Abstract: A rocket in one example includes separate chambers for storing two thrust grains: an initial thrust grain and a boost thrust grain. The initial thrust grain is stored in a first chamber and the boost thrust grain is stored in a second chamber. The initial thrust grain is ignited separately from the boost thrust grain, such as in a two-stage process where the initial thrust grain is ignited before, or at the same time as, the boost thrust grain. The initial thrust grain has a large surface area (different burn pattern) relative to the boost thrust grain, which causes the initial thrust grain to have a shorter burn time than the boost thrust grain.

Abstract: A system and method that can determine the direction of origin within 360 degrees around an antenna array for an emitted signal with a high degree of accuracy, even when the array is installed in a corrupted or “unclean” environment. Further, the provided system and method can provide a more accurate indication of direction despite polarization of the detected signal. Finally, the provided system and method can provide accurate results from phase measurements, amplitude measurements, or both phase and amplitude measurements, from an emitted signal where a phase network can be used to tailor the amplitude and phase variations versus spatial angle to best match the receiver measurement accuracies.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for implementing a custodianship model for decentralized track fusion. A methodology implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes negotiating, between a first decentralized track fuser (DTF) and one or more peer DTFs. The method also includes accepting, by the first DTF, custodianship of a track of an object from one of the peer DTFs based on a first negotiation. The method further includes updating, by the first DTF, the track based on fusion of data items associated with the track. The data items are received from one or more of the peer DTFs. The method further includes transferring, by the first DTF, custodianship of the updated track to one of the peer DTFs based on a second negotiation. In some cases, the transfer may be initiated by detection of a failure state of the first DTF.

Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for a system that includes a fuze at a leading end of a projectile body and a fuze setter configured to engage the fuze and to program the same prior to launch. The system, in one example, includes a plurality of electrical contact pads on an exterior surface of a fuze radome housing and a plurality of electrical contact pins on the fuze setter. The electrical contact pads are arranged in a rotationally symmetric pattern that enables an electrical interface to be formed with the electrical contact pins, regardless of the rotational orientation of the fuze. Commutation is performed to rotate signals to the electrical contact pins instead of requiring that the fuze be physically rotated to bring the electrical contact pads into alignment with the electrical contact pins.

Abstract: The system and method of attitude determination by pulse beacon and extremely low cost inertial measuring unit. A pulse beacon is used to generate a plurality of pulses detected by a detector or receiver located on the rear of a projectile such that direction of arrival can be determined. A synchronized clock proved for velocity and range information. Altitude can also be determined and may use an altimeter or the like. The use of a low cost IMU is possible with internal calibration by the system. Real-time attitude information provides for correction for crosswind and other drift enabling the system to have less down range dispersion.

Abstract: The system and method of using a debug interface recorder and replay unit for debugging and testing devices of interest such as integrated circuits by using a debug interface buffer controller to receive, record, and replay sequences of instructions to the integrated circuit. This is particularly useful for deployed devices that are difficult or dangerous to access. This is also beneficial for devices that cannot be reached (e.g., after launch). By recording sequences and storing them for later use, and by communicating commands and configuration settings to a device, system maintenance and troubleshooting is accomplished saving valuable time and money without requiring physical access to the device of interest.

Abstract: A method and system to determine if there is an open cell in a battery pack of cells arranged in a lattice. Voltage measurements from each parallel cell group along with information on the battery pack topology are used to estimate the resistance of each cell group. The resistance of each cell group is calculated based on the measured voltage less a nominal open circuit voltage divided by the current level of the battery pack. The average cell group resistance of the battery pack is also calculated. The cell group resistances are analyzed statistically using the resistance of each cell group and the average cell group resistance to reveal outliers which are indicative of open cell groups.

Abstract: The system and method of dynamic weapon to target assignment (DWTA) using a control based methodology to dynamically assign each projectile to a target in a multiple target engagement situation. In some cases, closest proximity is used in a real-time, to accomplish the DWTA functional requirement and performance criteria. In some cases, g pulling acceleration and projectile fin deflection motion are also used to assess the best matched pair for each projectile and each target with an end goal of intercepting the target or guiding the projectile to an acceptable error basket for target destruction via detonation. For the closest distance criterion for projectile/target pairing, a cutoff time is used to ensure the pairing is conducted within an acceptable duration while still being able to intercept the target or meet a required miss distance basket (e.g., <3 m).

Abstract: A method for modifying an LGA package after production is described herein. Generally, a modification of an LGA package by shorting two contacts together via a trace made of a robust conductive metal such as tungsten or platinum. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method for modifying a LGA package shorting two contacts together using FIB deposition via a gallium ion beam.

Abstract: A system and method to aid in guidance, navigation and control of a guided projectile including a precision guidance munition assembly. The system and method receive position estimates of the guided projectile from a guiding sensor, determine predicted impact points of the guided projectile relative to a target based on the position estimates, determine miss distances of the guided projectile relative to the target, determine smoothed miss distances based, at least in part, on the determined miss distances, and process updated steering commands to steer the guided projectile based on the smoothed miss distances.

