Abstract: A space-fed phased array radar utilizes a network of improved Mach-Zehnder nterferometers to provide a space-fed, optically controlled millimeter wave/microwave antenna array that is capable of either one-way or two-way transmission. In the two-way communication relay mode, both ends of the relay link can remotely switch from a transmit to a receive mode and vice versa while, at the same time, steering the outgoing radiation beams on both sides of the relay so as to achieve maximum signal-to-noise ratio between the two terminals (i.e. signal stations) of the communication link. The improvements include receiving antenna with beam-scanning capability to receive millimeter or microwave signals from a first signal station, amplifiers to amplify outgoing signals prior to being radiated outwardly by transmitting antenna and a means to render the same antenna array capable of being used in a two-way transmit and receive mode.

Abstract: A donor charge detonator is disclosed which has a donor charge case for caining a main explosive with means for initiating the main charge of explosive. The case design comprises a plurality of flutes formed around the outer surface of the case, and the plurality of flutes comprise valley members or grooves separated by peaks between successive grooves. The grooves and peaks of the flutes function after initiation of the main charge of explosive to cause the formation of particles from the donor charge case and the resulting explosive force to follow along the valleys of the flutes thereby forming a plurality of jets similar to linerar lines whereby the resulant shock is enhanced in a specific direction. The resulting force and the resultant shock are transferred at a higher magnitude because of the jet effect of the fluted configuration of the donor charge case.

Abstract: A high density inhibited red fuming nitric acid oxidizer gel is disclosed ich results in an improvement from 0.5% to about 1.0.% in the impulse over a baseline formulation containing 14% nitrogen tetroxide. An improvement from about 3.0% to about 6.0% is achieved in the density impulse baseline formulation. The higher density inhibited red fuming nitric acid is derived by adding from about 15 percent by weight to about 45 percent by weight percent of nitrogen tetroxide to nitric acid in an amount from about 80 percent by weight to about 40 percent by weight. The other ingredient of the oxidizer gel comprise a gellant of about 0-10 percent by weight, water from about 0-4 percent by weight, and an inhibitor agent of about 0-1 percent by weight. IRFNA is inhibited with phosphoric acid, iodine compounds, or hydrogen fluoride which is present in the oxidizer gel as an additive.

Abstract: Synthetic discriminant function automatic target recognition system augmented by LADAR combines, through the synthetic discriminant function (SDF), the active LADAR data of the potential target object with the passive infrared imagery of the target and background. In doing so, the system not only recognizes and classifies the target but also provides the range profile of the target object by analyzing the amplitude of the reflected return signal when appropriate. The live target scene imagery in passive infrared is detected, filtered and subsequently complex multiplied with pre-existing synthetic discriminant function to produce a two-dimensional cross-correlated surface. Analogous process is performed on the active LADAR range and intensity images of the live target scene with corresponding pre-existing synthetic discriminant function for the same target pose and scale as in the passive infrared correlation step.

Abstract: Inhibited Red Fuming Nitric Acid (IRFNA) type IIIB and monomethyl hydrazine (MMH) ignite when contacted with each other because of a hypergolic chemical reaction and are the preferred oxidizer and fuel for bipropellant rocket propulsion systems. These propellants can deliver a specific impulse of 284 lbf sec/Ibm and density impulse of 13.36 lbf sec/cubic inch when the engine operating pressure is 2000 psi. Special precautions must be used when handling because of its toxic properties. A fuel gel propellant fuel that would be a suitable replacement for MMH must be less toxic and have a competitive density impulse for the same engine operating conditions. Three compounds meeting the specified requirements have been synthesized and their physical and ballistic properties are evaluated herein as shown in Table 1. The chemical names for these compounds are dimethylaminoethylazide (DMAZ), pyrollidinylethylazide (PYAZ), and bis (ethyl azide)methylamine (BAZ).

Abstract: Sticky high water content gelled fire extinguisher compositions hold the antage of providing a high water content, slightly viscous (sticky) gel with flow properties similar to water. The ability of this material to stick to burning surfaces is what sets it apart from water extinguishers. Not only are fires extinguished, but also surfaces are cooled by the sticky gel as the water evaporates. The basic gelled fire extinguisher composition is comprised of about 88 weight percent water and about 12 weight percent of a 7 nanometer particle size silicon dioxide gellant. The silicon dioxide gellant is available as EH5 tradename by Cabot for this silicon dioxide gellant. Other ingredients such as dispersants, wetting agents and flame retardants can be used as additives in combination with the gelling agent. The actual gel system is inexpensive, made from readily available ingredients and easily prepared.

Abstract: The single channel transceiver with polarization diversity is a target detion and tracking system that results from combining the well-established technology of single channel transceiver with that of microstrip polarization-diverse antenna. The single channel transceiver with polarization diversity transmits a pair of pulses of a pre-selected polarization sense toward a target object and receives two scattered pulses of orthogonal polarizations in rapid sequence. Thereupon, a second pair of pulses, this time of opposite polarization, is transmitted and, again, two scattered pulses of orthogonal polarizations from this second pair of transmitted pulses are received in rapid sequence. Thus, the single channel transceiver with polarization diversity has the capability to obtain the complete scattering matrix of a target by use of four transmitted pulses.

Abstract: The dual band millimeter-infrared fiber optics guidance data link presents nhanced seekers with the capability to see through cloud cover while exhibiting resolution that is adequate to strike high value targets. Such a seeker may use a bi-directional dual band data link in the form of a secure, high bandwidth optical fiber between the missile in flight and the ground station, offering the capability to transmit millimeter-infrared sensor data from the missile to the ground station and transmit missile guidance signals from the ground station to the missile over the same high bandwidth optical fiber. Both infrared and millimeter target signature data is made available in the ground station by the use of applicants' invention.

