Abstract: The present invention relates a safety ignition device for a high altitude dual pulse motor according to the present invention, and can prevent accidental ignition of an ignition device or a propulsion engine while efficiently using a space by installing the safety ignition device in front of a combustion pipe, increase the reliability of ignition, and maintain the air tightness of the inside of the propulsion engine and the ignition device even in a high altitude environment.

Abstract: A solid rocket motor uses at least one thermally conductive wire or at least one pair of electrically conductive wires to increase a burn surface area of a propellant grain and thus a thrust of the rocket motor. The rocket motor includes a pulse chamber containing a burnable propellant grain, a propellant inhibited center bore bonded to surfaces of the burnable propellant grain, and at least one conductive wire coupled to the burnable propellant grain and arranged in variable regions along the propellant inhibited center bore. The conductive wire is configured for passive or active activation to ignite the propellant inhibited center bore that subsequently burns in the variable regions. The thermally conductive wire is formed of a refractory metal or refractory alloy material that enables the entire length of the wire to be heated simultaneously or nearly simultaneously when the wire is passively activated.

Abstract: A multi-pulse propulsion system for a launch vehicle includes a multi-pulse rocket motor module, a launchable payload module, and a safety module that is electromechanically coupled to the multi-pulse rocket motor module and the payload module. The safety module includes at two sensors for detecting at least one environmental characteristic and/or event that is common to both the multi-pulse rocket motor module and the payload module, such that the safety module is configured to activate the multi-pulse rocket motor module and the payload module in response to the detected environmental characteristic and/or event.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods and computer programs are provided. In one example, an apparatus is a rocket motor, comprising: a casing having a length dimension, a width dimension and a depth dimension, wherein the length dimension is greater than the width dimension and greater than the depth dimension; and propellant, located inside the casing, arranged to generate a force in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the length dimension of the casing.

Abstract: A pulse unit of a multi-pulse rocket motor has: a propellant in an internal-burning type shape or an internal-end-burning type shape that is loaded within a motor case; an igniter arranged at an end surface of the propellant; a barrier membrane arranged to cover a whole of an initial burning surface of the propellant and the igniter; a forward joint arranged at a forward end of the motor case; and a rearward joint arranged at a rearward end of the motor case. The forward joint is formed so as to be connectable with the rearward joint of another pulse unit. The rearward joint is formed so as to be connectable with the forward joint of yet another pulse unit.

Abstract: A missile component such as a rocket motor case, of an initial transverse cross-sectional shape flexible into another, different cross-section responsive to application of internal pressure from ignition of a propellant grain within the component. A missile launch assembly including at least one missile of a non-circular cross-section disposed within a segment of a partitioned circular launch tube. A multi-stage missile comprising at least a first stage and a second stage having rocket motor cases of non-circular transverse cross-section, the rocket motor case of at least one of the stages being deformable into another, different cross-section. A method of launching a missile including igniting a rocket motor of a missile component having a first cross-section, internally pressurizing the missile component substantially concurrently with motor ignition and flexing the component rocket motor into a second, different cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: A multi-pulse gas generator includes a pressure vessel, an outer propellant arranged in the pressure vessel and which has a tubular shape, an intermediate propellant arranged inside the outer propellant and which has a tubular shape, an inner propellant arranged inside the intermediate propellant and which has a tubular shape, an internal structure arranged inside the inner propellant and fixed to the pressure vessel, a first barrier membrane arranged between the outer propellant and the intermediate propellant so as to isolate the outer propellant and the intermediate propellant from each other, and a second barrier membrane arranged between the intermediate propellant and the inner propellant so as to isolate the intermediate propellant and the inner propellant from each other. The outer propellant is supported on its outer surface by the pressure vessel. The inner propellant is supported on its inner surface by the internal structure.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which may include a common nozzle and a plurality of combustion chambers coupled to the nozzle. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may include a case, a solid fuel propellant charge in the form of a plurality of fuel pellets, and an igniter disposed to ignite the propellant charge. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may also include a pellet retainer disposed to retain unignited fuel pellets within the case and a burst disk disposed between the propellant charge and the nozzle. Each burst disk may adapted to rupture when the associated propellant charge is ignited and to not rupture when a propellant charge of any of the other combustion chambers is ignited.

