Abstract: A gun launched rocket motor is provided with a filler material to fill all f the free volume in the rocket with a void-free incompressible "filler". The described filler material is selected from a solid, semi-solid, or liquid having many properties closely comparable to the rocket propellant, especially match the density, chemical compatibility, coefficient of thermal expansion, and thermal stability. The filler material functions to provide the required physical support to various propellants to survive gun launch. A preferred filler material is a completely fluorinated organic material which is a liquid which is compatible with various solid rocket propellants and can readily be ejected from the chamber by pressurization from conventional igniters or combustible cords such as Rapid Deflagrating Cord, RDC. These completely fluorinated perfluoro compounds, which are designated as C5-18 compounds, are marketed as Fluorinert Brand Electronic Liquids by 3M Corporation, St. Paul, Minn.

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: Reduction of the surface friction of a cured elastomer, sealant or adhesive s accomplished through the use of a dry lubricant such as hexagonal boron nitride powder either as an additive to the uncured polymer mix or applied to the uncured polymer surface prior to effecting a cure.

Abstract: The Nutated Beamrider Guidance Using Laser Designators provides a means of roducing an accurate laser beamrider command guidance link between the launch platform and the missile during its flight through the addition of a simple variable offset nutator mechanism to existing Army laser designators. Such a beamrider guidance enables the missile to determine its position in the guidance field by measuring the angle of arrival of side scatter from the pulsed beam. These measurements result in the production of correctional signals which cause the missile to move closer to the boresight axis for eventual impact on the target.

Abstract: The pulse-coupled automatic recognition system processes information utilizing parallel neural network and transmits information to and from the processing sites as time signals which encode in their pulse phase structure the geometrical content of the spatial distributions of light. A locating device then measures the coordinates of the spatial distributions (pulsating segment) and displays the coordinates of the pulsating segment on a screen for observation. The pulsating segment indicates the presence and location of the component of the input scene that corresponds to the segment.

Abstract: The off-axis joint transform correlator improves on the extant on-axis jo transform correlator by eliminating the requirement for a second laser frequency and the means for blocking the first laser frequency from propagating beyond a given point in the correlator. These eliminations are accomplished by using a beamsplitter and a mirror to bring a second portion of the first frequency at an angle to read the pattern information written onto a spatial light modulator by the first portion.

Abstract: Current state-of-the art injection methodologies for bipropellant engines ly on either impingement or turbulence to mix the fuel and oxidizer streams. The multiple impinging stream vortex injector combines both mixing schemes into a single injector. Both first stage mixing at point of impingement and second stage mixing or turbulent vortex mixing is accomplished by impinging momentum balanced, tangentially injected propellant streams onto one another. The impingement angles are calculated to yield a resultant stream vector that consists of only a tangential velocity component. The two stages of mixing results in increased engine performance and combustion efficiency.

Abstract: A hypergolic fuel formulation which is consistently hypergolic with inhibd red fuming nitric acid is comprised of diethylethanolamine from about 44-72 weight percent, triethylamine from about 11-18 weight percent, and carbon from about 45-10 weight percent The formulation can be gelled with: silica, clays, carbons, or swellable polymers. The gellants can be combined with chemical agents that stabilize the gel under the standard 30 minute, 500 g centrifuge stability test. A preferred combination comprising diethylethanolamine in an amount of about 44 weight percent, triethylamine in an amount of about 11 weight percent, and carbon in an amount of about 45 weight percent when tested at an oxidizer/fuel ratio of about 4.25 reveals theoretical performance values of specific impulse (ISP) of about 250 at a chamber pressure of 1000 Psi and a density specific impulse (D* ISP) of about 350.

