Abstract: A combustion system comprising a tubular structure having an upstream end and defining within it a longitudinal passage. A tubular wall surrounding the structure and defining with the structure a further longitudinal passage, of annular cross section. The tubular structure having longitudinally extending, circumferentially spaced staves and longitudinally spaced coaxial hoops for the passage of fluid, the hoops being shaped to deflect substantially axially flowing fluid either inwards or outwards through the openings for discharge either inside or outside the assembly respectively.

Abstract: A control device using gas jets makes it possible to modify the flight direction of a guided missile. This device comprises an energy source supplying a gas flow to a set of fixed nozzles arranged in an annular member within which are coaxially placed movable sleeves, respectively provided with gas passage openings or ports. Means are provided for positioning these openings so as face the inlets of the nozzles, in order to divert the gas flow towards one of the nozzles.

Abstract: A standard launcher module for various missiles, in particular flares, comprises a flat wall forming a base, provided with male engagement members. In the position engaged on the support incorporated in the aircraft, a connector is active. Provided in a central groove is a series of electrical initiators connected selectively to the connector and located opposite counterpart relay channels which lead respectively to the useful charges. A sliding bar located in the groove has orifices, located according to the working geometry of the initiators. Finally, a motor connected to the connector allows the movement of the bar between a safety position and an armed position.

Abstract: A ballistic artillery projectile that is initially spin stabilized and is provided with fins that are extended after the projectile has covered a part of its trajectory. The fins are attached to the body of the projectile by means of bars that are non-rotatably engaged with the fins and the projectile, and that have portions between the fins and the projectile that are designed to be deformed by torsion when the fins are being extended.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for a trigger operated device including two trigger members movable between an aligned and and out of alignment condition in response to a predetermined condition of the device being monitored, a releasable catch holding the trigger members in their aligned condition, and a tripping mechanism operable to release the catch when the predetermined condition being monitored occurs. The trigger assembly may also include a reset mechanism for restoring the trigger members to their aligned condition when the condition being monitored is restored to some desired condition.

Abstract: A gun traverse apparatus in which the trunnions are mounted in eccentrics which are simultaneously rotated in opposite directions to swing the gun horizontally in limited traverse relative to the carrier on which the gun is mounted. In one embodiment, the carrier is a mobile carrier provided with a transmission for steering, and a signal is transmitted from the gun at the limit of the traverse to actuate the transmission and turn the vehicle further to bring the gun traverse back into its range of movement.

Abstract: In a projectile including a spinning main housing and a despun canard frame having deflectable canards thereon, a pair of stator windings are disposed within the main housing and a cooperating pair of rotors are arranged within the canard frame. The first stator windings and corresponding rotor generate prime power and permit control of the rotational position of the canard frame while the second stator windings and associated rotor allow control of the deflectable canards.

Abstract: A gun mount e.g. for a machine gun supported by a fork comprises two mutually hinged swivel arms (2 and 3) in staggered position the one at a higher level than the other and designed to rotate around vertical axes (30, 31). The lower swivel arm (2) has a vertical pivot journal at its free end to be mounted in a pivot bearing (1). The upper swivel arm (3) is formed as a parallelogram connection for vertical adjustment of the fork (22) designed to support the weapon at the free end of the parallelogram connection.The forced vertical adjustment of the parallelogram connection is provided by means of at least one rod mechanism (15, 16, 17), which is mounted between two of the parallelogram sides and has a length adjustable in a controllable way.

Abstract: A steerable artillery projectile utilizing electro-optical circuitry to home on a laser designated target where the rear end of the projectile is displaceably coupled to the front end thereof which contains the electro-optical circuitry and munitions is disclosed. The displaceably coupled rear end of the projectile has a plurality of compartments equispaced around its longitudinal axis and each compartment has a gas cartridge which can be activated by the electro-optical circuitry. In flight, a selected gas cartridge may be discharged by the electro-optical circuitry causing the longitudinal axis of the rear end of the projectile to momentarily move out of line with the longitudinal axis of the front end of the projectile resulting in a modification of the flight path of the projectile to home on the laser designated target.

Abstract: 1. Combustion apparatus comprising a duct for containing a flow of air and including an air-fuel mixing device comprising an assembly of transversely spaced longeron members which extend along the duct and are inclined to the general direction of flow through the duct and to the walls of the duct so that a major portion of the flow through the duct will pass through the spaces between the longeron members, each longeron member having longitudinal edges adapted in operation to shed continuous vortices and a baffle extending across the upstream end of the longeron members and forming behind it a sheltered pilot combustion zone, and means adapted to generate pilot vortices of combustible mixture in the pilot zone, to cause each pilot vortex to divide, and to direct the divided portion of each pilot vortex to pass downstream along adjacent parts respectively of adjacent longeron members.