Abstract: A wideband quasi-optical millimeter-wave resonator achieves a wideband frency operation by using a variable dielectric constant photoconducting lens in a Fabry-Perot resonator. Changing the dielectric constant of the lens creates an associated change in the resonant frequency for a given axial mode.

Abstract: In a phased array radar, simultaneous beam steering and single-sideband mlation is accomplished in the phase shifters in response to phase control signals produced by the beam steering controller and input to the phase shifters. The beam steering controller produces the phase control signals from a pre-selected beam steering angle, a pre-selected radar intermediate frequency and a voltage representing the frequency error from incomplete compensation of the target motion (doppler) of the previous cycle of the radar. Using the phase shifters thusly eliminates the need for an expensive separate component, the single sideband modulator.

Abstract: A blade de-icer for rotary wing aircraft comprises magnets placed around rotor mast and coils with laminated plates installed at the blade cuff of each rotor blade, in sufficient proximity to produce a high voltage, high current pulse every time a magnet and a coil pass each other while the rotor is turning. Electrically conductive cable or wire carries the current down each rotor blade to heating elements which melt any accreted ice on the blade. In one embodiment, magnetic metals are used. In another embodiment, electromagnets are used. In each embodiment, difficult switches for turning the de-icer on and off are provided.

Abstract: An air combat control head with an extension provides a head for a collece control stick wherein system control switches may be located for easy access by the operator and an extension comprising a phenolic coated hand grip and a bottom tube component. The hand grip is offset laterally and longitudinally from the bottom tube component, and the head is canted back toward the operator, making the system control switches workable by the operator's thumb while the rest of the operator's hand grips the stick and maintains control of the collective pitch of the main rotor blades. The collective control head of the invention provides a controller that is comfortable for an operator to use, even in extended flight operations, and that reduces fatigue, discomfort and distraction while making system control operations easy and effective.

Abstract: A tool for aligning modular flotation platform sections is lightweight and portable. Its principal components are a fulcrum lever arm, a link rod, and two adapters for gripping coupling means on adjacent flotation platforms. The fulcrum lever arm has a handle portion and a slotted head portion. The link rod is secured at one end in the slotted head portion by means which enable it to move pivotally and translationally in the slots. To the other end of the link rod and the end of the head portion of the fulcrum lever arm are secured the two gripping adapters. They are secured in such a way that they may pivot on the securing means. The adapters may be fabricated to mate with standard coupling means with which standardized flotation platform components are typically equipped.

Abstract: A tool for aligning modular flotation platform sections is lightweight and portable. Its principal components are a fulcrum lever arm, a link rod, and two adapters for gripping coupling means on adjacent flotation platforms. The fulcrum lever arm has a handle portion and a slotted head portion. The link rod is secured at one end in the slotted head portion by means which enable it to move pivotally and translationally in the slots. To the other end of the link rod and the end of the head portion of the fulcrum lever arm are secured the two gripping adapters. They are secured in such a way that they may pivot on the securing means. The adapters may be fabricated to mate with standard coupling means with which standardized flotation platform components are typically equipped.

Abstract: A protective helmet has a fitting and retention system which allows for fing a variety of head sizes and shapes with a single helmet size and also allows for precision reproducible fitting for a repeat user. The protective helmet has an energy-attenuating liner comprising a brow pad, a crown pad and a floating occipital pusher plate. The pusher plate hangs from the rear of the helmet on adjustable straps which are tensioned to urge the wearer's head forward toward the front of the helmet. This ensures that weapon sighting/designation systems are consistently aligned each time the helmet is worn. This feature also allows the helmet to accommodate a variety of head sizes and shapes. Pusher plate movement is preferably controlled using a parallel arrangement of two horizontal straps in which the lower strap is adjusted as part of the chinstrap assembly while the upper strap routed through a slot in the helmet shell and coupled to a device which simultaneously tensions the pusher plate and the ear cups.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a main rotor collective pitch control assly for rotary wing aircraft. The assembly uses segmented rotor blades. The collective pitch of each movable segment may be independently varied, or may be adjusted in unison with one or more other segments on the same or different rotor blades. Control inputs may be made manually by the pilot or may be made by a computer which interprets data pertaining to the vibrational level and velocity of each rotor span. The pilot may override the computer in the event of system failure or if otherwise desired.

Abstract: A hard, semi-rigid cover for protecting vehicle surfaces from damage by esure to the elements or chemical warfare agents is disclosed. A typical surface to be protected by a cover of the invention is a helicopter transparent canopy. Key features of the invention are a seal that forms around the cover perimeter where it fits snugly against the vehicle's outer surface and an air gap that exists between the inside surface of the cover and the vehicle's exterior surface. The cover is made of a moldable polymer material.

Abstract: Main rotor pitch control rod assemblies on helicopters constitute means for ranslating an aviator's control impulses in the cockpit to the main rotor blades. Pitch control rod assemblies typically include means for locking the assembly into a predetermined attitude setting. The setting may be held by locking nuts. This invention provides a passive locking means using spring tension to maintain the desired setting if the locking nuts loosen due to stress loads or improper torquing during maintenance. The invention also provides passive means for maintaining expansive stress within the control rod to prevent distortion of the assembly under compressive loads.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention an accumulator system for turb engine start-ups that has comparable weight and bulk to a conventional auxiliary power unit system but which has instantaneous second start capability.