Abstract: In a two-pulse rocket motor provided with a pressure vessel, a first propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a first pulse stage, a second propellant placed within the pressure vessel that burns during a second pulse stage following the first pulse stage, and a barrier membrane placed so as to cover the entire initial burning surface of the second propellant, wherein the barrier membrane is provided with an inner barrier membrane that covers the inner peripheral surface of the second propellant and an aft barrier membrane that covers the rear surface of the second propellant, and an end portion where the aft barrier membrane and the inner barrier membrane meet is joined over the entire circumference thereof. The ignition device includes an energy supply unit, an energy transfer unit connected at one end to the energy supply unit, and an ignition unit.

Abstract: A liquid propellant tank for storing a liquid propellant A and supplying vapor produced by evaporation of part of the liquid propellant A to an external location comprises a tank body for storing the liquid propellant A, and a plurality of holder plates arranged inside the tank body, around an axis L of the tank body. The holder plates cause the liquid propellant A to adhere to them by surface tension, thereby establishing, inside the tank body, a liquid propellant holding area LA in which the liquid propellant A is held and a gas accumulation area GA in which vapor produced by evaporation of part of the liquid propellant A accumulates. The tank body has a propellant inlet open into the liquid propellant holding area LA and a gas outlet open into the gas accumulation area GA.

Abstract: A new micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) satellite thruster is described. An example of the new MEMS thruster includes a propellant layer on a flexible substrate to make a rolled propellant that can be mounted on a reel-to-reel system. Sections of the rolled propellant are rolled over a separate activation blast plate to initiate the propellant on that section, providing thrust. The new MEMS thruster can also be made with segmented propellant sections. The new MEMS thruster can be made in a variety of configurations and as a modular system that can be attached to existing satellites.

Abstract: In the two-pulse rocket motor in accordance with the present invention, the second propellant is set outside of the first propellant in a motor case, and the inner surface of the first propellant is exposed throughout the almost entire length in the axial direction of the motor case. Therefore, the initial burning area can be secured without deteriorating the performance. Also, by providing a weak part by bonding the barrier membranes or shaping slits on the barrier membrane, the breaking portion of barrier membrane and the behavior of barrier membrane after breakage can be controlled. Further, by setting an igniter charge having higher ignitability and a higher burning rate than the second propellant between the inner surface of the second propellant and the inner barrier membrane, the detachment of barrier membrane and the ignition of the second propellant can be assisted.

Abstract: A combustion gas generator has: a motor case; a first propellant loaded within the motor case to burn at a first pulse; a second propellant loaded within the motor case to burn at a second pulse subsequent to the first pulse a front motor head fixed to a front portion of the motor case and having a combustion gas exhaust hole; and a rear motor head fixed to a rear portion of the motor case and having a combustion gas exhaust hole. A combustion gas supply control device prevents combustion gas of the first propellant at the first pulse from flowing into the combustion gas exhaust hole of the front motor head and supplies combustion gas of the second propellant at the second pulse to the combustion gas exhaust hole of the front motor head.

Abstract: A multi-pulse rocket is equipped with a thermally insulating barrier that serves as a rupture disk or a movable plug or plate separating staged propellant grains. When a rupture disk it used, the disk can be equipped with a pyrotechnic actuator to weaken the disk upon command, enabling the propellant grain on the fore side of the disk to burst the disk at a relatively low pressure when ignition of the propellant grain is needed for additional thrust. Rupturing of the disk can also be controlled by attitude maneuvering ports on the fore side of the barrier whose open or closed conditions are controlled by independently operable closures. When a movable plug is used, the plug is movable between a closed position separating rocket chamber into subchambers isolating the propellant grains from each other and an open position allowing the flow of combustion gas between the two subchambers to achieve additional axial thrust.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus which may include a common nozzle and a plurality of combustion chambers coupled to the nozzle. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may include a case, a solid fuel propellant charge in the form of a plurality of fuel pellets, and an igniter disposed to ignite the propellant charge. Each of the plurality of combustion chambers may also include a pellet retainer disposed to retain unignited fuel pellets within the case and a burst disk disposed between the propellant charge and the nozzle.

Abstract: Propellant management systems and methods are provided for controlling the delivery of liquid propellants in a space launch vehicle utilizing multiple rockets. The propellant management systems and methods may be configured to enable substantial simultaneous depletion of liquid propellants in each of a plurality of active rockets during operation of various booster stages of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A ring portion including: a ring body; and one or more actuators formed therein for providing thrust to a projectile and configured for fastening to a shell of an airborne device to form a portion of the shell. The airborne device can be a projectile.

