Abstract: An antenna feed structure for use with a parabolic reflector in amplitude-comparison monopulse radar applications employs a dedicated transmit feed centered within a four-port receive array of conventional element spacing to eliminate the need for a circulator or other transmit/receive device while retaining satisfactory receive array performance. Isolation pins placed around the transmit port act to decouple it from the receive ports, and a double waveguide run to the transmit port reduces uneven heating and related phase imbalance in adjacent receive waveguide runs.

Abstract: A dissipator device comprises a container having an inlet for connection to a rocket exhaust and a plurality of exhaust orifices of smaller dimensions than the inlet for exhaust flow out of the container in a plurality of different directions. A deflector member is positioned in the container in alignment with the inlet in the path of incoming exhaust gases for deflecting the flow. A disrupter member is positioned between the inlet and deflector member, and has a through bore defining an orifice of area less than the exhaust flow area at the plane of the disrupter member, so that exhaust gases flow both through and around the disrupter member, substantially reducing the downstream pressure and impingement heat transfer.

Abstract: A method and system for improved performance of a V/STOL aircraft characterized by directing a major portion of exhaust gas flow from a propulsion system through a closed conduit means to exit through a thrust producing primary nozzle that includes turning apparatus for forming a bend for the exhaust flow downstream of the propulsion source; turning the exhaust flow while simultaneously bleeding-off through at least one secondary nozzle a second and minor portion of the exhaust flow from an outer portion of the bend downstream of the bend leasing edge to reduce the vortex formation in the bend and directing the bleed-off and exhaust flows adjacent each other and oriented in the same direction in all flight modes for recovery of the maximum thrust potential.

Abstract: A seal for a piano hinge for preventing passage of electromagnetic energy through the hinge; said seal comprising a first sealing member of conductive material comprising a connecting section for attachment to and for electrical contact with one hinge leaf and an arcuate section shaped to fit over the hinge knuckles, and a second sealing member of conductive material comprising a connecting section for attachment to and for electrical contact with another hinge leaf and an arcuate section for overlapping and for making electrical contact with the arcuate section of the first sealing member. Preferably the sealing members are of hard copper alloy. Another embodiment includes a detachable sealed hinge assembly wherein the hinge includes three leaves; an attached leaf, an insertion leaf, and an attachable leaf.

Abstract: A ring-wing assembly for use in combination with a missile or mortar adapted to be launched from a launch tube or barrel allows attachment of large lifting surfaces to the projectile as it is launched from a barrel. The ring-wing assembly generally comprises a stop ramp for generally encircling a missile body. The stop ramp having a forward-tapering ramp portion, and a sleeve assembly comprising a sleeve for encircling a body of a missile and a plurality of wings peripherally mounted on the sleeve. The sleeve has a rear inside tapered portion having a taper angle that is less than that of the ramp portion of the stop ramp. In use, the sleeve assembly is mounted on the nose end of a launch barrel. Upon missile launch, the sleeve assembly slides over the missile body until encountering and engaging with the stop ramp whereupon the sleeve assembly travels with the missile for extending the range and controllability of the missile.

Abstract: A rigid packaging material having a coating of heat-sealable, anti-static plastic. A fiberboard sheet substrate is coated with a lamina of polyethylene made electrostatic-free by the addition of an organic anti-static compound. When skin-packaged with a film of heat sealable, anti-static plastic material, a static-sensitive item is completely enclosed by a static-free barrier package.

Abstract: An endless track (52) for a track laying vehicle has a construction that facilitates replacement and repair of track components as well as providing an extended lifetime of use as compared to conventional vehicle tracks. The components of the track which facilitate its construction and maintenance include a track shoe (60), a replaceable road pad (62) for the track shoe (60), a pin assembly (64) for connecting laterally aligned pairs of the track shoes (60), a hollow pin (66) of the pin assembly (64), a center guide (68) that guides the track on the associated vehicle roadwheels, an end connector (72) that connects ends of the pins (66) associated with adjacent shoe assemblies (70), and a center connector (74) that cooperates with the end connectors (72) in connecting the shoe assemblies (70).

