Abstract: An interactive video delivery system (IVDS) is used in conjunction with sware for training purposes. The IVDS emulates a tactical display system sonar console by using software to provide its input information. The tactical display system sonar console uses actual sonar signals detected by sonar array systems. The IVDS training aid comprises an emulated AN/UYQ-21 console having a computer and an interactive videodisc system. The computer provides the necessary graphics processing for emulation of the tactical displays.

Abstract: A system and method for recognizing a target and then guiding a projectile to that target. Initially, unique 3D features of the target are obtained and stored in a data base. The projectile is then directed to the general area of the target and the scene in that general area is observed by the projectile and compared with the data base on a three dimensional basis. When a target is located which contains the unique 3D features of the target of interest within some preset maximum margin of error, the projectile is then directed to that target.

Abstract: A light wave guiding apparatus comprising an offset detector for detecting an offset from a predetermined axis is disclosed. A laser beam irradiator irradiates a laser beam having a maximum irradiation intensity in a predetermined orientation and the irradiation intensity decreasing progressively with the increase in the distance away from the orientation while being conically inclined from a predetermined axis. A photo-detector is located in an area irradiated by the laser beam and outputs a received light signal S corresponding to the irradiation intensity. A memory unit stores the relation between the amount of offset of the photo-detector from the predetermined axis and the received light signal S. The received light signal S of the photo-detector is compared with the data stored in the memory unit and the offset amount of the photo-detector is detected.

Abstract: A control system for controlling an airborne vehicle at a time of low aerodynamic moment is provided. The control system includes combined aerodynamic and thrust vector control actuators, a quaternion generator which determines a quaternion error value defining the error between the quaternion of the vehicle and the commanded quaternion; and a controller which controls the actuators based on the quaternion error value, an aerodynamic control gain and a thrust vector control gain.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rocket engine which uses pressurized, vaporized propellant from the engine cycle to drive the boost pumps that provide propellants to the primary pumps. Additionally, an accumulator tank is provided which stores some of the pressurized, vaporized propellant and selectively releases the propellant to drive the boost pumps at subsequent engine start-up.

Abstract: An intercept missile testing method which includes the steps of launching a test missile threat from a first location on a substantially vertical trajectory, e.g., with a flight path angle greater than about 70.degree., towards an intercept point, and launching a test intercept missile from a second location on a substantially vertical trajectory, e.g., with a flight path angle greater than about 70.degree., towards the intercept point. The flight paths are selected so that the test intercept missile will intercept the test missile threat exoatmospherically, at an intercept (engagement crossing) angle of less than about 30.degree.. Preferably, the launch velocities and trajectories of the test intercept missile and the test missile threat are selected so that the intercept will occur exoatmospherically when the test missile threat is on a downward trajectory at a velocity of 5-8 km/sec, while the test intercept missile is on an upward trajectory at a velocity 5-9 km/sec.

Abstract: A glow in the dark firework device and a method for making same is disclosed. The firework device (10) includes a body (12) having an outer body surface (14), and a glow in the dark fuse (18) passing from the inner body surface (7) of body (12) to the outer body surface (14) of body (12) of firework device (10). Fuse (18) is comprised of a fuse body (16), and a plurality of threads (20,22,26-45) having an ignitable substance (25) dispersed among the plurality of threads (20,22,26-45). The outer fuse surface (9) of fuse (18) has a phosphorescent solution (52) applied thereto.

Abstract: An elongated opaque member having a longitudinal recess including a fluorescent mark at the distal end thereof viewable only by the shooting eye of the shooter when the elongated member is mounted at the proximal end of the gun barrel. The fluorescent mark typically comprises an elongated plastic member partially extending forward of the elongated opaque member, or alternately within the distal end of the elongated opaque member and revealed by an aperture provided within the elongated opaque member. Further alternate embodiments provide additional contrasting fluorescent material surrounding the fluorescent mark for enhanced sighting accuracy.

Abstract: The invention describes a target approach procedure for a guided, mobile missile for use against ground targets, particularly bridges, roads, rail junctions, hangars, shelters, command posts, harbor installations as well as ships, in which the missile is released at a great distance from the target and flies automatically to the target, with guidance by parallel lines that characterize ground structures, and hits it from the most favorable approach direction.

Abstract: An unmanned armored minesweeping vehicle includes a vehicle body having a heavily armored vehicle part; a power plant accommodated in the vehicle part for propelling the vehicle; a vehicle steering control accommodated in the vehicle part; and a simulating arrangement for disguising the vehicle as a target for triggering the mines to be cleared.

Abstract: A system and method that covertly provides in-flight target update data to a large number of missiles. The system and method covertly guides the missiles using a transponder located on a satellite that relays encoded target update data to receivers located on each of the missiles. The target update data is derived from intelligence data acquired by a remote sensing device. The target update data is typically transmitted to the missile launch site where it is encoded and transmitted to the transponder on the satellite. The encoding is preferably accomplished using direct sequence spread spectrum/code division multiple access (CDMA) encoding produced using unique seeds that are supplied to pseudo random code generators that uniquely encode the data to be transmitted to each missile. The receivers on each of the missiles have pseudo random code generators that are loaded with the unique seeds.

