Abstract: A gun in which the interior wall of the breech portion of the bore is proed with a series of small annular combustion chambers distributed along the axis which are filled with liquid monopropellant to provide a propellant lined breech. Propellant is pumped into the annular combustion chambers through ports or fill orifices which communicate with an annular chamber surrounding the breech. This construction of the propellant in a series of small discrete volumes which eliminates the hydrodynamic instabilities associated with combustion of bulk loaded liquid propellants.

Abstract: A liquid propellant gun and a method of controlling liquid in a combustion or liquid propellant gun is disclosed. The gun is provided with a barrel attached to the receiver having a cavity formed therein, which is coupled to the barrel or throat. A guide tube coaxially extends through the receiver cavity bisecting the cavity into a main chamber and essential axially passageway. The guide tube has at least one orifice extending therethrough connecting the main chamber to the essential passageway. An elongated pin is telescopically shiftable within the guide tube to load projectiles into a firing position seated in the barrel throat. A projectile, when in the barrel throat defines a prechamber abounded by the guide tube. Liquid propellant is admitted into the chamber and ignited within the prechamber causing the prechamber pressure to rapidly rise forcing hot combustion products into the main chamber and causing the pin to begin to retract.

Abstract: This invention provides an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun system, having a dual angle injection mechanism to provide both bore and chamber gas requirements with a single injection control valve. The dual angle feature assures a stable combustion zone. A flexible lip on the projectile is used in conjunction with the dual angle injection mechanism to positively eliminate backflow of propellant through the injection mechanism during the ignition phase of the gun cycle.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun, of a check valve to permit liquid propellant under relatively low pressure to flow from the supply system into the combustion chamber and to preclude the pulse of pressure generated in the combustion chamber from feeding back to the supply system. This valve allows propellant to be removed automatically from the pumping chamber in the event of a misfire.Another feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun of a frangible stem which secures the projectile to the cartridge case. The stem breaks to release the projectile for travel down the gun bore when a predetermined level of combustion gas pressure has been developed in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: A projectile is initially accelerated to a supersonic velocity and then injected into a launch tube filled with a gaseous propellant. The projectile outer surface and launch tube inner surface form a ramjet having a diffuser, a combustion chamber and a nozzle. A catalytic coated flame holder projecting from the projectile ignites the gaseous propellant in the combustion chamber thereby accelerating the projectile in a subsonic combustion mode zone. The projectile then enters an overdriven detonation wave launch tube zone wherein further projectile acceleration is achieved by a formed, controlled overdriven detonation wave capable of igniting the gaseous propellant in the combustion chamber. Ultrahigh velocity projectile accelerations are achieved in a launch tube layered detonation zone having an inner sleeve filled with hydrogen gas.

Abstract: Improved bulk-loaded liquid propellant guns are provided having a plurality of channels within the master chamber but not in contact with the gun barrel so as to obviate destructive pressure variances.

Abstract: A gun is provided having a housing, a main gun barrel, a combustion chamber, a liquid propellant pumping chamber, and valve means for providing a variable orifice injection port intercoupling said pumping and combustion chambers which includes means for controlling the rate of opening of the orifice during the period of injection.

Abstract: This invention provides an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun system, having a dual angle injection mechanism to provide both bore and chamber gas requirements with a single injection control valve. The dual angle feature assures a stable combustion zone. A flexible lip on the projectile is used in conjunction with the dual angle injection mechanism to positively eliminate backflow of propellant through the injection mechanism during the ignition phase of the gun cycle.

Abstract: A barreled weapon with chemical-electrical hybrid propulsion through the intermediary of regenerative injection of fluid propellants through at least one axially movable piston. The propellant components and/or the gases which are developed due to the reaction of the propellant components, are forcibly conducted past an electrode arrangement of a plasma burner in such a manner whereby the electrical energy of a light corona or arc discharge is coupled into the matter streaming therepast.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid propellant round of ammunition having a traveling charge which is ignited after both such charge and the projectile have received an initial forward acceleration.

Abstract: A liquid propellant gun system has an annular differential piston journaled for telescopic movement with respect to an annular control valve and to the chamber of the firing bore; uses the piston, the valve and the projectile as valve means for controlling the injection of liquid propellant into the combustion chamber of the gun system; uses a displacement type control means to limit the rate of the loading of liquid propellant and to provide a positive evacuation of misfired liquid propellant from the combustion chamber; and incorporates a vernier control circuit to give direct control over the performance of the gun.