Abstract: The disclosed innovative, interceptor seeker discriminator system has the capability to home in on targets containing nuclear materials by detecting the gamma fissions. The gamma signatures can be obtained from activating the nuclear material by a Neutral Particle Beam Weapon, or by detecting the natural fission emissions of the warhead. This system is innovative, in that the following properties are identified: 1) This system uses interactive discrimination techniques, which allows the gamma seeker to accurately home in on a true RV by comparing the return gamma emissions of objects. In this manner, the gamma seeker discriminator is expected to obtain substantially better discrimination K factor performance, when compared to using only IR techniques. 2) This system uses an interceptor/seeker to perform interactive discrimination and gamma sensors in conjunction with infrared sensors on the same interceptor platform (i.e., sensor fusion).

Abstract: This invention involves a process for achieving more energetic fuels by ug high density fullerenes and fullerene derivatives, mixed with liquid hydrocarbon or hydrocarbon derivative fuels. The advantages of the these materials are that they constitute a form of high density carbon which will evaporate or sublime quite easily by comparison to particles of carbon. The fullerenes, or derivatives of fullerenes, exist as molecules which are relatively volatile. These materials are generally solids and therefore easily compounded into hydrocarbon fuels slurries. The derivatives can be tailored for high solubility in hydrocarbon solvents. In addition, the fullerenes can be modified easily to adjust the oxidization susceptibility so that the residence time in the combustion zone can be shortened even further.

Abstract: A gas generator propellant formulation suitable for use in an air turbo ret (ATR) which employs an air breathing system that uses fuel gases produced by a gas generator propellant to operate the engine's turbine is provided which can also be used with other airbreathing propulsion systems that require a high gravimetric heating value (GHV). The basic fuel gas generator propellant formulation comprises in weight percent a tetraalkylammonium borohydride 50-100; lithium nitrate 0-50; and optional additives of hydroxy proply cellulose 0-20 and silica or silicon 0-20. The basic fuel gas propellant formulation can also employ an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride which employs an encapsulation polymer selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, and ethyl cellulose. When employing an encapsulated tetraalkylammonium borohydride a binder is employed selected from the group consisting of polybutadiene and polyether cured with 0.

Abstract: An LCD projection system, located within a standard color CRT, is used to oject toward the screen decay stimulation patterns that vary dynamically from one frame to the next for each pixel based on the video signals received from external sources. This controls the output light intensity of the phosphors that are excited by a single electron gun. This system eliminates the three-electron-gun configuration of the standard CRT as well as the requirement of a shadow mask. What results is a CRT that is more rugged, easier to manufacture and that produces brighter and sharper images on its screen.

Abstract: This invention involves a process for improving the energy and ignitability of a metal slurry gel rocket fuel by the use of an energetic metal compound of higher energy than the parent metal. An energetic metal compound is added slowly to a liquid rocket fuel with appropriate stirring to form a suspension of the metallic compound in the liquid fuel. To this is added a small quantity of a gelling agent, such as silicon dioxide, with stirring, to form an energetic metal fuel gel. The energetic metal compound is prepared by using a high purity metal in the form of a wire. As an example, a sample of aluminum wire weighing 2.26 grams is supplied with an external source of high voltage and amperes, while the wire is in an environment of an inert gas (e.g., argon) under about 40 atmospheres pressure, to achieve electrical explosion of the wire. The product produced is a fine, gray, non-conductive powder in high yield. This powder contains aluminum and argon.

Abstract: The Consistent-Force Quick Latching System (CQLS) provides a means for athing and detaching two objects quickly, using consistent force regardless of the dimensions of the individual objects. The CQLS, usually secured to object A, utilizes a notched cam and a detent that enters one of the notches in response to externally applied pressure and rotates the cam in conjunction with the rotation of a handle that is pivotally coupled to the cam. When the handle rotates in one direction, the cam rotates so as to raise the hook that is also pivotally coupled to the cam, thereby forcing against object A object B that has been slid onto the hook. The two objects are separated from each other by a release mechanism that pulls the detent out of a notch, allowing the handle to rotate in the opposite direction. This lowers the pivot point and thus the hook, resulting in separation of object B from object A.

