Abstract: A cathode structure for a high power laser is formed from a first sheet of a hard metallic material such as molybdenum, which is joined to a second sheet of the same material by brazing, these first two sheets being brazed to a support structure of the same material. The first two sheets have a plurality of side by side longitudinal channels formed therein, the channels of one of these sheets being positioned between the channels of the other sheet (in a 180.degree. spatial phase relationship therewith). Crosswise channels are provided along opposite edges of both of the sheets to provide fluid communications to the opposite ends of the longitudinal channels. A cooling liquid such as water is fed to the transverse channels, and circulated through the longitudinal channels in parallel to effect efficient cooling of the cathode.

Abstract: A traveling wave tube having a helix continuously supported within a dielectric barrel provides efficient operation at high power levels. The wire forming the helix has a greater width along its inner surface adjacent the interaction space of the traveling wave tube than along its outer surface which is continuously secured to the dielectric barrel. The wire confines the electromagnetic field to an area adjacent the interaction space for low dielectric loading thereby assuring a good coupling impedance into and out of the traveling wave tube and a wide bandwidth. Improved thermal conductivity for heat from the helix is provided as a result of the helix being continuously supported and in contact with the dielectric barrel. The tube is low in cost, which makes it attractive for expendable use.

Abstract: A hand-carried and self-contained receiver and indicator for producing a signal when the presence of pulsed (or pulsed doppler) radar operation is detected, either in a broad band containing all the common radar pulse frequencies, or in a limited band whereby those outside the band are rejected. A simple biconical horn antenna is provided at one end of a very short coaxial line leading to a broadband detector. From the detector, a flexible transmission line connects to the remaining receiver circuitry containing, in one mode of operation, an amplifier, a limiter, a retriggerable multivibrator and an audible beep type of tone generator driving an earphone. In another mode of operation, the retriggerable multivibrator is replaced by a dual tuned circuit having a substantially restricted bandwidth for passing only a desired pulse frequency signal.

Abstract: A variable span wing in which a movable wing segment is externally mounted to slide along the trailing edge of the stationary main wing. The movable wing segment is extended beyond the span of the main wing at subsonic flight and retracted to the same span at supersonic flight. Extension (or retraction) on one side only provides roll control. Retraction subsonic speeds is utilized to achieve improved ride qualities and a reduction in wing loads at high load factors.

Abstract: An active radar augmentation system in a drone target aircraft, for the purpose of decreasing damage to the target. The system includes a receiving antenna in the nose, an amplifier, and a rear mounted transmitting antenna, connected by suitable cables.

Abstract: An aircraft nose and forebody shaped to produce relatively ideal vortex patterns which will provide improved static directional stability of the aircraft in the stall angle of attack region and above. The nose is shaped from its forwardmost tip with a broad, flattened lateral cross section having relatively sharp edges extending around each lateral surface, blending rearwardly to a radius approximately midway between the top and bottom surfaces of the forebody in the region where separation of the vortices is desired.

Abstract: A plurality of photodetectors in a single line exposed to a field of view transversely across the complete region of a glow discharge volume. The detectors are connected in an electronic circuit to trigger a crowbar device across the power supply circuit providing the voltage producing the discharge when any one detector receives an optical input substantially greater than normal, thereby preventing damage to the discharge electrodes due to arcing across the glow discharge.

Abstract: An anode for an electron beam laser is formed by a thin metallic foil which functions both as a laser cavity wall having an airtight seal, and as a window which permits the passage of electrons therethrough into the laser cavity. This foil anode is supported on a frame structure in a manner such that the foil presents a smooth surface for the laser gas flow and the frame structure provides cooling for the anode to dissipate the heat generated by the electron flow. This frame structure includes a plurality of similar side-by-side, longitudinal, substantially flat, web elements which are separated from each other by gaps through which the electrons can pass. The web elements have cooling tubes welded to each of the opposite edges thereof, one of the tubes being capped with a flat strip which provides a flat surface against which the foil anode can be supported.

Abstract: A radiant energy detection system includes a first and second pairs of radiation detectors, the detectors of each pair facing in opposite directions to each other, the first and second pairs being positioned in a mutually orthogonal relationship. The detectors may be joined together in a cube structure which is fixedly mounted on a support. A chopper mechanism is mounted over the detectors; this chopper mechanism being supported on a motor shaft for rotatable drive thereby around the detector assembly. The signals arriving at the detectors from a radiant energy source are chopped by the chopper to produce a periodically varying output signal from each of the detectors.