Abstract: A barreled weapon with regenerative propellant injection through the intermediary of at least one axially displaceable piston. A ring-shaped or annular cylindrical space is arranged coaxially about the weapon barrel, in effect, about the projectile or shell chamber, in which space there are arranged two mutually oppositely located, opposingly movable annular or ring pistons, whose piston shafts presently divide the space which is available behind the piston head into two selectively interconnectable loading chambers, each piston head possessing passageways which extend from the loading chambers and connect into the end surfaces of the piston heads, which are arranged offset relative to each other in such a manner so as to mutually seal off upon contacting of the oppositely located end surfaces of the piston heads.

Abstract: A liquid propellant gun system has an annular differential piston journaled for telescopic movement with respect to an annular control valve and to the chamber of the firing bore; uses the piston, the valve and the projectile as valve means for controlling the injection of liquid propellant into the combustion chamber of the gun system; uses a displacement type control means to limit the rate of the loading of liquid propellant and to provide a positive evacuation of misfired liquid propellant from the combustion chambers; and incorporates a vernier control circuit to give direct control over the performance of the gun.

Abstract: A feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun, of a check valve to permit liquid propellant under relatively low pressure to flow from the supply system into the combustion chamber and to preclude the pulse of pressure generated in the combustion chamber from feeding back to the supply system. This valve allows propellant to be removed automatically from the pumping chamber in the event of a misfire.Another feature of this invention is the provision in an annular piston, annular control valve, liquid propellant gun of a frangible stem which secures the projectile to the cartridge case. The stem breaks to release the projectile for travel down the gun bore when a predetermined level of combustion gas pressure has been developed in the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel-oxidant mixture for detonation gun applications comprising an oxidant such as oxygen and a fuel mixture of two combustible gases such as acetylene and propylene. The invention also relates to articles coated in a process using this fuel-oxidant mixture.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing a controlled increase in muzzle velocity of a projectile while reducing peak value of gas pressure inside a gun barrel. A cartridge includes an elongated body having a central bore divided into three chambers, with a fuel chamber separated from an oxidizer chamber and an elongated capillary chamber by a plurality of membranes. A fuse wire and a power supply vaporize a plasma base in the capillary chamber and provide a controlled jet to provide combustion between a second fuel in the fuel chamber and an oxidizer material in the oxidizer chamber. The power supply controls the fuel-oxidizer combustion rate to obtain a relatively steady pressure of long duration against the projectile which results in high projectile velocity with relatively low peak values of pressure in the gun barrel.

Abstract: A variable stroke projectile postioning system compensates for temperature by adjusting the volume of a munition chamber which communicates with a projectile and contains a propellant having temperature dependent performance characteristics. The projectile positioning system includes method and apparatus which perform the operative steps of moving the projectile at a forward end of the chamber where its position defines the volume of the chamber, measuring the temperature of the propellant charge to be placed in the chamber for firing the projectile and having temperature dependent performance characteristics, and controlling the moving the projectile in response to the measured temperature of the propellant charge to cause the projectile to be placed at the exact position where it adjusts the amount of chamber volume to provide the correct degree of compensation for the measured temperature.

Abstract: This invention provides the provision of a liquid propellant gun system having a traveling charge which is ignited after both such charge and the projectile have been accelerated forwardly by a regenerative piston device.

Abstract: This invention provides the provision of a liquid propellant gun system having a traveling charge which is ignited after both such charge and the projectile have been accelerated forwardly.

Abstract: An armored vehicle with an overhead or top-mounted cannon or barreled weapon, which is supported in a forked cradle support so as to be elevatable about a bearing trunnion axis, and which includes an arrangement for the storge of the ammunition and the conveyance of the ammunition from a main storage magazine and from an auxiliary storage magazine. A vertically standing projectile loading tube or barrel is rotatable about its longitudinal axis, whose longitudinal axis concurrently consists of the azimuthal or bearing axis of the barreled weapon, and which, in the position of rest of the barreled weapon, intersects at one point with trunnion axis and the tilting axis of the rotary shell or projectile chamber of the barreled weapon. Hereby, independently of the elevation of the barreled weapon, the shell or projectile chamber is movable into a vertical position extending coaxially with the loading tube.

Abstract: An electrical igniter for a regenerative liquid propellant gun is disclosed hich includes a combustion chamber for receiving a charge of liquid gun propellant, an electrode for igniting the liquid gun propellant, and a valve assembly for releasing the igniting propellant into a gun combustion chamber to start a regenerative combustion process therein.