Abstract: Propulsion from combustion of solid propellant pellet-projectiles for providing a useful propulsion that has the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion engines, and also can make use of either solid chemical propellants or fissionable nuclear material as the fuel. Preferred methods and systems can include a storage chamber for storing solid propellant pellets, a feeding system having a pellet feeding channel and a pellet feeding mechanism connected to the storage chamber and to a gun assembly, which is positioned along a longitudinal axis to eject the pellets at a certain velocity. A triggering system positioned between gun assembly and thrust chamber can initiate the propellant pellet-projectile, and a thrust chamber having a combustion chamber for combustion of propellant pellet-projectile with an exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: Propellant management systems and methods are provided for controlling the delivery of liquid propellants in a space launch vehicle utilizing multiple rockets. The propellant management systems and methods may be configured to enable substantial simultaneous depletion of liquid propellants in each of a plurality of active rockets during operation of various booster stages of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A fuel injector system for combustion engines and motors, such as pulsed bipropellant thrusters, includes noncircular fuel and oxidizer injectors at the ends of respective dribble channels for controlling the mixture ratio of the propellants passing into a combustion chambers for maintaining a desire or ideal mixture ratio as determined by the cross-sectional area of the injectors well suited for pulse combustion fuel injector systems.

Abstract: A solid propellant rocket engine includes: a propellant formed into a predetermined shape having a combustion cavity and capable of deflagrating into hot, high-pressure gas upon ignition; and a nozzle configured and positioned to expand the hot, high-pressure gas into the atmosphere, where the propellant forms the nozzle as a part of the predetermined shape. A multi-stage rocket unit, a multi-engine rocket stage, and a super-staged rocket each has many rocket engines.

Abstract: Propulsion from combustion of solid propellant pellet-projectiles for providing a useful propulsion that has the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion engines, and also can make use of either solid chemical propellants or fissionable nuclear material as the fuel. Preferred methods and systems can include a storage chamber for storing solid propellant pellets, a feeding system having a pellet feeding channel and a pellet feeding mechanism connected to the storage chamber and to a gun assembly, which is positioned along a longitudinal axis to eject the pellets at a certain velocity. A triggering system positioned between gun assembly and thrust chamber can initiate the propellant pellet-projectile, and a thrust chamber having a combustion chamber for combustion of propellant pellet-projectile with an exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: Propulsion from combustion of solid propellant pellet-projectiles for providing a useful propulsion that has the advantages of both solid and liquid propulsion engines, and also can make use of either solid chemical propellants or fissionable nuclear material as the fuel. Preferred methods and systems can include a storage chamber for storing solid propellant pellets, a feeding system having a pellet feeding channel and a pellet feeding mechanism connected to the storage chamber and to a gun assembly, which is positioned along a longitudinal axis to eject the pellets at a certain velocity. A triggering system positioned between gun assembly and thrust chamber can initiate the propellant pellet-projectile, and a thrust chamber having a combustion chamber for combustion of propellant pellet-projectile with an exhaust nozzle.

Abstract: In an integral rocket-ramjet engine the air intake ports are covered with a port cover made of a laminate of Pd and Al. This port cover is rapidly consumed in the brief period between the end of the rocket mode and commencement of the ramjet mode to allow ingress of ram air for the ramjet engine.

Abstract: A propellant utilization system for a space vehicle having at least a first thrust source and a second thrust source. The propellant utilization system utilizes a common set of algorithms to generate mixture ratios for each thrust source as each thrust source becomes active. The propellant utilization system includes a processing system comprising sequencer logic, propellant logic, and mixture ratio logic. The sequencer logic determines when a thrust source is active, e.g. one of the first and second thrust sources, and provides flight parameters for the active thrust source to the propellant logic and the mixture ratio logic. The propellant logic processes information from propellant sources connected to the active thrust source, using the flight parameters for that thrust source, to determine an amount of remaining propellant in each source.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) microthruster array is disclosed. The MEMS microthruster array of the present invention can be used for maintaining inter satellite distance in small satellites. One microthruster array includes numerous microthruster propulsion cells, each having a vacuum enclosed explosive igniter disposed on one side by a breakable diaphragm and having a propellant-filled chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm. Upon explosion of the explosive igniter, the first diaphragm breaks, which, together with the explosion of the explosive igniter, causes the propellant to expand rapidly, thereby providing exhaust gases which are ejected from an exterior face of the microthruster propulsion array, thereby providing a small unit of thrust.

