Abstract: A technique for determining the spin history of kinetic energy penetrator projectiles. The method employs a special dihedral plug fitting in the rear (tracer well) of the penetrator projectile that produces a modulation of the tracking radar's signal. This signal is recorded and analyzed to yield the rotation rate of the projectile as it travels down range.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of incorporating at least one copy of a real a cloud into a simulated or real two-dimensional scene by extracting the radiance and transmittance from a real cloud; converting the radiance and transmittance of the cloud to the radiance and transmittance of a desired material such as brass, aluminum, copper, or graphite; adding at least one copy of the resulting cloud to the simulated two-dimensional scene; and scaling each cloud in the simulated two-dimensional scene so that each cloud appears at a desired location. The present invention uses the Atmospheric Transmission Large-Area Analysis System to extract the radiance and transmittance of a real cloud. The present invention can also change the infrared image of a cloud by extracting the radiance and transmittance of the cloud at one wavelength of light.

Abstract: A method has been developed and used to non-intrusively interrogate electronic systems in order to determine the system's characteristic response to electromagnetic energy. The method involves subjecting the system under test to two continuous wave signal sources of different frequencies fl and fh and measuring the difference frequency .DELTA.f (fh-fl) emitted from the system under test. The difference frequency, created by mixing action of nonlinear electronic components within the system, is a relative indication of the system's response to fh, fl. By incrementing the two source signals fl and fh by the same frequency step size, .DELTA.f remains constant and is measured for each fh,fl value. The compilation of amplitude measures of .DELTA.f, normalized by the corresponding amplitude measures of fh, fl, provides a relative measure of the frequency domain transfer function of the system under test.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the intensity of high amplitude strain waves caused by the impact of a projectile or the detonation of an explosive on armor plate are disclosed. The sensor may be configured as a shock wave sensor. The shock wave sensor may include a solid, cylindrical bar having a pair of strain gages located at opposite positions on an exterior surface of the bar. The strain gages may be located along one end of the bar proximal to a test specimen such as armor plate.

Abstract: A novel ceramic ferroelectric material having a low dielectric constant, loss and high tunability. The material is a composite comprising Barium Strontium Titanate (BSTO) and a ceramic material having a low dielectric constant. The preferred composite is represented by Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x TiO.sub.3 --ZrO.sub.2, wherein x is greater than 0.00, but less than or equal to 0.70, and wherein the percent weight ratio between Ba.sub.1-x Sr.sub.x TiO.sub.3 and ZrO.sub.2 ranges from approximately 99%-40% and 1%-60%, respectively. The novel materials possess superior electronic properties; and they may be employed in various antenna systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the settling time of frequency changes in a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) are disclosed. A signal splitter is responsive to the VCO for splitting the output signal between first and second channels. A delay circuit in one of the channels introduces a delay and corresponding phase shift of one signal relative to the other, and a phase detector produces a phase signal proportional to the phase shift indicative of the settling time of the VCO. A control circuit coupled to the phase detector and the VCO produces a step voltage initiating signal for changing the VCO output frequency. A detector responsive to the initiating signal and the phase signal produces an output indicative of the settling time with respect to the control signal in the modulation domain.

Abstract: Flaws in a seam of a shielded enclosure are detected by forcing a current to flow over the shielded enclosure and the seam. A small portable, hand held, compact device is placed over the seam. The device has a high impedance path which forces current to flow over the shielded enclosure and the seam. Two electrodes are resiliently pressed towards the shielded enclosure. The current flowing across the seam produces a voltage which the first and second electrodes and a detector use to detect flaws in the seam.

Abstract: A combustible fin protection device (10) for protecting the fin planforms 01) on a finned projectile (100) wherein the device (10) comprises a cover member (20) fabricated from a combustible material (21) and dimensioned to envelop the fin planform (101) to protect the fin planform (101) from elevated temperatures and propellant grain impacts during the in-bore transit of the projectile.

Abstract: A system for simulating indirect weapon fire is disclosed which serves to greatly increase the realism and training value of tactical engagement simulation exercises when suitably interfaced with existing MILES-type detecting/indicating equipment. System simplicity, effectiveness, and security are achieved using a referee-operated, hand-held actuating device emitting at a first acoustic frequency to selectively transmit actuating signals to one or more pre-positioned explosion simulation devices, which then transmit multidirectional sound at a second acoustic frequency. MILES-equipped point targets located within the effective range of the multidirectional sound respond to the second frequency signal and determine the effectiveness of the simulated explosion using a pre-established hierarchy of hit/near miss/weapon-type criteria.