Abstract: A Reduced Radar Cross-Section RF Seeker Front-End interrogates a potential arget by issuing interrogation radiation toward the target and receiving and analyzing a portion of the radiation that reflects back from various surfaces of the targeted object while, at the same time, the Front-End reduces the likelihood of its own discovery by the enemy. The Front-End accomplishes the reduction by absorbing radiation directed toward it by an enemy radar or anti-tactical missile rather than allowing the radiation to be reflected back. Such absorption greatly diminishes the availability of signature reflection that belligerents rely on to identify hostile forces on the battlefield.

Abstract: The conversion of carbon-carbon of a composite material at the surface to licon carbide-hybridized carbon-carbon in accordance with the method of invention is accomplished by reacting the carbon fibers and matrix with silicon monooxide at elevated temperature from about 1500.degree.-1700.degree. C. The conversion of bulk graphite or carbon-carbon composite materials is achieved in 30-60 minutes at 1700.degree. C. With conversion the density is increased from the density of carbon of 1.45 grams/cc to that of silicon carbide of 3.21 grams/cc. The method of reaction in the vapor phase of silicon monooxide with the carbon-carbon bond releases a C atom in exchange for the Si atom with a release of CO from the composite material. Photomicrographic studies indicates a depth of conversion from about 50 to 100 mils.

Abstract: The addition of silicon (Si) powder from about 0.40 to 6.00 weight percent o ammonium nitrate (AN) propellant formulations as a fuel source results in a substantial increase in performance specific impulse (Isp). Theoretical Isp of AN propellant can be enhanced to levels approaching conventional in-service propellant formulations containing much more hazardous ingredients. Using inert or energetic polymer binders, AN propellant formulations are possible that will meet the performance requirements of most tactical missile systems when silicon is used as a fuel additive. Silicon powder when used to replace elemental carbon in most formulations has two major advantages: (1) an increase in theoretical Isp and (2) an improved propellant combustion efficiency by increasing propellant burning temperature. An improvement in propellant burning properties are also expected. The adjustment of weight percent ammonium nitrate in the AN propellant formulation is made as the silicon powder is adjusted over the range of 0.

Abstract: Synthetic aperture radar imaging for nonlinear trajectories utilizing range relative doppler processing, invariant mapping of information from arbitrary shaped cells onto an X--Y coordinate system, and round trip signal delay which allows accurate synthesis of a reference signal for each range cell. A synthetic signal synthesizer produces the reference signal for synchronous demodulation in the radar.

Abstract: This invention provides a means for detecting local atmospheric contaminants from safe distances. The invention means of a detector system comprise a pulsed laser, a sensitive photo-detector, various optical filters, and necessary digital control circuitry. The detector system employs laser technology in combination with a sensitive photo-detector to achieve detection of any hazardous gas elements or other pollutants remotely located from personnel who may subsequently be exposed. In operation, a pulsed laser or a tunable dye laser is employed as an excitation source for the contaminant or pollutant to achieve excitation of the contaminant or pollutant. When the excited molecule of the contaminant or pollutant returns to ground-state it emits a photon at a given (measurable) frequency. A sensitive photo-detector is filtered to permit detection of only the frequency at which a harmful gas (as an example of a contaminant or pollutant) fluoresces.

Abstract: A reactive armor box for protecting armor surfaces comprising a base for achment to the armor surfaces, a plurality of walls extending from the base at an angle to provide an enclosed space, a plurality of explosive cassettes disposed within the enclosed space and supported and contained within the walls, and a top, attached to the walls to contain the cassettes in the enclosed space, which has radar absorbing characteristics for absorbing radio waves of the radar to avoid detection of the protected armor surface and to protect the armor surface from projectiles utilizing radio frequency guidance seekers. The top and the entire structure of the box on the invention may be formed of a light weight composite material which has the radar absorbing characteristics or the box may be formed of conventional metals with only the top surface of the box being formed of the radar absorbing materials.