Abstract: A stripline tapped-line filter is disclosed including a first substrate upon which a plurality of N hairpin resonators are disposed alternately on opposite surfaces of the first substrate. Each one of the hairpin resonators is in a parallel coupled relationship with an adjacent hairpin resonator disposed on an opposite surface of the first substrate. The first and last hairpin resonators each have an interconnected member disposed on the substrate for respectively coupling a signal into and out of the plurality of N hairpin resonators. Second and third substrates are included with each being respectively located adjacent to ones of the plurality of N hairpin resonators on opposite surfaces of the first substrate. First and second groundplanes are included with each respectively located adjacent the second and third substrates.

Abstract: A method of navigating an airborne vehicle using observation of linear features such as roads, railroads, rivers or the like. Maps of linear features in several discrete areas along an intended flight path are prepared and entered into an on-board computer memory. The vehicle typically uses an inertial navigation system during flight from the origin to the first mapped area. Imaging sensors and on-board processing detect linear features as the vehicle approaches or passes over them. The sensed feature pattern network is compared to the reference mapped feature network to update the inertial navigation system to generate guidance commands. Frequent updates at other mapped areas keep the vehicle on course. This system is also capable of navigation updates from single linear features when the flight path is fairly well known, and of tracking a linear feature for terminal guidance. In these cases, only a small number of feature parameters need to be stored, rather than an area map.

Abstract: A dual mode target seeking system for airborne vehicles which operates under two different frequencies simultaneously includes a radio frequency antenna comprising a slotted plate defining a ground plane with an image plate positioned in front of the ground plane at a distance chosen such that multiple reflected rays are in phase with each other and with waves incident on the image plate. The slotted plate and image plate have aligned central openings through which an electro-optical system for operating under a chosen electro-optical frequency range, for example under infrared frequencies, projects. The electro-optical system includes a detector unit positioned behind the antenna and a focussing system for directing incoming electro-optical radiation into the detector unit. The focussing system includes first and second lenses mounted in the openings in the image plate and slotted plate, respectively.

Abstract: A spectrum analyzer subsystem for analyzing the frequency content of an RF signal including an optical source means responsive to an RF signal for generating a plurality of intensity modulated optical signals and a filter means responsive to each one of the intensity modulated optical signals for providing a plurality of output optical signals each corresponding to a respective one of the intensity modulated optical signals. Each output optical signal corresponds in intensity to the frequency content of an RF signal within a different predetermined frequency bandwidth. Detector means, which is responsive to each output optical signal converts each output optical signal into a corresponding electrical signal.

Abstract: A device for securing a workpiece to a fixture for performing machining operations includes a tubular, radially expansible mandrel. The mandrel is carried in a passage provided in the fixture and extends into a hole provided in the workpiece. An expander stem is carried within a bore of the mandrel. The stem has an upper end that is tapered for expanding the mandrel. The lower end of the stem is connected to a hydraulic piston. A spring applies an upward force on the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder moves the stem downwardly, while the spring retains the mandrel in a stationary position until it grips the workpiece. Then, the hydraulic force overcomes the force of the spring to pull the mandrel downward slightly to secure the workpiece to the fixture.

Abstract: A radar return suppressor for use in concealing and camouflaging mobile targets such as trucks, artillery and like vehicles. One or more lengths of a support member attachable to the target and components support and position a radar signal attenuator between the target and the anticipated radar source. In one embodiment, the attenuator is a multiplicity of closely spaced flexible plastic strands having radar signal absorbing material dispersed in the strands to form a labyrinth to entrap and absorb the radar signal. In a second embodiment the labyrinth of strands is replaced by an intertwined plastic vine-like structure secured in the support member for absorbing the energy of the radar signal.

Abstract: Pivotable deflector panels are installed in the transition sections between a plurality of rocket storage and launch chambers and a lower plenum or manifold chamber which is provided to dispose of the exhaust gases from missile firings. The deflector panels are in addition to the sets of doors which are provided to close off the missile storage chambers upon the firing of a missile in another chamber in order to prevent recirculation of exhaust gases into the closed off chambers. The deflector panels act with the doors to control exhaust gas flow, thereby improving the effectiveness of the gas plug which is formed by exhaust gases within a transition section.

