Abstract: A power hammer assembly providing forming capabilities while remaining economical with respect to performance, vibration, footprint size and acquisition costs. The power hammer assembly can provide for a single stroke speed and/or a single set stroke with respect to the striking of die assemblies against a piece of metal. The power hammer assembly can provide for a large throat area and/or a larger die gap for ease of use. The power hammer assembly can include adjustment features allowing for the use of die sets of varying configurations such as, for example, shank size, shank length or alternatively, die sets fabricated for use with other machinery. In addition, the power hammer assembly can include a belt transmission assembly designed to slip in the event of die interference during set-up or operation so as to avoid damaging the power hammer assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for launching and recovering an object by a host vessel while the host vessel is in motion. The recovery system utilizes a tethered capture system for connecting with the object and then directing the object to the host vessel where it is secured. The tethered capture system includes one or more side planers that direct a capture cable away from the host vessel. The capture cable is preferably disposed below the waterline through the use of a diving rig or extended cable struts so that the cable does not foul the propeller of the object to be recovered. The side planer itself may include a ramped surface for loading the object prior to securing to the host vessel. After the capture, the object may be secured by way of a boom attached to the host vessel or by a lifting cradle that selectively extends aft of the host vessel.

Abstract: A power hammer assembly providing forming capabilities while remaining economical with respect to performance, vibration, footprint size and acquisition costs. The power hammer assembly can provide for a single stroke speed and/or a single set stroke with respect to the striking of die assemblies against a piece of metal. The power hammer assembly can provide for a large throat area and/or a larger die gap for ease of use. The power hammer assembly can include adjustment features allowing for the use of die sets of varying configurations such as, for example, shank size, shank length or alternatively, die sets fabricated for use with other machinery. In addition, the power hammer assembly can include a belt transmission assembly designed to slip in the event of die interference during set-up or operation so as to avoid damaging the power hammer assembly.

Abstract: A system for stowing and deploying a mortar from a transport vehicle employs a hoist mechanism, a support frame, a pair of guide arms and a barrel-support strut attached to a transport vehicle. The support frame is adapted to be temporarily engaged with the mortar barrel, the base plate and the pair of stabilizer arms of the mortar to prevent relative motion between them during stowing and deployment. The hoist mechanism has a lift arm that pivots between a retracted and a deployed position. One end of the lift arm is hook shaped for detachable engagement with the support frame. A pair of guide arms extend in spaced parallel relation from the rear of the vehicle and serve to guide a trajectory of the mortar as it is being stowed or lowered to the ground.

Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The multi-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.

Abstract: A rotatable breech gun including a breech assembly, a breech housing, and a gun barrel. The breech assembly has a breech bore formed therein that receives ammunition loaded through an end thereof. The breech housing has at least one side member oriented parallel to the breech bore. The breech assembly is rotatably mounted in the breech housing. The gun barrel has a gun bore extending therethrough. The gun barrel is operably connected to the breech housing such that the gun bore is aligned with the breech bore when the breech assembly is rotated in position within the breech housing. The breech assembly and the breech housing further include corresponding mating structures proximate at least one end of the breech bore such that forces generated by ignition of ammunition in the breech bore are transmitted to both the breech assembly and the at least one side member of the breech housing.

Abstract: A rotatable breech gun including a breech assembly, a breech housing, and a gun barrel. The breech assembly has a breech bore formed therein that receives ammunition loaded through an end thereof. The breech housing has at least one side member oriented parallel to the breech bore. The breech assembly is rotatably mounted in the breech housing. The gun barrel has a gun bore extending therethrough. The gun barrel is operably connected to the breech housing such that the gun bore is aligned with the breech bore when the breech assembly is rotated in position within the breech housing. The breech assembly and the breech housing further include corresponding mating structures proximate at least one end of the breech bore such that forces generated by ignition of ammunition in the breech bore are transmitted to both the breech assembly and the at least one side member of the breech housing.

Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The mulit-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.

Abstract: A multi-purpose missile launcher system for a military land vehicle that has the capability for direct targeting both short and medium range land targets, as well launching missiles against longer-range land targets or air targets using indirect targeting. The multi-purpose missile launcher system is deployed as part of a modular weapon system that mates with a modular bed of the military land vehicle.

Abstract: A system is provided for cooling a flexible high energy coaxial cable wherein cooling fluid is circulated along the cable and through a heat exchanger to dissipate the cable heat generated by the high energy transferred by the cable. The cable has inner and outer concentric conductors separated by an inner dielectric layer and surrounded by an outer dielectric layer. Channels in the two dielectric layers provide for the fluid flow along the cable which carries away the heat.

Abstract: The apparatus disclosed herein relates to plasma injection and distribution systems which release high energy plasma into a combustible mass to promote efficient combustion and maximize the muzzle velocity of a projectile. The devices inject plasma streams into a combustible mass in a coherent and directed manner such that pressure peaks and the resultant thermal and dynamic stresses are eliminated. Particularly, strategically positioned outlet orifices and nozzles enable the invasion of a propellant mass by plasma jet streams to create controllable uniform ignition and combustion therein.

Abstract: The apparatus and method disclosed herein relates to axially aligned electrical contacts which connect a high electrical power pulse forming network to an electrothermal ammunition integrated plasma injector in a combustion augmented plasma gun for launching projectiles thereof. The contacts transfer high energy, intermittent pulses without arcing because structure provides for axially preloading the contacts to reduce contact resistance, for axially stiffening the contacts to eliminate contact bounce and for providing complementary conical contact surfaces to facilitate a high current density transfer.

Abstract: An inflatable ammunition gripping device for handling a variety of soft and irregularly shaped ammunition without damage to the ammunition. A plurality of inflatable grippers mounted lengthwise inside a tubular transfer tube selectively press relatively large areas of the grippers to grasp ammunition for transfer between a first and a second location or to secure the ammunition in a storage location.