Abstract: A light weight ceramic armor providing complete ballistic protection agai penetration from projectiles of caliber 0.30 and 7.62 mm. armor piercing and ball projectiles, and consisting of a composite having a hard frangible facing the principle ingredient of which is a refractory oxide selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide and aluminum oxide, bonded to a reinforced plastic back-up such as laminated fiber glass. This composite has an area density of approximately 12 pounds per square foot and provides approximately 1.7 times the ballistic protection as compared to standard steel armor of equal area density.

Abstract: An antenna for radiating ultra wide bandwidth radio frequency pulses for in communications systems and sensors is disclosed in which a TEM horn is loaded by a resistively loaded parallel plate section and a shunt network connected to the parallel plate section in order to provide a low VSWR high efficiency antenna.

Abstract: A pulse transmitter for terminating reflected waves is disclosed which utilizes a series switched charged line pulse generator with a shunt element that is switched into the circuit immediately after the pulse is launched into an output line. The shunt element terminates any reflected wave so that it does not go back into the output line. The shunt element is formed by an optically controlled PIN diode coupled in series to a resistor which allows the circuitry to turn on fast and to handle high voltage pulses. The shunt element can be connected to either the input end of the charge line for circuitry embodiments in which the series switch stays closed or the shunt element can be connected at the output side of the series switch for embodiments in which the series switch opens after the pulse is formed such as, for example, where an avalanche switch is used.

Abstract: A dynamic range tester which simultaneously generates two signals, each of hich is composed of a clean signal plus an excess quantity of independent and isolated random noise is disclosed for use in producing real world signals which can be used to provide a simulated operating environment within which to evaluate the dynamic range or evaluate the processing gain of an electronic or acousto-optic system. The power level of the signal and power level of the noise in each of the two outputs of the dynamic range tester can be independently varied such that a range of signal-to-noise ratios may be set-up in each output.

Abstract: An automatic liquid spraying system extinguishes burning embers and residue emaining after firing of a cannon assembly. The spraying system has nozzles mounted on moveable mounted arm means for spraying the liquid co-axially into the cannon tube breech and projectile area and onto the obturator spindle axis. In one embodiment, external electric and pneumatic powered sources provides the power to operate the system; and in another embodiment, a self-powered squirt gun type hydraulic source provides the power.

Abstract: An improved means for triggering high voltage spark gap devices for current injection and pulse power applications which utilizes the high voltage source itself to trigger the discharge. A switch initially directs current flow from the high voltage source through a trigger resistor which creates sufficient potential difference between a primary electrode and the trigger electrode to fire the spark gap. A second blocking resistor inhibits current flow through the trigger electrode and directs the discharge through the load. The trigger circuit has very little influence on the discharge waveform due to the very high impedance of the resistor string.

Abstract: A ceramic armor having a tough backup plate and metal reinforcement in the ceramic to minimize damage thereto as projectiles smash into the armor and are shattered.

Abstract: A reticle gunsight is illuminated by a chemical illumination stick which is nserted through a tapped port in a lower chamber of the gunsight. The tapped port is closed with a threaded plug to retain light within the lower chamber. The lower chamber has an optical opening therein which is aligned with reticle cross hairs to produce a light beam having the image of the cross hairs. The light beam is focussed through a collimated lens and then directed by a prism onto a beam splitter in an upper chamber of the reticle gunsight. The upper chamber is open at both ends and is aligned with the barrel of the gun so that when the image of the target is superimposed with the image of the reticle in the beam splitter, the person using the gun knows that the gun is aimed at the target. Since the gunsight does not rely on electrical illumination and does not itself illuminate the target, many deficiencies associated with previous gunsight configurations are eliminated.

Abstract: To simulate the output of a laser to a Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement ystem (MILES), an electronic circuit having a PLL subcircuit and a microprocessor is used to detect an acoustic signal having a predetermined frequency and pulse rate. Upon detection of the correct acoustic signal, a prestored universal kill code is provided to an inductive loop magnetically coupled to the antenna coil of a harness to which the MILES is integrated. The thus received inductive signal is recognized by the MILES which in turn outputs an audio alarm to indicate that a kill has occurred.

Abstract: A gun launched projectile design which imparts forces to a subcaliber protile comprising: a subprojectile, a multi petal sabot, a pusher plate, and an obturator. The petals are of different length and have a scooped-out design on the face thereof, so as to induce a specific level of yaw to the projectile.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for positively identifying the vehicles, troops, and landmarks of friendly forces to reduce or eliminate the threat of fratricide includes a light display comprising a plurality of flexible electroluminescent panels which are conformable with and affixable to visible outer surface of friendly or noncombatant vehicles, troop helmets, or landmarks. Each of the panels is electrically energized and modulated under computer control to provide various combinations of pattern display, color, intensity, and activation times to transmit a desired identification code.