Abstract: An interconnection system for an electronic equipment rack containing a plurality of electronic equipment units mounted in drawers or slides slidably mounted in spaced parallel relationship on the rack. The system includes a rigid backplane panel for mounting across one wall of the rack and a plurality of spaced parallel conductors extending across the panel in a direction transverse to the equipment units. A plurality of mating connector assemblies are provided for signal communication between the electronic equipment units and the backplane conductors, and are mounted to extend transversely to the backplane conductors in alignment with the equipment units. The mating connector assembly is connected to the aligned equipment unit and includes signal conditioning devices for predetermined conditioning of electrical signals in the system, and conductors for connecting the signal conditioning devices to preselected ones of the backplane conductors.

Abstract: A retention collar rigidly attaches to a missile guidance assembly, and a transport cart lifts, supports, transports, and lowers the retention collar and thereby a retained assembly. The retention collar comprises a pair of trunnions for attachment to a workpiece, such as a missile guidance assembly, and for positioning on opposite sides of the workpiece. The transport cart includes a movable base with a frame attached thereto. The frame includes left and right side frame members which support a pair of rotatable bearing members so positioned to engage a corresponding one of the retention collar trunnions. A slot in each bearing member engages a collar trunnion. The slots include a bearing position at which the trunnion is held and which is raised or lowered by rotating the bearing member. The trunnions may also be rotated while at the bearing position. A frame/bearing locking pin selectively prevents rotation relative to the frame of the rotatable bearing member.

Abstract: An exhaust dissipator device for a rocket exhaust has an inlet for connection to the exhaust and a plurality of smaller exhaust orifices spaced around its surface to dissipate the flow into a plurality of smaller jets. A deflector surface in the direction of exhaust flow into the container acts to further dissipate the flow and deflect it out of its original path. This may comprise an internal surface of the container, or a separate deflector plate spaced from the container surface.

Abstract: A transition region for a missile launch chamber providing a smooth transition from a generally square cross-section chamber in which a missile is stored and launched to a round exit opening of the chamber which connects with an exhaust manifold or plenum. The transition section is provided with a pair of pivoted doors for closing off the bottom of the missile chamber to prevent the flow of recirculation gases from the plenum into the chamber when a missile in another chamber coupled to the same plenum system is being fired. The portion of the missile exhaust chamber between the square cross-section and the circular exit opening serves to direct the exhaust gases of a missile being fired into a smooth round exhaust plume which functions as a "gas plug", preventing the recirculation of the exhaust gases back into the chamber of the missile being fired.

Abstract: An active protection system (10) is disclosed as having a launch tube (12) with a round inner bore (44) that tapers from an open muzzle end (42) thereof toward a closed rear end (40) to facilitate loading of a cartridge (26) and to permit ejection thereof after firing. The cartridge (26) utilized has a metal case (28) that provides a liner for the launch tube and includes a sabot (116) for launching at least one projectile (120, 122) upon ignition of a propellant (114) by an ignitor (126). Transverse force is generated by utilizing a plurality of projectiles (120, 122) preferably embodied by an outer ring of cubical projectiles (120) and spherical projectiles (122) received within the outer ring so as to provide projectile dispersion that increases the probability of an impact with the intended target.

Abstract: An improved missle tail fin assembly. The missile utilizes four tail fin assemblies, each assembly comprising a fitting having three locking portions, each of which comprises a gudgeon having a pair of locking teeth, and a fin having mating recesses for the locking portions. A portion of the material associated with recesses of the two forward locks of each fin is removed, leaving clearances which permit limited rotation about the fin pivot axis in one direction only. When the fin is loaded in a direction to produce clockwise torque, all three locks which form the lock assembly are loaded approximately equal and this locates the elastic axis of the tail lock approximately just aft of the center of pressure which produces a small increase in cant angle with load. When the tail is loaded in the direction to produce a counterclockwise torque, the aft lock of the assembly will take all the torque. This moves the elastic axis further aft thus producing a larger increase in cant angle with load.