Abstract: A fluid floated inertial platform is inertially stabilized by means of a plurality of hydraulic torquers which operate in response to electrical stabilization signals which may be generated in response to gyro pickoffs on stabilizing gyros for each of the three stabilization axes. Each of these hydraulic torquer devices comprises a deflector member, which may be in the form of a section of a cylinder, this deflector member being supported on a base member mounted in the surface of the platform. The deflector is supported on the base member by means of flexible strips or tapes which permit rotatable motion of the deflector in response to torquing signals. Such rotatable torquing of the deflector is provided by means of an armature mounted on the deflector which operates in conjunction with an electrical torquer on the base member which receives electrical torquing signals from the stabilization system.

Abstract: An MNOS non-volatile memory circuit, which inhibits the application of a write voltage to a memory cell at times when the write data is the same as the data stored in such cell to prevent saturation of the transistor, includes provision for applying automatically such a write voltage upon the detection of a predetermined weak storage condition in such cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for molding structural parts from fiber reinforced plastic composite. The apparatus is comprised of a rigid container, one or more pads of silicone rubber housed inside the container to exert pressure on the part, and one or more expandable diaphragms housed inside the container to control the pressure exerted on the part by the pads. The method used to mold a complex-shaped part from fiber reinforced plastic composite material is to lay up the part on the pads and place the pads, together with the part, between the diaphragms which are housed in the container. The container is then closed and placed in a temperature control chamber and the diaphragms connected to an external pressure control system, after which the part is cured by increasing the temperature of the chamber to the curing temperature of the part, while at the same time controlling the pressure exerted on the part by controlling the pressure in the diaphragms.

Abstract: An auxiliary flaperon control is pivotally mounted on the trailing edge of each wing of an aircraft between the outboard control surfaces and the fuselage and in close proximity to the tail of said aircraft; the auxiliary flaperon controls being operable relative to the outboard control surfaces to induce supplementary aerodynamic forces on the aircraft tail to thereby augment the effectiveness of aircraft lateral and directional control.

Abstract: An antenna diversity switch for IFF radar equipment not having such a switch incorporated in it. This new diversity switch requires no modification of the existing IFF components. The blanking pulses generated by the IFF system when an interrogating signal is received are used to trigger a monostable multivibrator which stops a free-running flip-flop controlling the switching between two antennas so that the antenna connected at that time remains connected. When the blanking pulses stop, i.e., the interrogating signal is too weak to be received, the monostable multivibrator is returned to its untriggered condition which allows the flip-flop and its controlled antenna switch to resume switching between the antennas. Suitable timing controls are provided to switch antennas at the desired rate and to keep the diversity switch connected to a receiving antenna for a desired delay time after the received interrogating signal ceases.

Abstract: A plurality of sensors of various types each initiating a marker signal as it produces a "frame" of information sensed, such as a camera film frame for example. A computer in the navigation system of the reconnaissance craft receives the marker signals and generates respective successive frame count numbers which are fed back to the proper respective sensors and recorded directly on the individual frames to whch they pertain while the frames are still being taken or sensed by the sensors. At essentially the same time as the frame count number is being processed, the computer outputs a block of information to be stored and recorded for that one frame (sensor product), this information including the identifying frame count number, the sensor which took it, the time of occurrence, and the geographical location of the event as provided by the navigation system.

Abstract: A composite structure capable of withstanding multidirectional stress loads in general and in particular high tension and compression loads transmitted to an aircraft center fuselage by wing loading. The structure is essentially a beam formed by inserting two stepped metal end caps into the ends of a graphite/epoxy B-staged tubular strut and subsequently laying-up multidirectional and unidirectional fibers to provide a structure which is in turn cocured and results in a unitized composite wing trunnion structure.

Abstract: A plurality of electron beams are generated by means of cathodes which may be arranged in a circular array and a common target to which the beams are focused. Each of the plurality of electron beams is modulated by the input digital signal (1 or 0) and an enabling signal which is applied in time sequence to the plurality of beams. In this manner the plurality of input signals may be sampled and interleaved to generate a stream of time-multiplexed electron beam digital signals sequentially ordered by the plurality of inputs onto a single diode target. Alternative methods of modulating the electron beam to the target diode may be used. In one method, the source of electrons from a field emission cathode array is modulated. An alternative method utilizes steady sources of electrons in individually focused beams with the current to the diode target being modulated by deflection of the individual beams.

Abstract: A system for balancing a rotary element involving two or more materials of different melting temperatures normally fixed in position relative to the rotary element. Heating of the materials first to a point above the highest melting temperature followed by cooling at optimum balance then reheating to a point above the next highest melting point followed by cooling at optimum balance and repeating the procedure for each material results in vernier balancing action, the masses of the various materials being selected to predetermine their effect on balance.

Abstract: A process for depositing an oxide layer on a titanium surface in preparation for adhesive bonding, the oxide layer being cathodically deposited in a solution containing isoproponol and a metal salt.

Abstract: A mirror for high power lasers comprising a high reflectivity superlattice surface formed of a copper-gold alloy on a copper base, and the method of making the same.