Abstract: A flow deflector for an aerial vehicle system has a flow deflector body, a clip arranged in an interior of the flow deflector body, and a spring within the clip. The flow deflector body includes a first portion at a forward end shaped to engage a surface of an aerial vehicle body and a second portion at an aft end shaped to engage a surface of a booster engine. The flow deflector body can include a plurality of body segments arranged to form the flow deflector body. The clip may be configured to fit around and engage a portion of an aft flange of the aerial vehicle body. The spring can be preloaded and arranged to press on the aft flange when the clip engages the portion of the aft flange.

Abstract: A flow deflector for an aerial vehicle system has a flow deflector body, a clip arranged in an interior of the flow deflector body, and a spring within the clip. The flow deflector body includes a first portion at a forward end shaped to engage a surface of an aerial vehicle body and a second portion at an aft end shaped to engage a surface of a booster engine. The flow deflector body can include a plurality of body segments arranged to form the flow deflector body. The clip may be configured to fit around and engage a portion of an aft flange of the aerial vehicle body. The spring can be preloaded and arranged to press on the aft flange when the clip engages the portion of the aft flange.

Abstract: An expandable liquid tank device is secured to a vehicle to provided externally pressurized fuel to the fuel system of the vehicle. The tank can comprise an outer bladder containing a flexible inner bladder. An end plate can secure the bladders to the vehicle. Upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder, the outer bladder expands and conforms to a tank region of the vehicle. The outer bladder (a pliable material) transitions from a flexible state to a semi-rigid or substantially rigid state upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder. To provide pressurized fuel to the vehicle, pressurized gas is injected between the bladders, which exert pressure against the flexible inner bladder to dispense the fuel through the end plate and to the fuel system. A method of making the tank and dispensing fuel is provided.

Abstract: A tube to bulkhead joint is provided. The joint includes a bulkhead defining an aperture and comprising an interior facing sidewall at the aperture, a tubular element, which is insertible into the aperture, the tubular element including an end sized to fit into the aperture and slotted to form multiple deflectable fingers, and adhesive disposable between at least the multiple deflectable fingers and the interior facing sidewall of the aperture.

Abstract: An expandable liquid tank device is secured to a vehicle to provided externally pressurized fuel to the fuel system of the vehicle. The tank can comprise an outer bladder containing a flexible inner bladder. An end plate can secure the bladders to the vehicle. Upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder, the outer bladder expands and conforms to a tank region of the vehicle. The outer bladder (a pliable material) transitions from a flexible state to a semi-rigid or substantially rigid state upon depositing fuel into the flexible inner bladder. To provide pressurized fuel to the vehicle, pressurized gas is injected between the bladders, which exert pressure against the flexible inner bladder to dispense the fuel through the end plate and to the fuel system. A method of making the tank and dispensing fuel is provided.

Abstract: A tube to bulkhead joint is provided. The joint includes a bulkhead defining an aperture and comprising an interior facing sidewall at the aperture, a tubular element, which is insertible into the aperture, the tubular element including an end sized to fit into the aperture and slotted to form multiple deflectable fingers, and adhesive disposable between at least the multiple deflectable fingers and the interior facing sidewall of the aperture.