Abstract: The proposed support and retention mechanism makes it feasible to hot launch missiles or anti-missile missiles especially from aircraft using constant section, open ended, vertical or nearly vertical launch tubes to significantly increase missile range or payload without increasing the missile weight. This bazooka method of launching, results in much lighter launch tubes and support structure and no appreciable reaction on the aircraft. The hot launch feature permits a simplification of the method of storing such missiles as the Polaris, Poseidon and Trident in missile launch submarines. At the same time the jettison feature permits missiles to be stored and released from a vertical position which can increase the load passing through a smaller bomb bay and result in decreased aircraft weight.

Abstract: A control system is specifically designed to improve the performance of an aircraft or other vehicle having undesirable dynamic characteristics. For this purpose there is employed a compensator, either hydromechanical or electrical (hydro-electrical) depending upon the basic control system, which is incorporated into that system and modifies command inputs to the directional controls of the vehicle. This compensator is designed and preset to impose predetermined dynamic characteristics on the command inputs so as to create a resulting input which eliminates or substantially diminishes the undesirable dynamic characteristics.

Abstract: One or more aerodynamic bodies of preselected shape and placement are employed on the lower surface of an aircraft wing or other aerodynamic lifting surface for the purpose of reducing its drag. These anti-drag bodies singly or collectively provide a reduction in the lower speed profile drag of the associated lifting surface, an increase in its lift at a given angle of attack, and an increase in its critical Mach number.

Abstract: A mechanism rapidly and repetitively launches missiles from inside an aircraft during flight. One or more missiles are carried and launched through a tube protruding through the front of the aircraft thus obviating the necessity for bomb bay or other sizeable, open doors. The aircraft interior may be used as a large accumulator so that pressurized internal air is utilized as the propellant when admitted to a breech. Thus, a "cold" launch is achieved negating the possibility of a "hang fire". Multiple missiles can be carried in revolving chambers which are capable of rapid rotation into firing position. The advantages of the system include the ability to launch at high aircraft altitudes and speeds with the missile moving toward the target.

Abstract: This device generates a simulated acoustic emission signal and simultaneously introduces the signal into a test article. The device provides a means for positioning precision brittle tubes or rods against the test article in a controlled fashion. A simulated signal, a stress pulse, is introduced into the test article at a point source when sufficient force is applied to break the tubes or rod against the test article. The stress pulse is generated by the rapid release of elastic energy within the test article itself therefore it very closely simulates the acoustic emission signal generated by a flaw in the material.

Abstract: An oil replenishment system provides a remote reserve oil tank and the plumbing necessary to fill the main oil tank or tanks of engines, especially aircraft engines during flight. This system includes apparatus to determine the quantity of oil pumped to any one engine so that a quantity gauge is not required on the engine. A selector valve located on the reserve tank which may be remotely controlled directs replenishment oil to the selected engine tank. The system is designed to be powered from the existing on board hydraulic power system.

Abstract: An accelerometer senses a machine's vibration resulting from unbalance of its internal rotors and outputs an electrical signal which is then conditioned by means of an amplifier and uniform level filter. The resulting output signal has individual vibration (frequency) components which are adjusted to match the machine's specified vibration limit extending over each of the rotors' frequency range to achieve a uniform level. A storage oscilloscope is employed to display the conditioned signal.By utilizing the uniform level filter a normal operating band for the machine can be specified in terms of oscilloscope divisions regardless of the machine's operating frequencies. When a signal exceeds the specified band on the oscilloscope the rotor causing the excessive vibration may then be determined by analyzing the individual components. Utilizing relatively uncomplicated electronics, a limit exceedance warning may also be incorporated.

Abstract: The strain energy that is released when a structural member fails is emitted, among other ways as a broad frequency acoustic emission which is detected by a piezoelectric crystal sized for a preselected natural frequency. This piezoelectric crystal converts the acoustic energy into an electronic signal which is filtered to permit passage of only predetermined frequencies. The filtered signals are then passed through a device which matches the line impedance. A differential amplifier provides signal amplification, and rejects noise, in the received signals which are then passed through a level detector, preset to only allow passage of predetermined signals which in turn trigger a latch for a light emitting diode indicating that a structural failure has occurred.A built-in tester allows for a periodic check to be made to insure system operation.

Abstract: An improved fastener system is derived for cold working the surfaces defining aligned fastener holes in structural members and installing fasteners therein. Essentially, an integral fastener and mandrel construction facilitates the insertion of a sleeve into the holes, an expansion of the sleeve thus disposed to thereby cold work the surfaces of the members defining the holes, and the pulling of the fastener into the holes thus prepared and sleeve-lined. A frangible neck is provided between the fastener element and the mandrel element which permits the breaking off and discarding of the latter after the former is installed. Retenion means is then installed, formed or otherwise provided on the fastener end in conventional manner. Thus, cold working and fastener installation is accomplished in only two steps due to the critical design and configuration of the combined fastener, break-off groove and mandrel.

Abstract: This hand held universal radome tester is an instrument for locating discontinuities and impurities inside a radome wall and for determining the quality of an anti-static paint coating over the exterior surface of a radome. It includes a microwave segment which is energized in the discontinuities/impurities mode of operation to measure energy reflected by the radome wall, and a dc segment which is energized in the anti-static paint tester mode to measure resistance in megohms per square. The tester is battery-operated making it a completely portable device.