Abstract: The invention is an airframe which includes a vehicle (12) having a solid propellant rocket engine (14) and a ramjet or scramjet engine (16); a thrust plug (18) extending from an end (20) of the vehicle which directs combustion gases (23 and 64) produced by the solid propellant rocket engine or ramjet/scramjet engine to produce forward thrust; a longitudinal passage (38) extending from the end of the vehicle to an opening (30) forward of the end which receives external air directed by forward movement of the vehicle and in which solid propellant (32) of the solid propellant rocket engine is located, and wherein during rocket operation solid propellant is combusted to produce the combustion gases in the longitudinal passage which are conveyed by the longitudinal passage into contact with the thrust plug and during ramjet/scramjet operation the longitudinal passage is open to flow of external air after operation of the solid propellant rocket engine is completed and which supports mixing and combustion of the a

Abstract: A solid propellant charge for a propulsion unit (1). The latter includes a casing (2) containing the solid propellant charge (3), in the form of an elongated body having a longitudinal axis (X--X), which charge (3) has, over part of its longitudinal extent, a propellant charge profile (4) of large combustion area and is subdivided, along the longitudinal axis (X--X), into at least two segments abutting one another with their respective mutually confronting faces. The propulsion unit furthermore includes a nozzle (5) and means (6) for igniting said charge. The propellant charge profile (4) of large combustion area is provided in that part of the propellant charge (3) which is intermediate along the longitudinal axis (X--X).

Abstract: The disclosed launch systems are formed from mass producible elements that integrate propulsion, pneumatics and structural systems. In one embodiment, a launch system (10) includes multiple stages (12-16) where each stage includes a number of generally wedge-shaped segments (54). Alternating segments (54) form liquid fuel and oxidizer tanks. Each fuel and oxidizer tank pair is associated with a thruster (70). The resulting plurality of thrusters (70) are disposed about a common aerospike thrust structure (30-34). The segments (54) are connected to an internal, hollow structural spine (26) that can also interface with an internal umbilical tower (46). The segments (54) together with their associated thrusters and related components can be mass produced, thereby increasing competition among suppliers, reducing design costs and timeframes.

Abstract: A membrane seal assembly separating forward and aft combustion chambers of a rocket motor. The assembly covers the aft surface of a bulkhead having apertures therein to preclude flow communication between the combustion chambers during combustion of propellant within the aft combustion chamber. The assembly includes a membrane which has a plurality of sectors which open along hinge lines away from the bulkhead to allow flow communication between the combustion chambers when a higher pressure is present in the forward combustion chamber than in the aft combustion chamber, i.e., during subsequent combustion of the propellant in the forward combustion chamber.

Abstract: The combustion of a hybrid engine is improved by continuously injecting into a precombustion chamber a hypergolic fluid such as triethyl aluminum which exothermically reacts with and vaporizes the oxidizer such as liquid oxygen. The prevaporized oxidizer evenly combusts the solid propellant grain to develop thrust.

Abstract: A motor for impelling a missile or projectile has a housing and a plurality of spaced walls defining progressive compartments in the housing. A nozzle in one of the compartments produces a thrust for the missile or projectile when pressurized gases flow through it. Igniters extending into the individual compartments ignite propellants in such compartments. The igniter in an individual one of the compartments is energized initially and the igniters progressively displaced from such individual compartment are thereafter energized sequentially. Each wall separating an individual pair of adjacent compartments has a normally closed valve. Each valve has a first orifice of relatively great area in the compartment closer to the nozzle and a second orifice of limited area in the compartment further from the nozzle. A membrane between the orifices prevents the valve from being opened by a pressure from the closer compartment until this pressure becomes relatively great (e.g. 6500 psi).

Abstract: Rupture disc bulkhead structure for use in a multi-stage rocket motor for missiles or the like wherein the disc is supported by a multiple apertured backup member. The disc has a series of bulges which define dimples that conform to the configuration of the apertures in the backup member. Bulging of the disc is carried out under a pressure exceeding that of the withstand pressure of the supported disc. Score lines in the disc aligned with the support segments of the apertured backup member permit the disc to rupture and open at a pressure significantly lower than the back pressure withstand value. The construction provides bulkhead structure which will withstand back pressures in the range of 2,000 to 10,000 static psig yet fully open in a forward direction at a static pressure of no more than about 100 to 400 psig.

