Abstract: An improved high energy impulse rocket includes a motor case containing propellant composed of individual, free flowing granules of a predetermined shape and unbonded to said motor case. The propellant has a high burning rate of 100 milliseconds or less and generates chamber pressures of up to about 50,000 psi. The rocket motor includes a reentry nozzle open at one end and connected to an exit nozzle, the reentry nozzle forming an annulus to contain the propellant and also forming a barrier to prevent ejection of the propellant during burning. Acceleration of the rocket assists in maintaining the propellant within the motor case, which acceleration may be as high as 20,000 g generating a velocity as high as 10,000 fps. Such a rocket offers unique advantages, especially as a device to punch an opening in a wall structure, the details of which are described as well as other details of the improved and relatively inexpensive impulse rocket.

Abstract: A pebble-bed evaporator and superheater assembly includes a tubular pressure shell with internal baffles, the latter including a plurality of apertures therein for passage of gas therethrough. Contained within the shell are heater elements and pebble elements which store heat and transfer the same to liquified gas which is vaporized and flows through the shell whereby the gas supplied to the shell and is heated to a predetermined elevated temperature above its input temperature. The heated gas output of the shell flows to a mixer unit connected to the shell and the mixed gas flows out of the mixer. Connected to the mixer is a supply of liquified gas to cool the high temperature gas entering the mixer from the shell such that the temperature of the gas exiting the mixer is below the temperature of the heated gas exiting the shell. In this way the temperature of the gas exiting the mixer is controlled to the desired level.

Abstract: A shock tube assembly for simulating high energy detonations includes a driver section, a diaphragm section, an expansion nozzle, an expansion tube and an improved system for providing a heated and pressurized gas for the driver. After preheating the improved pebble-bed evaporator and superheater, gas or liquefied gas from a pressurized supply flows temperature. The output of the pebble-bedheater flows through a mixer for control of the temperature of the gas used to charge the driver. The pebble-bed heater is preferably vertically oriented and includes spaced baffles having flow apertures arranged in concentric circles. The apertures of each circle are connected by a groove to permit flow of gas through the aperture in the event that a pebble element rests on the open end of the aperture.

Abstract: A shock tube assembly for simulating high energy detonations includes a driver section, a diaphragm section, an expansion nozzle, an expansion tube and an improved system for providing a heated and pressurized gas for the driver. After preheating the improved pebble-bed evaporator and superheater, gas or liquefied gas from a pressurized supply flows therethrough and is heated to a predetermined initial temperature. The output of the pebble-bedheater flows through a mixer for control of the temperature of the gas used to charge the driver. The pebble-bed heater is preferably vertically oriented and includes spaced baffles having flow apertures arranged in concentric circles. The apertures of each circle are connected by a groove to permit flow of gas through the aperture in the event that a pebble element rests on the open end of the aperture.

Abstract: An improved anti-ballistic missile warhead in which the missile structure and warhead projectiles are combined into a single entity. The structure, which may be formed of superalloy to resist heat, requires no heat shield, the outer surface being aerodynamically smooth. It is fabricated by precision casting, individual projectiles being pre-formed by casting internal cavities which delineate the projectiles for at least a substantial part of the thickness of the casting. Figuratively, the combined missile structure and warhead is in the form of a pineapple or hand grenade which is "inside out". The explosive may be cast in place or installed separately within a thin canister. Because there is no skin to pierce, less explosive is required and dispersion is substantially reduced.

Abstract: A munition designed to be emplaced in concrete or other paved surfaces which is particularly destructive to pneumatic tires.