Abstract: An aft pivot assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism integrated into a device for mounting a payload, to enable release of the payload. The aft pivot assembly releasably secures an aft portion of the payload, such a pod, store, ordinance, or fuel tank. The aft pivot assembly includes a shaft operable with the mount device and a release component, the shaft being rotatable about multiple shaft axes relative to the mount device so as to either minimize or eliminate carriage loads about the aft portion, while reacting jettison loads during a jettison event or phase. The rotation of the shaft about its shaft axes can further be limited via a limit device. As the payload transitions from a carriage phase to a jettison phase, the shaft moves in multiple degrees of freedom and in multiple axes relative to the mount device.

Abstract: An aft pivot assembly includes a height adjustment mechanism integrated into a device for mounting a payload, to enable release of the payload. The aft pivot assembly releasably secures an aft portion of the payload, such a pod, store, ordinance, or fuel tank. The aft pivot assembly includes a shaft operable with the mount device and a release component, the shaft being rotatable about multiple shaft axes relative to the mount device so as to either minimize or eliminate carriage loads about the aft portion, while reacting jettison loads during a jettison event or phase. The rotation of the shaft about its shaft axes can further be limited via a limit device. As the payload transitions from a carriage phase to a jettison phase, the shaft moves in multiple degrees of freedom and in multiple axes relative to the mount device.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface of a fused silica body is described, comprising a heat source disposed to apply sufficient heat to at least a portion of the inner surface to cause a layer of said at least a portion of the inner surface to vitrify. In certain embodiments the heat source is configured to heat at one time a relatively small area of the inner surface, and the apparatus comprises a positioning mechanism for moving the heat source with respect to the inner surface. In certain embodiments the heat source is a hydrogen-oxygen surface-mix fueled torch that is moved helically with respect to the inner surface of the body under the control of a programmed CNC motion control system.

Abstract: A fused silica body comprising a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface is described in embodiments herein. In other embodiments, a method of making a fused silica body with a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface is described herein, comprising heating at least a portion of the inner surface to the point of vitrification. In certain embodiments, the method involves passing a linear local heat source over the inner surface in a particular manner, such as a helical fashion transverse to the linear shape, and may involve creating on the inner surface of the body overlapping swaths of temporarily melted silica material.

Abstract: A fused silica body comprising a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface is described in embodiments herein. In other embodiments, a method of making a fused silica body with a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface is described herein, comprising heating at least a portion of the inner surface to the point of vitrification. In certain embodiments, the method involves passing a linear local heat source over the inner surface in a particular manner, such as a helical fashion transverse to the linear shape, and may involve creating on the inner surface of the body overlapping swaths of temporarily melted silica material.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a layer of vitreous silica adjacent at least a portion of an inner surface of a fused silica body is described, comprising a heat source disposed to apply sufficient heat to at least a portion of the inner surface to cause a layer of said at least a portion of the inner surface to vitrify. In certain embodiments the heat source is configured to heat at one time a relatively small area of the inner surface, and the apparatus comprises a positioning mechanism for moving the heat source with respect to the inner surface. In certain embodiments the heat source is a hydrogen-oxygen surface-mix fueled torch that is moved helically with respect to the inner surface of the body under the control of a programmed CNC motion control system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for components according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN). In one embodiment, a missile radome comprises a wall defining the radome body, including a base and a tip. The wall may comprise a core and one or more skins adjacent the core, such as in a sandwich configuration. The core and the skins may have different densities. The radome wall may be configured to transmit wideband RF signals. The RBSN may be extruded to form the radome.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for components according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN). In one embodiment, a missile radome comprises a wall defining the radome body, including a base and a tip. The wall may comprise a core and one or more skins adjacent the core, such as in a sandwich configuration. The core and the skins may have different densities. The radome wall may be configured to transmit wideband RF signals. The RBSN may be extruded to form the radome.