Abstract: Cylindrically arranged barrels include feeder rods connected to a wobble plate for reciprocally moving shells into a firing position. A back pressure seal sleeve may be positioned on the feeder rods. The sleeves include a forwardly tapering wall thickness whereby combustion pressures press the tapered wall sealingly against the feeder rods. An alternative sealing arrangement includes cut-off pins for each barrel which reciprocate transversely of the barrel in timed relation with the feeder pins. A cam rotates with a power shaft connected to the wobble plate and a nonrotating housing is positioned on the cam and is connected through linkage elements to the cut-off pins.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid propellant gun embodying a first species of this invention wherein the inner differential area piston is controlled by a variable damping mechanism, and both pistons have respective cross-sectional areas coupled to the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A ram cannon (1) has an extendable barrel (2) slidably disposed over a starter cannon barrel (7). Such an extendable barrel is fully retractable during transport of the cannon and extendable at the time of firing. The barrel is also partially extendable, thereby providing a means to vary the muzzle velocity of a projectile (6) without varying the ratio of the fuel to the oxidizer in the propellant mixture. Utilizing an extendable barrel allows adapting a ram cannon to mobile artillery weapons, providing ease in transport, setup and firing, with a precise and rapid range adjustment capability.

Abstract: A decompression seal mechanism has a body containing a series of cavities formed by alternate grooves and lands and formed of a porous structure deposited by a plasma spray, and means for supplying said porous structure with a positive flow of liquid lubricant.

Abstract: A propulsion device uses an electrically driven plasma injector to feed combustible fuel into a chamber prefilled with an oxidizer. A reaction between the two constituents augments the electrical power input to produce amplified pressure for the acceleration of projectiles.

Abstract: This invention provides a seal mechanism between two mating surfaces by means of a progressively, but not necessarily uniformly, decreasing clearance gap between said two surfaces for the flow of leakage of liquid and which gap may change as a function of the pressure of the flow.

Abstract: This invention provides a liquid propellant gun embodying a first species of this invention wherein the inner differential area piston is controlled by a variable damping mechanism, and both pistons have respective cross-sectional areas coupled to the pumping chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a surrogate weapon for simulating the sound and flash of gunfire having a combustion chamber system in which a primary chamber is an elongated cavity, having a proximal end closed with a head and an open distal end. A combustible mixture is injected via electronically timed hydrocarbon fuel and oxidizer pulses into the combustion chamber near the closed end through an annular injector having a plurality of spaced apart fuel and oxidizer nozzles. The fuel nozzles are axially spaced from the oxidizer nozzles and are closer to the head. Thus the injected fuel/oxidizer charge is stratified with a fuel concentration distribution preferentially being richer at an ignition source near the head.

Abstract: The invention comprises a combined machine gun and large bore cannon weapons effects signature simulator having a rapid fire small bore methane and oxygen fired combustion chamber disposed within the combustion chamber of a large bore main tank gun weapons effects signature simulator and supplied from a common source of pressurized methane and oxygen.One embodiment includes the injection of ambient temperature oil into the large bore chamber prior to firing the combustible mixture to augment the flame content of the weapon signature.Another embodiment provides for the emission of hot oil vapor to augment the smoke content of the weapon signature.Yet another embodiment provides the machine gun simulator combustion chamber integral with and in intimate thermal contact with the wall of the large bore combustion chamber, whereby the machine gun combustion chamber utilizes the large bore combustion chamber wall to dissipate heat.

Abstract: A bipropellant gun in which an immiscible hydrocarbon fuel and oxidizer are combined in the gun's combustion chamber just prior to, or simultaneous with, ignition thereof. The oxidizer consists of hydrogen peroxide having a concentration of less than 73 percent by weight. In one embodiment, the oxidizer alone is bulk loaded into the combustion chamber and a powdered solid hydrocarbon fuel is dispersed into the oxidizer by the function of a pyrotechnic igniter. In another embodiment, the oxidizer and a liquid hydrocarbon are emulsified and the emulsion is bulk loaded into the combustion chamber with a pyrotechnic igniter subsequently initiating combustion. In each embodiment, the volume of the combustion chamber exceeds the volume of fuel and oxidizer and provides a void or headspace of compressible gas which limits the rate of pressure rise in the chamber.

Abstract: An automatic weapons effects simulator (AWES) reproduces the visual and acoustic signatures associated with the firing of a weapon used in combat troop engagement simulation. The AWES is directly integrated into the weapon and allows the weapon operator to utilize the basic weapon mechanism in the same manner as with the original parts and at a cost advantage as compared to the cost of blank ammunition.

