Abstract: 1-acetoxy-2,4,6-trinitro-2,4,6-triazaheptane, 1,7-diacetoxy-2,4,6-trinitro-2,4,6-triazaheptane, or 1,9-diacetoxy-2,4,6,8-tetranitro-2,4,6,8-tetraazanonane is reacted with a mixture of concentrated hydrochloric acid and trifluoroacetic 2,4,6-triazaheptane, 1,7-dichloro-2,4,6-trinitro-2,4,6-triazaheptane, or 1,7-dichloro-2,4,6,8-tetranitro-2,4,6,8-tetraazanonane.

Abstract: Separate features of a composite image in a field of view illuminated by a aser beam are respectively monitored by low level optical cavity resonators of an array from which optical data outputs are distributed to high level resonators for optical data correlation. Adjacent low level resonators of the array are coupled by controllers for modal interaction modified by feedback to the controllers from the high level resonators through optical signal transforming means for signal correction purposes in pattern recognition of the composite image.

Abstract: An oxadiazole of the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 when X is --F but n is 0, 1, or 2 when X is -NO.sub.2. These oxidiazoles are useful as energetic plasticizers for explosives.

Abstract: A solid particle fuel is introduced into a reaction zone of a continuous w conduit between pump and turbine flow sections thereof within a turbojet engine. The fuel reacts on contact with the motive liquid within the reaction zone and produces bubbles of a non-condensible gas as a reaction product during rotation of the engine rotor to which pump and turbine blading is fixed within the pump and turbine flow sections of the conduit.

Abstract: Microprocessor and transceiver circuitry are incorporated into a single c for enhanced, high speed operation of an electronic circuit board by use of optical fiber connections between two or more of such single chips and external peripherals. The transceiver circuitry includes transmitter and receiver sections through which the optical signals are respectively generated and received by a light emitting diode and a photo-diode.

Abstract: A sliding breech block system and method for repetitive firing of electrothermal cartridges in an electrothermal gun are provided. The sliding breech block system comprises a high-power, low resistance, flexible coaxial cable which is routed through a sliding breech-block, a pulse-forming network, and two groups of bristles for conducting the pulses from the breech block to the electrothermal cartridge. The power cable comprises two layers of individually insulated, multi-strand wires both within a jacket of braided wire. The method for repetitively igniting an electrothermal gun comprises the steps of fixedly attaching tightly-packed, brass bristles to the electrothermal cartridge conductors, sliding the breech-block into position so that its surface contacts the brass bristles of the cartridge, and supplying an electrical current from the pulse-forming network to the cartridge by means of a flexible high-power cable.

Abstract: An explosive device has a main charge explosive, and a booster explosive ring with main charge explosive filling the space in the center of the booster ring. When the booster explosive is set off, explosive shock waves converge on the space in the center of the ring, thus initiating the main charge explosive.

Abstract: A high-power, high-repetition-rate spark gap switch having metal-hydride electrodes is provided The spark gap switch is configured with a trigger and two electrodes fabricated with metal hydrides. The hydride metals may be selected from a variety of alloys including iron, nickel, magnesium, and palladium based alloys. Use of these alloys for fabrication of the electrodes permits hydrogen to be absorbed into the electrode material at a density approximately that of liquid hydrogen. During operation of the switch, the increasing temperature causes hydrogen to be desorbed into cavity surrounding the switch. Whereas the increasing temperature lowers the breakdown voltage of the switch, the increasing pressure raises the breakdown voltage. The result is the switch operates at a constant breakdown voltage independent of temperature.

Abstract: Optical imaging data sampled through a sensing array of spaced receiving faces of optic fiber bundles, is encoded by the different signal delay lengths of the fibers forming the respective bundles. The geometry of such end faces in the array is such as to effect encoding in dependence on the angular orientation and position of sampled segments of the optical data relative to the end faces on which such sampled segments impinge.

Abstract: A safety system for deterring a homing missile from attacking its launching ehicle whereby the launching vessel is enabled to alter the course and neutralize the detonator of the weapon.

Abstract: A variable-cycle storable fuels engine having three cycles is provided. The engine operates as an air-augmented rocket from launch to approximately Mach 3. From approximately Mach 3 to Mach 8, the engine operates as a dual mode ramjet/scramjet to altitudes exceeding 100,000 feet. Thereafter, the engine operates as a conventional pure rocket for final sub-orbital boost. A fixed geometry air inlet provides improved ram recovery at altitudes below 100,000 feet.