Abstract: A propulsion unit for the acceleration of a self-propelled vehicle, such as a missile or a rocket, is loaded with a propellant block secured laterally to the body of the propulsion unit by means of a combustion inhibitor and has an aspect ratio of between 2.5 and 6. The propellant block has one axial duct and at least 6 peripheral ducts and, on its upstream face, is equipped with a fitting secured to the body of the propulsion unit. This fitting provides a free space between the upstream face of the propellant block and the bottom of the body of the propulsion unit, the axial duct and the peripheral ducts opening into this free space via orifices made in the fitting. The combustion gases are ejected rearward without being fed through a nozzle. Sonic velocity is achieved downstream of the ducts.

Abstract: A multi-pulse or multi-stage canister loaded solid propellant rocket motor. The canisters are prepared separately and loaded with solid propellant whereby the scrape rate may be reduced after which they are installed in a monolithic case which affords stiffness continuity over the length of the rocket motor to prevent guidance system upsetting free play. In order to reduce the complexity of installation of the membrane seal assembly for each pulse, the bulkhead therefor is manufactured integral with the case of the respective canister and becomes the forward closure thereof. For the multi-stage rocket motor, the monolithic case may be stepped and tapered, and the stages severable therefrom as they burn out by primer cord.

Abstract: A radial pulse rocket motor having a nozzle at the aft end includes longitudinally spaced hollow boost and sustain propellant grains in the combustion chamber thereof with an elongated tubular thermal barrier covering substantially the whole of the interior surface of the sustain grain to enable the production of separate boost and sustain pulses. At the forward end of the motor, mounted within a reentrant motor bulkhead position, is a multiple pulse arm-fire device which, when commanded, produces an igniting signal that is transmitted to a boost igniter for igniting the boost grain and a subsequent igniting signal that is transmitted to a sustain igniter for igniting the sustain grain. The sustain igniter is positioned in surrounding relation to the motor forward bulkhead reentrant portion, the multiple pulse arm-fire device, and the forward end of the tubular barrier, and comprises a consumable, molded, polyurethane case having two interlocking tubes with a thin 0.10 inch (2.5 mm.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a solid propellant rocket motor, capable of providing two separate propulsive impulses to a missile. The rocket motor is connected at one end to the missile body, the other end including an exhaust nozzle. The rocket motor comprises two stages connected by an interstage bulkhead. The bulkhead includes a port opening which is closed by a frangible cover which prevents the second stage from igniting during burning of the first stage, but breaks up into harmless fragments during firing of the second stage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multistage launch vehicle and method of multistage launch vehicle operation in which at least one subsequent motor stage is ignited following lift-off in partially overlapping relationship with its immediately preceding motor stage prior to shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage in order to effect positive thrust control over the launch vehicle throughout shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage. Preferably, each of the motors comprising the subsequently fired motor stage is provided with a thrust profile in which maximum thrust is attained prior to staging of the preceding stage.

Abstract: A multi-pulse or multi-stage canister loaded solid propellant rocket motor. The canisters are prepared separately and loaded with solid propellant whereby the scrap rate may be reduced after which they are installed in a monolithic case which affords stiffness continuity over the length of the rocket motor to prevent guidance system upsetting free play. In order to reduce the complexity of installation of the membrane seal assembly for each pulse, the bulkhead therefor is manufactured integral with the case of the respective canister and becomes the forward closure thereof. For the multi-stage rocket motor, the monolithic case may be stepped and tapered, and the stages severable therefrom as they burn out by primer cord.

Abstract: A solid propellant rocket motor propellant grain configuration having a center bore of a varying diameter, ballistic slots, a stress/ballistic groove, and a burn inhibitor band for withstanding service motor operating environments and providing the required ballistic profile.

Abstract: A solid rocket motor grain construction is disclosed for use in a ramjet to improve performance. The solid fuel burn enhancer adds oxidizer for burn rate control. Two constructions are disclosed. The inlaid approach places cores of solid low-oxidizer fuel within solid unoxidized fuel and the integrated approach provides shells of low oxidizer around the solid unoxidized fuel. The low-oxidizer fuel has a faster burn rate and smaller burn area requirements than the unoxidized fuel. During initial ramjet operation, when the burn area is constrained, the low-oxidizer fuel burns initially with its smaller burn area requirements. Subsequently, the conventional unoxidized fuel burns when larger burn areas are available.

Abstract: A thin membrane of high strength but ductile material is placed over a perforated structural support, thus allowing high pressure on the membrane side of the support to separate one chamber from another. Upon application of pressure through the perforated structural supporting structure, the membrane will collapse allowing communication between chambers. The arrangement has utility in rocket motors and gas generators where discrete impulse segments are desired to be available on command, and may be fabricated in concentric or tandem (series) volumes.

