Abstract: A missile includes a rocket motor that has a flow deflector in an expansion region of the rocket motor's nozzle. The flow deflector diverts flow of combustion products away from a safe region that is aft of the missile. The safe region protects an operator of a launcher used to fire the missile, such as a shoulder-fired launcher, from harm caused by the combustion products. The flow deflector may be small enough such that it does not significantly adversely affect the performance of the rocket motor. The presence of the flow diverter may allow for the rocket motor to be started sooner in the flight of the missile, or at a distance closer to the operator, while still keeping the operator safe. The flow deflector and supporting structure, such as struts, may be additively manufactured with at least an aft part of the nozzle, as a continuous single-piece part.

Abstract: A missile includes a rocket motor that has a flow deflector in an expansion region of the rocket motor's nozzle. The flow deflector diverts flow of combustion products away from a safe region that is aft of the missile. The safe region protects an operator of a launcher used to fire the missile, such as a shoulder-fired launcher, from harm caused by the combustion products. The flow deflector may be small enough such that it does not significantly adversely affect the performance of the rocket motor. The presence of the flow diverter may allow for the rocket motor to be started sooner in the flight of the missile, or at a distance closer to the operator, while still keeping the operator safe. The flow deflector and supporting structure, such as struts, may be additively manufactured with at least an aft part of the nozzle, as a continuous single-piece part.

Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle includes at least one set of tandem divert thrusters incorporated into the body. Each set of tandem divert thrusters includes a first divert thruster and a second divert thruster, each configured to provide substantially equal thrust forces at substantially the same time and in substantially opposite directions such that the moment reference point lies between the first and second divert thrusters.

Abstract: An aeronautical vehicle includes at least one set of tandem divert thrusters incorporated into the body. Each set of tandem divert thrusters includes a first divert thruster and a second divert thruster, each configured to provide substantially equal thrust forces at substantially the same time and in substantially opposite directions such that the moment reference point lies between the first and second divert thrusters.