Abstract: Laser emissions are stabilized at a plurality of frequencies by passage tugh an absorbing medium pumped by light, merged therewith, to an excited energy state corresponding to pumping light frequencies. Error signals are generated in response to detection of intensity of radiation exiting the absorbing medium which deviates from that of the laser emissions at the stabilizing frequencies to correctively adjust resonant cavity length of the laser generator being frequency stabilized.

Abstract: A method for relational database scheme design with the aid of a digital puter for a database having attributes A.sub.i, i=1 to n and relational schemes R.sub.j, j=1 to m. Each relational scheme R.sub.j is a non-empty subset of the attributes A.sub.i. The method detects any scheme that is non-acyclic in a simple manner that is easily adapted to a digital computer environment. The resulting relational database scheme design is thereby prevented from being non-acyclic.

Abstract: In an explosive device having a main charge explosive, a booster explosive mbedded in the main charge explosive, and a detonator, a can or plate is embedded in the main charge explosive and provides a high impedance surface which is shaped and oriented so that shock waves from the booster explosion will strike the high impedance surface at normal incidence and be reflected back toward the booster explosion. This increases the pressure in the main charge explosive material between the booster explosive and the can or plate, thus increasing the effectiveness of the booster explosive.

Abstract: A device for dissipating heat from cased electronics where optimum heat tsfer is required, and where easy removability is desired. The device finds utility in sonobuoys, buoys, missiles and mines, as well as cabling electronics such as transoceanic communications equipment. The device contains a translating wedge which is drawn into a forced fit between the heat generating module and a conducting wedge which contacts the electronics case, resulting in a high efficiency conducting thermal path from the electronics to the equipment case. The device is particularly efficate in circular cased electronics.

Abstract: A digital laser range finder emulator receives N-bits of range-to-target a in a parallel format and generates N-bits of serial data representative of the range-to-target data and an external synchronization pulse whose presence is indicative of valid serial data. First and second clock pulses are generated such that the second clock pulse is delayed with respect to the first clock pulse. Control logic, responsive to the first clock pulse, generates validity logic while control logic, responsive to the second clock pulse, generates transmit logic. The parallel format range-to-target data is converted into the serial data in response to the first clock pulse. The serial data is then output in response to the transmit logic. A gate, responsive to the second clock pulse and the validity logic, generates the synchronization pulse when the second clock pulse and validity logic occupy a common logic state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking maneuvering and non-maneuvering targ in the presence of stochastic acceleration are provided. The apparatus and method utilize a two-stage Kalman estimator, the first stage of which is a bias-free filter providing target position and velocity estimates, and the second stage of which is a bias filter providing estimates of target acceleration. These two filters act together to provide parallel processing calculations thereby achieving high speed target state determination. During target maneuvers, the output of the second stage is used to correct the output of the first stage. In the absence of maneuver, the second stage is turned off and the first stage provides the target position and velocity estimates.

Abstract: A friendly target recognition system is provided for use in combat zones ing friendly and unfriendly target objects residing therein. Transmitting means are mounted on each friendly target object in the combat zone to transmit radiation in the form of coded, short burst data packets according to a particular digital transmission code sequence. A receiving means is mounted on the targeting device that is aimed at one targeted object. The receiving means has a field-of-view that is limited to the one targeted object such that the presence of the transmitted radiation according to the particular digital transmission code sequence is indicative of a friendly target object.

Abstract: An aimable warhead in which a plurality of detonators is disposed about the eriphery of an explosive charge with a proximity selector means provided for sensing the location of a target in relation to the warhead and thereafter selectively initiating one of the detontators opposite the side from which the explosion is to be directed in order that the resulting explosion wave may be directed toward the target.

Abstract: A spark-free portable air eductor for purging fumes from aircraft fuel ta that have contained a low vapor pressure liquid. A conical tube passes through an access opening in the tank to be purged. The conical tube has its larger diameter opening residing within the tank and its smaller diameter residing outside the tank. A jet introduces a low pressure air flow into the conical tube along its longitudinal axis. The jet is located at the smaller diameter opening of the conical tube. A cylindrical tube is connected to the smaller diameter opening of the conical tube. As low pressure air exits the jet, a vacuum is created at the larger diameter opening of the conical tube thereby causing a large volume of air to pass through the tank, thus purging an aircraft fuel tank without use of electric power. The large volume of air moving through the tank reduces the time required for the tank to be purged of all fumes.