Abstract: A pixel, is provided the pixel comprising: a photodiode structure built on top of an integrated circuit generating a charge; the integrated circuit comprising at least one semiconductor material and at least one interconnect layer; the at least one interconnect layer comprises an interconnect to facilitate charge flowing into a collection node disposed in the semiconductor material; the interconnect being in contact with a doped contact diffusion disposed proximate to the collection node; a transfer transistor disposed between the collection node and a conversion node, the conversion node coupled to an active transistor; the pixel having a reset configured to reset the conversion node.

Abstract: An antenna receiver has antenna elements that are arranged in an array and spaced apart from each other at a distance greater than one-half wavelength of the highest operating frequency of a signal that is to be detected by the antenna receiver. The antenna receiver has geolocation logic that uses the inter-element phase difference measurements to obtain a location of the signal source. The change in the inter-element phase differences enables the elements to be spaced apart at great distances, which is beneficial for the physical construction of the platform, as the elements may be easily placed at convenient locations for conformal aerodynamic properties.

Abstract: A transmitter includes a processing circuit to generate I level data and Q level data that, when respectively converted to I baseband input and Q baseband input, cause a carrier signal modulated by the I baseband input and the Q baseband input to have a desired edge shape in the time domain. The edge shape includes a low portion, a high portion, and an edge portion between the low portion and the high portion. The edge portion has a desired edge time compatible with the frequency of the carrier signal. The transmitter further includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) to convert the I level data to the I baseband input and the Q level data to the Q baseband input, and an in-phase and quadrature (I/Q) modulator to perform I/Q modulation of the carrier signal according to the I baseband input and the Q baseband input.

Abstract: A proximity fuse includes an electric-field (E-field) sensor to detect electrical disturbances from an object that is external and distinct from a device carrying the proximity fuse. The E-field sensor detects or senses E-fields versus time in order to provide omnidirectional coverage of the device carrying the proximity fuse. When the device carrying the fuse is a missile having warhead, the proximity fuse is connected with detonation logic that detonates the warhead at a desired time to destroy or neutralize the object, which is typically a threat, such as another missile.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking moving pictures, a method for taking moving pictures, and a novel pixel sensor array are disclosed. The apparatus includes a rectangular imaging array, a plurality of column processing circuits, and a controller. The rectangular imaging array is characterized by a plurality of rows and columns of UHDR pixel sensors and a plurality of readout lines, and a plurality of row select lines. Each column processing circuit is connected to a corresponding one of the plurality of readout lines. The controller causes the rectangular imaging array to measure a plurality of images of a scene that is illuminated by a pulsating light source characterized by an illumination period and a dark period. Each of the images is generated in a frame period which includes an exposure period and a dead period, the dead period being less than the dark period.

Abstract: A counter measure apparatus and method for modifying a path of an electromagnetic detector signal (204) so as to prevent incidence thereof on a platform (200), the apparatus comprising an electromagnetic radiation source, communicably coupled to a control system. The control system is configured to create an atmospheric element (202) operative to simulate a physical electromagnetic radiation path modifying device within an atmospheric volume located in said electromagnetic detector signal path (204) by causing electromagnetic radiation from the source to be applied to a selected plurality of three-dimensional portions of said atmospheric volume so as to heat and/or ionise the air within said portions, wherein said selected portions are spatially located together in a substantially unbroken, three-dimensional configuration.

Abstract: A process of screening direction finding solutions to reduce the number of valid direction finding solution rejections while maintaining an acceptable level of wild bearings being reported utilizing the proximity of the correlation values of the highest correlation and second highest correlation given a correlation pattern of a detected signal of unknown origin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heat exchanger comprising: a plurality of first fluid channels, a plurality of conduits for interconnecting the first fluid channels, a plurality of second fluid channels, a plurality of conduits for interconnecting the second fluid channels, wherein the heat exchanger is configured as a plurality of repeating units, each repeating unit comprising: a base plate comprising a first opening, and a first conduit extending from the plate, the shape of the opening corresponding to the shape of the conduit.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. The system further includes two laser sources configured to direct first and second laser beams to the curved surface, such that the first laser beam enters and exits the block parallel to and offset from the planar surface by a selected translation distance, and the second laser beam enters the block at a critical angle relative to the planar surface. The critical angle is associated with total internal reflection of the second laser beam along the planar surface, such that the second laser beam exits the block parallel to, and separated from, the first laser beam exiting the optical block. The separation of the exiting first and second laser beams is controlled by the selected translation distance.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery system including at least one energy storage cell having a positive terminal and a negative terminal, a resistive element and a circuit configured to allow current to flow through the resistive element. A monitoring circuit measures the current flow through, and a voltage produced across, the resistive element and calculates the resistance of the resistive element. The current flow through the resistive element produces heat by raising the temperature of the resistive element. The current flow through the resistive element may be managed by a balancing circuit. A current sense resistor may be connected in series with a balancing resistor and a transistor turns on a balancing operation through balancing resistor. The monitoring circuit may determine the temperature of the resistive element based on the calculated resistance. The battery monitoring circuit may activate a battery cooling system based on the temperature of the resistive element.