Abstract: A siliconized boron carbide composite material is made by infiltrating molten silicon metal into a porous mass including boron carbide. The porous mass contains little or no reactable carbon. The infiltration is designed and intended such that the infiltrant is substantially non-reactive with the constituents of the porous mass. The composite body so formed contains boron carbide and silicon metal, but substantially no silicon carbide formed in-situ from a reaction of the silicon metal with a carbon source. Such siliconized boron carbide composite materials have utility in armor applications.

Abstract: A “hybrid” or macrocomposite guideway, wherein the “traditional” or existing guideway material (e.g., hardened steel) is maintained as the wear resistant, low friction surface intended to be in physical contact with one or more bearings, and further wherein this surface is backed up or supported by a substrate comprising a stiff, lightweight material. This macrocomposite guideway combines the desirable friction and wear characteristics of the traditional bearing materials with the stiffness and low mass of advanced materials. Candidate substrate materials include composites having a ceramic and/or a metallic matrix, monolithic ceramics or monolithic light metals. A cladding comprising the hardened steel wear surface layer may be attached to the rigid, lightweight substrate by adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners or other mechanical fit such as a friction or interference fit. Preferably, though, the attachment is by means of a metallurgical bond.

Abstract: A “hybrid” or macrocomposite guideway, wherein the “traditional” or existing guideway material (e.g., hardened steel) is maintained as the wear resistant, low friction surface intended to be in physical contact with one or more bearings, and further wherein this surface is backed up or supported by a substrate comprising a stiff, lightweight material. This macrocomposite guideway combines the desirable friction and wear characteristics of the traditional bearing materials with the stiffness and low mass of advanced materials. Candidate substrate materials include composites having a ceramic and/or a metallic matrix, monolithic ceramics or monolithic light metals. A cladding comprising the hardened steel wear surface layer may be attached to the rigid, lightweight substrate by adhesive bonding, mechanical fasteners or other mechanical fit such as a friction or interference fit. Preferably, though, the attachment is by means of a metallurgical bond.

Abstract: A system for aiding ground maneuvering of an airplane. The system includes at least one camera mounted on the airplane for generating video images of at last one gear with tires, preferably a main or nose landing gear and the surrounding ground. The cockpit of the airplane includes a video display device that displays the generated video images and a user interface that allows selection of the format for displaying the generated video images. A camera mounted within a moveable component of the airplane is mounted on a movable device that compensates for component movement. The system also includes a display generator for generating in real-time superimposed oversteer targets on the displayed video images. The video images with oversteer targets assist the pilot in determining the airplane's actual position relative to runways, taxiways, obstacles and other ground features and to maneuver a plane with a wide wheel track long wheelbase, or both accordingly.