Abstract: A collapsible arch bar for a water craft includes a pair of side arms pivotally attached to the gunnels on the water craft. A cover member is pivotally attached to the upper ends of the side arms allowing the arch bar to be collapsed rearwardly if the craft is approaching an overhead obstruction. An automated lifting means allows the water craft operator to automatically collapse and re-erect the arch bar, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention is an Adaptable Beam Lifter Element (ABLE) system for use in lifting and moving an assortment of military vehicles and containers in transit and storage. An ABLE device is generally a structure having a low-profile frame that contains hydraulic lift, maneuvering, and drive features that may readily be placed beneath or around vehicles or containers for desired movement in a confined space. By using ABLE devices, transported vehicles placed on ships or in other confined locations can be stowed very close together, while allowing vehicles to be retrieved easily and efficiently, without dedicating a vast amount of space for maneuvering. In some embodiments, multiple ABLEs may be ganged and slaved logically together to form a system to cooperatively lift and transport a variety of vehicles and containers including many types of military equipment.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for ground combat vehicles interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational ground combat vehicle. The combat effectiveness of a ground combat vehicle may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a ground combat vehicle. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operatively coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information therefrom, and at least one virtual simulation system. The system can further include either a virtual simulation system operatively coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a separate virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for advanced naval gun systems interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of a virtual representation of an operational advanced naval gun system. The combat effectiveness of an advanced naval gun system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of an advanced naval gun system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system also includes a user interface operatively connected to at least the computer system, for selectively inputting data into the causal network model and receiving information therefrom, and preferably at least one virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational weapon system. The combat effectiveness of a weapon system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a weapon system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operably coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information from the causal network model and at least one virtual simulation system. The system further includes either a virtual simulation system operably coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for advanced naval gun systems interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of a virtual representation of an operational advanced naval gun system. The combat effectiveness of an advanced naval gun system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of an advanced naval gun system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system also includes a user interface operatively connected to at least the computer system, for selectively inputting data into the causal network model and receiving information therefrom, and preferably at least one virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system for ground combat vehicles interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational ground combat vehicle. The combat effectiveness of a ground combat vehicle may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a ground combat vehicle. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operatively coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information therefrom, and at least one virtual simulation system. The system can further include either a virtual simulation system operatively coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a separate virtual simulation system.

Abstract: An integrated evaluation and simulation system interactively evaluates concept design decisions and design requirements in the context of an operational weapon system. The combat effectiveness of a weapon system may also be concurrently tested by virtual simulation. A computer system is programmed to implement a causal network model comprising an integrated collection of analysis models for creating a virtual representation of a weapon system. The integrated evaluation and simulation system includes a user interface operably coupled to at least the computer system to selectively input data into the causal network model and receive information from the causal network model and at least one virtual simulation system. The system further includes either a virtual simulation system operably coupled to the causal network model or, as part of the computer system, a virtual simulation system interface to communicate with a virtual simulation system.

Abstract: A transition fitting (16) for a high strength composite article (10) comprised of a matrixed skin (12) supported by and bonded to a core (14) to locate the same in an intended structural disposition subjecting the composite and fitting at or about a juncture thereof to bending and/or shear loads, comprising a profiled web (22) disposed within the composite article and a shank for fixturing the article, wherein the web includes a longitudinal aspect projecting into the core from the juncture to a tip of the web (26), a lateral aspect projecting across the core bounding the juncture, and a transverse aspect extending through the core; wherein the transverse aspect of the web tapers inwardly along the longitudinal direction of the web toward the tip and is dimensioned to provide load distribution to transfer structural loads from the composite to the fitting along a longitudinal force gradient having a minimum force value at the tip and a maximum force value at the shank, and yet further wherein the lateral aspe

Abstract: A structural external insulation for hypersonic missiles which reach speeds hat cause surface temperatures on the cylindrical shell structure to reach up to 3000.degree. F. for a period of time. The invention incorporates efficient high temperature insulation as an integral part of the composite shell manufacturing process (tape layup and/or filament winding).

Abstract: A radome assembly for an airframe and a method for attaching the assembly to an airframe are provided. The radome assembly comprises a ceramic shell with a polymeric transition section bonded thereto, which shell is adapted for mounting to a metal airframe. The transition section has a coefficient of thermal expansion intermediate between that of the ceramic shell and that of the metal airframe.The method of this invention comprises preloading the transition section in circumferential compression when the radome assembly is attached to the airframe.

Abstract: A missile having a forward warhead section. The missile warhead section iudes a skin for enclosing various missile components. The skin or shell of the warhead is comprised a plurality of pellets incorporated within the structural shell and forming a part thereof. The pellets are supported on a sheet explosive which is actuated to direct the pellets away from the missile body for impact with an incoming ICBM.