Abstract: An improved and repetitively operable gaseous-propellant gun system for lching one or more projectiles to strike a target, especially a relatively high-speed target at close range. The system is generally made up of a housing having a chamber therein with enlarged and reduced chamber portions. A double-acting piston includes enlarged and reduced tandem pistons for advancement in opposite directions within the chamber. A gaseous source means controls the admittance or release of a lightweight gaseous medium to the reduced chamber portion. A projectile support and handling arrangement functions to securely position a projectile in the barrel bore. A forced air inlet and exhaust subassembly not only admits a first volume of air to be compressed between the enlarged piston and the housing but also admits a second volume of air between the enlarged and reduced pistons so as to biasingly urge the double-acting piston towards the enlarged chamber end of the housing.

Abstract: This invention has the provision of a liquid propellant gun having an annular piston whose head is formed of nested rings to provide a relatively high rate of flow from the aft face of the head to the forward face of the head.

Abstract: A projectile seated in a gun barrel is fired by vaporizing a liquid propellant in a loading chamber communicating with the gun barrel through a rising duct. A cluster of filling bodies occupies the entire cross-section of the duct and dips into the liquid propellant within the loading chamber, these bodies forming a multiplicity of passages in which the ignited liquid gasifies upon being driven by its own vapor pressure toward the gun barrel.

Abstract: A regenerative liquid propellant gun structure in which the differential area piston is annular, has an open peripheral cylindrical skirt extending away from the combustion chamber to define a propellant reservoir, and has an aperture in the piston head permitting overrunning of a fixed bolt. The fixed bolt is cylindrical with an enlarged band to fit the aperture to block flow of propellant until firing and to define with the edge of the aperture a variable annual orifice for propellant injection as the piston moves. There is a second free piston overrunning the bolt having a forward portion mating with both the inside of the differential area piston and the exterior of the cylindrical skirt so that the skirt constitutes a piston in a circular dashpot in the second piston.

Abstract: A gun barrel weapon for firing a projectile by means of a liquid propellant medium. The weapon includes a coaxial first member which defines a propellant medium combustion chamber. This first member also functions as a breech or breech block. A second member defining a projectile chamber is disposed between the first member and the gun barrel. The combustion chamber is adapted to hold a liquid propellant medium and includes a neck portion of narrowed cross-section which throttingly communicates with the projectile chamber. The first member also includes a plurality of through-bores which form conduits between the projectile chambers and the combustion chamber.

Abstract: The device is a very low noise, no muzzle flash howitzer round and matching tube. It comprises a case, a propellant, a projectile, and a plunger which launches the projectile from the case. With a mount and breech it provides a way of firing projectiles so the enemy cannot discern their source. Rockets may also be launched by this device so their own propellants are ignited well away from the launcher. The device is near silent at muzzle velocities below the speed of sound and it has good range.

Abstract: A nonhypergolic propellant for a barrel-type weapon is mixed with about 20% by volume of a propellant granulate which can be in the form of spheroidal powder, preferably a dibasic powder propellant, or in the form of micro-encapsulated liquid propellant which can be of the same composition as the liquid propellant in which the granulate is entrained or can be a different liquid propellant. The propellant granulate improves the combustion characteristics of the propellant and hence the reproducibility of the firing operations.

Abstract: A regenerative liquid propellant gun structure in which the differential area piston is annular, having a peripheral cylindrical skirt extending away from the combustion chamber to define a propellant reservoir, and has an aperture permitting overrunning of a fixed bolt. The fixed bolt is shaped to define with the edge of the aperture a variable annual orifice for propellant injection as the piston moves. There is a second free piston overrunning the bolt and mating with the inside of the differential area piston to complete and provide for emptying of the reservoir. The structure also contains a spring to allow components to move responsive to increased combustion chamber pressure to provide for an initial movement of differential area piston relative to the bolt to start propellant injection and a fluid pressure means for movement of pistons after firings to facilitate reloading.

Abstract: A regenerative liquid propellant gun structure in which the differential area piston is annular, having a peripheral cylindrical skirt extending away from the combustion chamber to define a propellant reservoir, and has an aperture permitting overrunning of a fixed bolt. The fixed bolt is shaped to define with the edge of the aperture a variable annual orifice for propellant injection as the piston moves. There is a second free piston overrunning the bolt and mating with the inside of the differential area piston to complete and provide for emptying of the reservoir. The structure also contains a spring to allow components to move responsive to increased combustion chamber pressure to provide for an initial movement of differential area piston relative to the bolt to start propellant injection and a fluid pressure means for movement of pistons after firings to facilitate reloading.

Abstract: This invention concerns an improved round for use in liquid propellant gu The improved round comprises a projectile attached to a carrier which is shaped like an abbreviated cartridge case. The carrier has a plurality of injection ports that communicate to an expandable volume. Sealing means prevent the escape of liquid propellant from the expandable volume which upon injection causes the projectile to be pumped to a forcing cone leaving the carrier behind. Several ignition means are used employing Boxer, Berdan or electric primers.