Abstract: Apparatus for stabilizing a weapon launched from an aircraft. The weapon is rovided with a plurality of concentric rings mounted on the nose of the weapon for reducing nose lift. The tail of the weapon is provided with a plurality of wedge shaped fins positioned on a decreasing tail diameter which increases the tail stability while minimizing tail lift. The outer faces of the fins are of a multi-tiered construction with angled portions connecting the tiers.

Abstract: A system of stabilizing a platform in relation to a body with relative spin therebetween wherein the body rotation is measured in relation to a fixed datum such as a gravity sensor and the platform rotation is measured in relation to the body by means such as a photocell in the body and a mirror in the platform, and relative spin is corrected by means such as a motor located in the body to drive the platform.

Abstract: A lightweight ammunition magazine capable of storing a plurality of "tiers" of ammunition within a semi-monocoque shell without the use of separation partitions between the tiers includes a top and a bottom panel separated by a plurality of partitions to form a plurality of ammunition storage and guiding channels between the top and bottom panels. An endless chain ladder is disposed within the storage and guiding channels for transporting the stored ammunition within the storage and guiding channels to a magazine exit port. The endless chain ladder is configured for holding at least two tiers of ammunition rounds between the top and bottom panels with a longitudinal axis of each ammunition round being approximately perpendicular to the top and bottom panels.

Abstract: In an automatic gas-driven firing weapon such as a machine cannon, an improved arrangement for pre-selecting the cadence of firing bursts. The weapon includes at least one first conduit in the gun barrel for conducting at least a portion of the gases formed at firing to an outlet of this first conduit. The housing of the weapon has a second and one or more third conduits for respectively conducting gases to the ammunition feed drive and the breech block drive. A ring body is rotatably mounted on the housing and is disposed between the first conduit, on the one hand, and the second and third conduits, on the other hand. The ring body has a plurality of passages of different cross-sections which can be positioned by rotating the ring body so as to provide a communication passage of pre-selected cross-section between the first conduit and the second and third conduits.

Abstract: A turbine blade for a gas turbine engine has a hollow aerofoil and a root. A first insert for the distribution of cooling air in the aerofoil is inserted thereinto through an opening in the root but due to the relatively high camber of the blade the insert is such that it has to be displaced laterally after insertion. A second insert, also inserted through the opening, is provided to secure the first insert in position and to guide the cooling air from the opening to the first insert.

Abstract: The present load lock secures loads, such as containers, or weapons, such bombs, to an aircraft thereby using a single or multiple point suspension system while simultaneously clawing or clamping the load to prevent it from undesired movements. The clawing or clamping is accomplished by the same centrally located mechanism which is operated manually or by an electric drive, whereby operation in one direction results in clawing while operation in the opposite direction results in clamping. In both instances the force causing the clamping or clawing is adjustable as a biasing force. The suspension of the load is accomplished by a power operated hook reaching into an eye of the load. The arming or fuzing of a weapon held in the lock is accomplished by a mechanism arranged laterally in the lock housing for easy access.

Abstract: An improved receiver assembly adapted for use in a weapon that fires cartridges fed into the same from an ammunition belt having metal links. The assembly includes a trunnion block having a surface and two oppositely disposed sides. The surface is delimited on two opposed sides thereof by retaining means formed along said edges of the trunnion block. A wear plate is adapted to removably overlie the surface, and absorbs contact from the metal links. The wear plate is planar, being made of hardened spring metal, preferably steel, type AlSl C 1045, hardened to R.sub.c 48-52. Two opposed edges of the wear plate have fastening means, preferably in the form of C-shaped flanges. These resiliently grip the retaining means to coact therewith in securing the wear plate to the trunnion block. A manually manipulatable tongue is formed on one of the flanges of the wear plate to facilitate placement and removal of the same.

Abstract: A machine gun ammunition loading system employs cantilevered support memb on a magazine holding a leading round of belted ammunition supported above a cover of the magazine. The cover of the magazine includes mating parts which permit sliding engagement below the machine gun. When fully mated, the cantilevered members, with the leading round between them, are inserted into the receiver in a loading position from whence charging can be performed by single-handed motion of an operator while upright and walking.