Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for remote surface fire support. The remote surface fire support system of the present invention is designed to operate close to shore. The system is adapted to be deployed by a variety of means and remains concealed beneath the water's surface until it is to be launched. The system includes a plurality of munitions containers which can be deployed by submarines, surface ships or aircraft. The munitions containers each carry a guided munition which can be controlled by a networked fire control system such as NFCS.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for ground combat vehicles interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational ground combat vehicle. The combat effectiveness of a ground combat vehicle may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a ground combat vehicle. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operatively coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information therefrom, and at least one virtual simulation system. The system can further include either a virtual simulation system operatively coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a separate virtual simulation system.

Abstract: A device and a method of adjusting a trajectory of a projectile in flight includes increasing projectile drag to effect a downrange correction and altering the yaw of repose to effect a cross range correction. A method of a vernier correction to the trajectory is included.

Abstract: The invention discloses a structured set of electro-hydraulic pilot servo valves to operate an actuator arm to raise and lower an ammunition cradle. The servo valve structure and operational logic provides redundancy and reduces probability of failure. If one of the valves malfunctions, the remaining other two valves vote to carry more flow to compensate for the lost capacity thereby continuously maintaining system performance at pre-failure or near full capacity levels.

Abstract: An improved reactive armor system having one or more layers of matrix plates, each plate having a plurality of shallow wells with a plurality of blind holes in each well and an explosive pill in each blind hole. An explosive sheet covers each well and is in close proximity to the pills in the associated wells to insure that all the pills within a well will detonate when one pill therein is detonated. A separation plate covering and held in engagement with each matrix plate isolates each well from the other wells.

Abstract: A canister for launching a missile having a cylindrical outer tube with a hemispherical head releaseably secured to its lower end connected through stiffeners to an inner tubular member to form a passage for the gases generated when the missile is fired. A restraint mechanism secures the missile to a base plate, which is itself mounted on shock absorbers, with a release mechanism responsive to the firing of the missile for disabling the restraint mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a method of reconfiguring a family of the armored, tracked vehicle of the troop carrying type to enhance producibility and protection from mine blast fragments. By using the configuration and modification disclosed herein, mine blast protection, vertical obstacle crossing capability and cross country mobility are enhanced.

Abstract: The invention provides an easily adjustable foot-operated pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal for use in heavy equipment, that can be placed in multiple positions to accommodate people of differing heights and body shapes. The pedal is mounted in an assembly including a dual linkage operating apparatus having one element of that linkage that freely rotates about a shaft. A second link of the pedal linkage is connected to a fixed link through an adjustment mechanism. The fixed link is fixedly mounted to the same shaft as the pedal link. The adjustment mechanism incorporates a latch that has multiple settings yielding three or more pedal positions. The pedal is urged upwardly to effect adjustment to raise the pedal. A latch bar of the pedal assembly is urged up to allow lowering of the pedal.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved propellant system for firing projectiles in large caliber guns. Strips of energetic propellant are placed in the cartridge case so that the lengths of the strips are parallel to the length of the cartridge. Preferably, the strips are placed in a radially symmetric pattern. The strips provide passageways that allow ignition gasses to flow radially in the cartridge case and along the length of the cartridge case.

Abstract: A braking system controlled by an operator's pedal for a vehicle equipped with a mechanically actuated brake clutch pack in which a cam is rotated in response to movement of a brake pedal to operate a pressure-modulating hydraulic valve to direct fluid pressure to an hydraulic actuator extendable under pressure to engage a force transfer member secured to an actuator rod, which rod is connected to apply the clutch pack when tensioned.