Abstract: A thin membrane of high strength but ductile material is placed over a perforated structural support, thus allowing high pressure on the membrane side of the support to separate one chamber from another. Upon application of pressure through the perforated structural supporting structure, the membrane will collapse allowing communication between chambers. The arrangement has utility in rocket motors and gas generators where discrete impulse segments are desired to be available on command, and may be fabricated in concentric or tandem (series) volumes.

Abstract: A solid propellant grain for a gas generator such as a missile canister erection actuator. The grain provides a sustain phase followed by a boost phase which may then be followed by another sustain phase. The aft portion of the grain may have the configuration of an end burner to provide the initial sustain phase. The middle portion contains a longitudinally extending cavity in which is disposed a plug for supporting the grain during the initial sustain phase against collapse or cracking. A gap is provided between the plug and the wall of the cavity to provide effective propellant burnign surface area along the cavity wall for the boost phase. The cavity and plug, which terminate at the aft portion, may extend longitudinally through the forward portion of the grain.

Abstract: A segmented rocket motor case includes wedge members for forcing the case segments into position to remove free play at the joint thereof which may otherwise interfere with or upset the missile's guidance system and throw it off target. A lap joint member for such a joint includes a shoulder having a surface for attachment of a membrane seal assembly for a pulsed rocket motor. A through bulkhead initiator communicates from the forward segment via a fitting which extends through the membrane seal assembly with an igniter for the propellant grain within the aft segment to eliminate the necessity of running explosive transfer lines along the outside of the case from a safe and arm device and other controls at the head end of the rocket motor.

Abstract: A rocket propelled vehicle includes a lower stage solid propellant rocket motor and at least one upper stage solid propellant rocket motor. Each of the rocket motors includes a case, a nozzle and a solid propellant having a central combustion chamber, with the case of the lower stage motor, in a preferred embodiment, being open at the forward end and the case of the upper stage motor being open at the aft end and forming a continuation of the open end of the lower stage case, with a layer of slow burning material cast on the surface defining the central combustion chamber of the upper stage solid propellant, and with ignition of all stages being accomplished approximately simultaneously through operation of a single ignition system.

Abstract: An auxiliary gas generator is used to provide gas for steering and pointing control of a multi-stage rocket motor system to a head or forward end located final interception maneuvering stage. During lower stage operation, this gas is routed through the "Divert" thrusters of the final interception stage through a check valve. When control is not required, the gas can be either dumped through all thrusters or all thrusters can be closed and the gas dumped into the lower stages. As each of the lower stages is burned out, it is discarded. Using one or more gas generating propellant packages provided therein, the final interception stage maneuvers to the target.

Abstract: A segmented rocket motor case includes wedge members for forcing the case segments into position to remove free play at the joint thereof which may otherwise interfere with or upset the missile's guidance system and throw it off target. A lap joint member for such a joint includes a shoulder having a surface for attachment of a membrane seal assembly for a pulsed rocket motor. A through bulkhead initiator communicates from the forward segment via a fitting which extends through the membrane seal assembly with an igniter for the propellant grain within the aft segment to eliminate the necessity of running explosive transfer lines along the outside of the case from a safe and arm device and other controls at the head end of the rocket motor.

Abstract: In a dual area nozzle automatic mechanical actuation system for a boost-sustain solid propellant rocket motor, a pressure differential is created on the opposite sides of a ball-catch retaining ring when a fast-burning portion of the solid-propellant grain is spent and a slow-burning portion is ignited that allows the blow-out load on the smaller throat orifice of a mechanically restrained movable nozzle section to move the movable nozzle section to seat the smaller throat orifice against the larger throat orifice of a fixed nozzle section.

Abstract: In an integral rocket-ramjet having a combustor which initially serves as a rocket combustion chamber for booster propellant, and after the booster propellant is expended serves as a ramjet combustor where fuel and air are burned, a fuel control system is described for the ramjet stage by which ram burner light-off is automatically initiated upon transition from rocket to ramjet propulsion. The fuel control regulates fuel flow to the combustor over the entire flight regime and responds to operating conditions to provide a light-off schedule, to stabilize the shock wave at the air inlet, to provide a maximum fuel-to-air ratio limit, to limit the maximum vehicle Mach number, and to prevent lean burner blowout by providing a minimum fuel-to-air ratio limit. Mach number limiting and air inlet margin limiting are performed in closed loop fashion, while the other functions are scheduled or open loop controls.