platform and an activation of a mission autopilot along an optimal path. A nominal reference trajectory is determined that optimizes a desired performance index for the dynamic system using optimal control theory. A feedback control system is implemented that optimizes an original performance index to second order in a presence of disturbances along the optimal path using neighboring optimal control. The feedback control system converges to a linear time invariant regulator approaching the desired operating condition along the optimal path. Finally, control of the store is transitioned to the mission autopilot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for guiding a store, represented by a dynamic system having transitory nonlinear characteristics, between release from a platform and an activation of a mission autopilot along an optimal path. A nominal reference trajectory is determined that optimizes a desired performance index for the dynamic system using optimal control theory. A feedback control system is implemented that optimizes an original performance index to second order in a presence of disturbances along the optimal path using neighboring optimal control. The feedback control system converges to a linear time invariant regulator approaching the desired operating condition along the optimal path. Finally, control of the store is transitioned to the mission autopilot.

Abstract: An indirect drive active control column for an aircraft control system is provided. The indirect drive active control column provides both active and passive feedback to the control stick. The passive feedback relates to adjustments of the control stick relative to a feedback neutral position. The active feedback actively adjusts the position of the feedback neutral position to adjust a feedback profile of the passive feedback.

Abstract: An aerospace-ground integration testbed may include a truth data scheme, a common sensor adaptor, a common sensor framework, a visualization scheme and a communications scheme. The truth data scheme may generate truth data configured to provide data of at least one of threats, terrain, targets and offensive and defensive systems. The common sensor adaptor may provide sensed data generated from at least the truth data. The common sensor framework may provide modeled sensed data generated from at least the truth data utilizing sensor models. The visualization scheme may generate visual data to be displayed from the sensed data and the modeled sensed data. The communications scheme may provide communication and testbed messaging infrastructure between the truth data scheme, the common sensor adaptor, the common sensor framework, and the visualization scheme.

Abstract: A weapons security system composed of containers for storage of warheads or warhead material. The containers are equipped to detect breaches in the enclosure walls and to transmit an alarm signal in the event of a breach. The alarm signal is received by a local control center for transmission to a central weapons command. The central weapons command may also receive the alarm directly. The central weapons command despatches forces to counter the threat identified by the alarm. Also, the central weapons command dispatches electronic authorization or opening codes to the containers or their local guardians. The containers may be equipped with entry deterrent devices and warhead destructive devices which are triggered by the detection of a breach in the enclosure.

Abstract: The article of the invention is an optically readable label for storing encoded information, said label comprising a data energy of a multiplicity of information-encoded hexagons contiguously arranged in a honeycomb pattern, and having at least two different optical properties.A process for encoding information in an optically-readable data array comprised of a honeycomb of contiguous hexagons encoded by assigning optical properties to individual hexagons in a predetermined pattern, ordering the hexagons in a predetermined sequence, and printing the hexagons with at least two optical properties.A process for retrieving information by optically scanning an information-encoded data array of contiguous polygons, preferably hexagons, creating an optical replica of the digital bit stream representative of the optical properties of the information encoded polygons, decoding that optical replica and retrieving the decoded bit stream.A stream for performing the foregoing encoding and decoding processes.

Abstract: An ejector system for air launched weapons which considers the aircraft, re-ejector and store as a single system rather than as separate components. The system includes a dual-piston store ejector having sufficient ballistic impulse and variable orifice capability to compensate for in-carriage store pitching moments and loads whereby greatly enhanced safe and accurate store separation is obtained.

Abstract: Improved aerial weapons comprise an aircraft capable of controlled flight relative to a preselected target, means to automatically control the flight path of said aircraft, means to continuously determine the position of said aircraft relative to said target, means to automatically impose upon said flight path a helical component which at one instant in time passes through a munition release point appropriate for the said target, and automatic means to release the munition at the said munition release point. Additionally, the weapon may comprise means to create a visual presentation of said target as an image erect with respect to the pilot, regardless of the instantaneous attitude of the aircraft.Such aerial weapons, used to deliver air-to-ground munitions upon an intended target from an optimum position, speed and altitude can substantially reduce aircraft attrition from enemy guns or defensive aircraft.