Abstract: A passenger-side air bag device is provided including a door comprising a cover body and a side wall portion extending downwardly therefrom. Lock legs are disposed on the cover body and are configured to lock the door to the inner circumferential edge of an opening portion of an instrument panel. A housing constructed and arranged to be fixed to a car body includes slot portions into which the side wall portion of the door is fitted, and pawl portions for locking the circumferential edges of the lock holes of the door side wall portion to thereby prevent the door side wall portion from coming off from the slot portion. Gaps are provided in three directions between the door and the housing to compensate for any misalignment between the door and the housing.

Abstract: A regenerative monopropellant inflator having improved initiation of the regenerative cycle and improve operating efficiency. The inflator may direct the flow of the monopropellant into a localized volume to create a "hot spot" to increase combustion. This serves to ensure that the regenerative cycle is initiated. Various arrangements are provided to increase the residence time of the combusting monopropellant within the inflator, to ensure complete combustion of the monopropellant, and thus increased efficiency. These arrangements include inducing a helical gas flow to increase the length of the path traveled by the gas. Various barriers may also be placed within the gas flow to force direction changes, which reduce the velocity of the gas.

Abstract: A method and a system of assembling a launch vehicle vertically on an aboveground platform are presented in the present invention. The method of the present invention enables a rapid assembly of the launch vehicle; thus substantially reducing the final cost of the launch vehicle. The system of the present invention includes a plurality of specially designed tools that enable the rapid assembly of the launch vehicle.

Abstract: A guidance system (30) for a missile comprising a sensor (20) mounted on the missile and having a fixed line-of-sight relative thereto. The body fixed sensor (20) provides a first signal representing frames of image data. A processor (40) identifies a target in the frames of image data and provides a second signal representative of the location of the centroid thereof. A conventional tracker (36) follows the target and provides a third signal representative of an aim point of the missile. A controller (44) then changes the velocity vector of the missile in response to the second and third signals. In a specific embodiment, the body fixed sensor (20) provides first and second frames of image data. The system (32, 34) subtracts the first and second frames of image data and ascertains a growth center of the target. The processor (40) compares the image growth center to the aim point and provides an error signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A missile launcher for use on a surface vessel includes an array of vertical sleeves each being of a size to receive a missile carrying container. The sleeves are maintained in a linear array by means of a series of frames and the lower, or breech, ends of the sleeves are collectively connected to a plenum into which water is injected during a hot launch of a missile. A selected one of the sleeves does not carry a missile but rather, functions as an exhaust or gas take up for the exhaust gases of the other missiles.

Abstract: The invention consists, after launching (1) a vehicle (9), in guiding (2) the vehicle (9) towards the mine (5; 6) by means of a sonar coupled to a tactical control station (12) of a hunter (8), fulfilling the functions of classification and permanent monitoring of the position of the vehicle (9) relative to the mine (5; 6), in releasing a locating means (13), carried by the vehicle (9), once the vehicle (9) has arrived at a determined distance from the mine (5; 6), making it possible to fulfil a target designation function by interacting with the vehicle (9) and the tactical control station (12) of the hunter (8), then in communicating (3) to the vehicle (9), by means of the tactical control station (12), the navigation parameters necessary for its attack strategy as a function of the type of mines (5; 6) encountered, and its position referenced by the fixed locating means (13), and in destroying (4) the mine (5; 6) according to the attack strategy acquired by the vehicle (9).

Abstract: The construction and arrangement of projectile bearing surface interfaces rearward and forward of a recessed surface chamber of the projectile interface conjointly with the interfaces of bore wall areas segmented by recessed bore chambers which in conjunction effect the deployment/transport/dispersement/development/modulation and transformation of explosive propellant charges sequentially primed and activated rearward and forwardly of the projectile along the bore and in bore wall chambers captively converting high static gas pressure to expansively relieved dynamic propellant gas pressure directly at the projectile reducing firearm barrel recoil while energizing projectile movement along the bore in a closed-system of thermodynamic propellant energy for free flight purposes.

Abstract: An explosive blast shield has two connected parts, a foraminous inner shield surrounded by an impervious outer shield. The inner shield has an open lower end to absorb an explosive blast of water and gas, as from an underwater explosion. The inner shield, whose area is about 20% holes, blocks most liquid from entering the space between the two shields, but gas passes readily through the holes to equalize the pressure across the inner shield. The shield may include a chimney at the upper end for release of gas and a hold-down to prevent the shield from being blown upward.

Abstract: The invention concerns projectiles having an explosive load generating splinter and/or a core and of which the operation is triggered by a fuse. This projectile is characterized in that the load comprises at least one direction of action and in that the fuse comprises at least one detector detecting laser radiation reflected by a target, said detector comprising a direction of detection which is close to one of the directions of action of the load.