Abstract: A system for ensuring that the transmitted pulse of a coherent ladar is at the correct frequency for coherent detection of received echoes. A hybrid laser transmitter has its continuous mode signal frequency swept through the stabilized frequency of a local oscillator laser. At the instant when the frequency of the transmitter is at a predetermined difference from the frequency of the local oscillator, a high powered output signal is pulsed in the hybrid laser. The resulting reflected, received signals can be mixed with the continuous local oscillator signal in a crystal mixer to produce pulses at the intermediate frequency for amplification and detection. The effect of random variation in frequency of both the local oscillator and hybrid laser is thus avoided.

Abstract: An insulation system for use in rocket motors containing solid composite propellants is disclosed. Some composite rocket propellants are based on carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene (CTPB) and others on hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) binders. An important requirement of such systems is the ability of the wall insulation to adhere to the combustion chamber and of the composite propellant to adequately adhere to the insulation system. With CTPB propellants, a sheet insulant comprising chrysotile asbestos fibers and floats dispersed in a CTPB polymeric binder has been successfully employed. However, the use of a similar sheet insulant based on HTPB polymeric binder has not proved to be compatible with HTPB propellants.

Abstract: A rocket retention assembly for use with a rocket launcher and rockets provided with outwardly extending shear rings at their rear ends. Each rocket is provided with a conducting ring extending about the periphery of its rear end. The assembly includes a first support plate for engaging the shear ring when the rocket is placed in the firing position in the rocket launcher and preventing forward displacement of the ring from the firing position. This support plate has a loading hole for each launch tube formed therein. A second support plate engages the shear ring when the rocket is in the firing position and prevents rearward displacement of the shear ring from the firing position. This second support plate has an opening formed therein for each launch tube of the rocket launcher, each opening being located at the rear end of a rocket in a launch tube.

Abstract: A self-deploying instrument assembly includes a plurality of instruments for example hydrophones, mounted on a flexible sheet. A series of resilient rods extend from one side of the sheet from positions spaced around the periphery thereof to a hub. The resilient rods are deflectable laterally inwardly with consequent folding of the sheet to place the assembly in a storable configuration smaller than its normal operative configuration. A suitable container for storing the instrument assembly is also described.

Abstract: A method of bonding a solid rocket propellant to a motor casing using a flexible sheet insulant. The flexible sheet insulant is easily installed without intermediate adhesive on the metal or propellant side, retains its self-adhesive properties for long periods when stored at temperatures lower than 40.degree.F before installation and has improved resistance to erosion. The flexible sheet insulant comprises an elastomeric polymer binder in particular a carboxyl-terminated polybutadiene having dispersed therein from 50-80% preferably 65-75% by weight of a siliceous filler reinforcing material at least 50% of which is in the form of fibers. Preferably the filler consists of 50 to 80% asbestos fibers and 20% to 50% asbestos floats.