Abstract: A propulsion unit for the acceleration of a self-propelled vehicle, such as a missile or a rocket, is loaded with a propellant block secured laterally to the body of the propulsion unit by means of a combustion inhibitor and has an aspect ratio of between 2.5 and 6. The propellant block has one axial duct and at least 6 peripheral ducts and, on its upstream face, is equipped with a fitting secured to the body of the propulsion unit. This fitting provides a free space between the upstream face of the propellant block and the bottom of the body of the propulsion unit, the axial duct and the peripheral ducts opening into this free space via orifices made in the fitting. The combustion gases are ejected rearward without being fed through a nozzle. Sonic velocity is achieved downstream of the ducts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical device including at least one thermal battery, in which the electrolyte, which is normally inactivated, has to be activated by an activator, and whose temporary operation is coupled with a release of heat which subjects the elements of the battery to an increase in temperature such that to a specific temperature of said elements corresponds a predetermined moment in the operation of said battery.The device includes at least one thermal switch which is thermally connected with an element belonging to said battery, and which is designed to work at a predetermined temperature varying within the range of temperatures taken on by said element during operation of the battery.The invention finds an application in watching devices.

Abstract: A steering system for a missile provided with aerodynamic surfaces such as fins comprises a gas generator and lateral nozzles through which the gas generated by the gas generator emerges. The nozzles are arranged to lie between adjacent pairs of the aerodynamic surfaces, to project beyond the fuselage of the missile and to have an oblong cross-section, the largest dimension of which lies substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the missile. The gas flow through the nozzles is controlled by complete or partial closing of the nozzles. The shape and placement of the nozzles minimizes changes in the aerodynamic characteristics of the missile caused by interaction between the gas jets emerging from the nozzles and the flow of air over the aerodynamic surface of the missile.