Abstract: A fuze for the firing of a projectile from a gun barrel comprises a breech piece threaded onto the rear end of the barrel and defining therewith a cylindrical chamber for a charge of liquid propellant to be tangentially introduced upon insertion into the barrel of the projectile to be fired. A pyrotechnical detonator is carried on the aft end of the projectile and extends rearwardly therefrom into the chamber when the projectile is thus emplaced, with the injected propellant circulating around it. The projectile is discharged upon ignition of the detonator by a firing pin. The pin is guided in a plunger surrounded by a retractable sleeve which serves to position the shell in the barrel by engaging an area of its aft end surrounding the detonator.

Abstract: A primer device has a coupling device for efficiently dispersing the ignin products from a primary propellant into a main charge. The coupling device has a housing with a central chamber. This chamber has an inlet and outlet port. The housing and its inlet port are sealed over a cavity containing a primary propellant. A valve device is mounted at the inlet port for initially sealing combustion gasses from the primary propellant within the cavity. This initial interval during which the cavity is sealed, fosters thorough burning of the primary propellant. When combustion causes pressure sufficient to open the valve device, combustion products enter the central chamber of the housing. These combustion products bear upon a frangible seal, which is mounted at the outlet port of the housing. The frangible seal ruptures at a predetermined and repeatable pressure.

Abstract: A hybrid gun system provides the benefits of both solid and liquid propelts by utilizing a shortened conventional cased ammunition which utilizes the propellant gas generated by the solid propellant contained within the cartridge case to operate a concentric fluid injection system to result in a compact firearm which offers possibilities of retrofitting conversions for certain applications.

Abstract: A mixture of aqueous nitric acid (about 90 volume percent HNO.sub.3 and 10 volume percent H.sub.2 O) and Decalin are used as a propellant for a liquid propellant gun.

Abstract: A regenerative liquid propellant gun having structure which reacts to combustion pressure to dispense and regulate the flow of liquid propellant from an included reservoir as one parameter for obtaining a predetermined pressure/time curve of gun chamber pressure. A first coaxial pumping piston is a differential area pressure piston operating between the combustion chamber and the primary propellant reservoir. A second coaxial piston in a bore in the first piston opens and closes injection ducts running through the pumping piston from the primary reservoir to the bore to interdict flow of propellant to the combustion chamber as a result of relative motion of the two pistons as one or both move responsive to propellant combustion pressure.

Abstract: In an apparatus for generating a propellant gas, such as is used in propeng projectiles, at least one rotation chamber acts as a propellant gas generator containing a ring-shaped flow of propellant. A closed circuit is connected to the chamber for circulating a liquid propellant to it. Either monergolic or hypergolic propellants can be used with the rotation chamber being formed of at least two sub-chambers when hypergolic propellants are used. The two sub-chambers are connected by an overflow weir. The closed circuit which is provided for each of the chambers involved in the generation of the propellant gas, includes a valve for regulating the quantity of propellant disposed in a ring-shaped flow within the chamber. The valve regulates the amount of propellant required for the gas-generating operation.

Abstract: A liquid propellant velocity assistance mechanism for a gun in one embodiment includes separate gas operated injectors for metering liquid fuel and liquid oxidizer into the bore of the gun after it has been fired and before the projectile has left the barrel. Each injector has an inlet connecting the bore of the gun to a gas receiving cavity section. An outlet extends from the liquid receiving cavity section to the bore. A piston separates the two cavity sections and is slidably moveable to increase and decrease the volume of each section. A valve normally closes the outlet between the liquid receiving cavity and the bore and is openable in response to liquid pressure. The high pressure gas behind the projectile when the gun is fired flows into the gas receiving section and pushes against the piston to create such higher liquid pressure.

Abstract: A primer device has a coupling device for efficiently dispersing the ignin products from a primary propellant into a main charge. The coupling device has a housing with a central chamber. This chamber has an inlet and outlet port. The housing and its inlet port are sealed over a cavity containing a primary propellant. A valve device is mounted at the inlet port for initially sealing combustion gasses from the primary propellant within the cavity. This initial interval during which the cavity is sealed, fosters thorough burning of the primary propellant. When combustion causes pressure sufficient to open the valve device, combustion products enter the central chamber of the housing. These combustion products bear upon a frangible seal, which is mounted at the outlet port of the housing. The frangible seal ruptures at a predetermined and repeatable pressure.