Abstract: The invention provides a container for products free from moisture, such as potassium in an emulsified state. The container has sloping sides to facilitate the emptying of the container. The container is surrounded by a frame, which allows the stacking of several containers. The frame has forklift guides to facilitate movement by forklifts. The frame also has hoist lugs to facilitate movement by hoists. An assist vent valve is used to assist the filling and emptying of the container. The assist vent valve is removable, to allow the replacement of the assist vent valve, when an assist vent valve is damaged, or clogged.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for firing a guided projectile. The invention provides a matrix of one time shot gun systems. Each one time shot gun system has a one time shot barrel, a one time shot recoil system, a propelling charge, breakable seal, and a guided projectile which is stored in and from the barrel. The one time shot system provides an inexpensive firing system, which eliminates single points of failure that exist in conventional gun systems.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for generating surface plasmas, for ignition of propellants. The invention provides a plurality of sheet fuses with insulating sheets separating each fuse. One of the fuses is complete, while the other fuses have a gap. The fuses are sheets formed into concentric coaxial cylinders. The complete fuse forms the outer most cylinder. The fuses sequentially become a plasma starting from the outer most fuse to the inner most fuse.

Abstract: The invention provides clamps for providing a compliant mounting surface which protects the edges of brittle materials, which can be constituent components in armor panels. Thus the invention prevents concentrated loads around the armor. The invention is modular and allows for modular placement of a plurality of spaced apart armor panel layers.

Abstract: Castings based on the nickel aluminide intermetallic alloy IC-221M were melted and poured with an addition of enough molybdenum to bring its concentration to 5 weight %. This resulted in a minimization or elimination of the nickel-zirconium eutectic phase in the dies machined and prepared from these castings. The benefit of eliminating or minimizing the nickel zirconium eutectic phase with the addition of measurable amounts of molybdenum (Mo) to the nickel aluminide (Ni.sub.3 Al) alloy is the increase in the useful service life of the tooling made from it; thus providing the advantages of increased productivity, enhanced quality and reduced costs in a manufacturing setting. Heat treatment of the dies machined and prepared from these castings was also undertaken. The heat treatment regimen includes solution treatment at 2100.degree. F. for 24 hours and aging from between 1150.degree. F. and 1300.degree. F. for between 12 to 24 hours.

Abstract: Castings based on the nickel aluminide intermetallic alloy IC-221M were melted and poured with an addition of enough molybdenum to bring its concentration to 5 weight %. This resulted in a minimization or elimination of the nickel-zirconium eutectic phase in the dies machined and prepared from these castings. The benefit of eliminating or minimizing the nickel zirconium eutectic phase with the addition of measurable amounts of molybdenum (Mo) to the nickel aluminide (Ni.sub.3 Al) alloy is the increase in the useful service life of the tooling made from it; thus providing the advantages of increased productivity, enhanced quality and reduced costs in a manufacturing setting. Heat treatment of the dies machined and prepared from these castings was also undertaken. The heat treatment regimen includes solution treatment at 2100.degree. F. for 24 hours and aging from between 1150.degree. F. and 1300.degree. F. for between 12 to 24 hours.

Abstract: A center mounted power train configuration for a high water speed tracked amphibious vehicle which mounts the engine above the waterjet inlet plenum to shorten the power train length, so as to allow the vehicle length and weight to be optimized for land and water mobility. The short power train length provides for use of alternate longer components which may be required to obtain adequate power and thrust. Center mounting the power train reduces air ingestion into the waterjets and maximizes the sharing of support structure to lighten the vehicle. Center mounting of the power train also optimizes efficiency by using one propulsion gearbox to transfer power and improves access to components for repair or replacement. The power train arrangement features a rearward center of gravity for enhanced land and water mobility and provides space for locating personnel, for mission equipment and for access to floor level suspension components.

Abstract: An enclosure for housing people in the event of a serious air quality degradation is provided. A pressurized enclosure, either permanent or temporary, includes an air supply system for filtering and subsequently supplying clean air to the interior of the enclosure. The structure will be deployable and/or activated from a remote control station or from the protective structure itself. Life support elements are stored in the enclosure for use as needed.

Abstract: A deployable flexible walled enclosure for housing people in the event of a serious air quality degradation is provided. A pressurized enclosure, either stored in a permanent location or transportable to a selected site, includes an air supply system for filtering and subsequently supplying clean air to the interior of the enclosure. The structure is compactly packaged when not in use and is capable of being deployable and/or activated from a remote control station in time of need. A small cache of life support elements are stored in the predeployed enclosure for use as needed upon deployment.