Abstract: A system for restraining one or more control surfaces of a tactical flight vehicle includes a retaining frame secured at an aft end of the tactical flight vehicle and a cover plate releasably coupled to the retaining frame with a resilient lock ring. The resilient lock ring is disposed between the retaining frame and the cover plate and is deformable between a locking configuration and an unlocking configuration. A control surface restraining ring is releasably coupled to the cover plate and has control surface restraints configured to engage respective control surfaces. The resilient lock ring is configured to deform from the locking configuration to the unlocking configuration upon a launch of the tactical flight vehicle such that the cover plate becomes uncoupled from the retaining frame and may be jettisoned from the tactical flight vehicle after the launch.

Abstract: A control surface restraining system for variably restraining a control surface on a flight vehicle includes a passively triggered and manually movable control surface restraint for keeping the control surface aligned along a longitudinal axis of the flight vehicle, while allowing for temporary control surface rotation during handling and loading. The control surface restraining system allows the control surfaces to be manually rotated out of and back to the “zero position” (i.e., aligned along the longitudinal axis) for loading the flight vehicle with a common load strap, and thereafter maintained in the “zero position” until launch for proper control actuation system initialization. Upon launch, the control surface restraining system is passively actuated for releasing the control surface, requiring no active stimulus from the guidance section, power, or associated wiring, therefore saving critical space and volume within the tactical flight vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method of thermal management of electrical and electronic systems and components that adequately maintains the temperatures of the system electronics and electrical devices within reliable limits during various postulated system malfunctions. The system and method use a phase change material (PCM). In at least some embodiments, the PCM is disposed such that, if a flow of coolant ceases when primary and backup control circuits are energized, primary control circuit temperature will exceed a predetermined temperature within a first time period after the flow of coolant ceases, and backup control circuit temperature will exceed the predetermined temperature a second time period, which is greater than the first time period, after the flow of coolant ceases.

Abstract: A system and method of thermal management of electrical and electronic systems and components that adequately maintains the temperatures of the system electronics and electrical devices within reliable limits during various postulated system malfunctions. The system and method use a phase change material (PCM). In at least some embodiments, the PCM is disposed such that, if a flow of coolant ceases when primary and backup control circuits are energized, primary control circuit temperature will exceed a predetermined temperature within a first time period after the flow of coolant ceases, and backup control circuit temperature will exceed the predetermined temperature a second time period, which is greater than the first time period, after the flow of coolant ceases.

Abstract: A passive thermal actuator is used to control the position of a vent door mounted on an enclosure, to thereby selectively permit cooling air flow to one or more electronic units disposed within the enclosure. The passive thermal actuator is coupled to the vent door, is at least thermally coupled the electronics unit, and is comprised at least partially of a material, such as a shape memory alloy (SMA), that has a shape or volume that varies with electronics unit temperature variations. The passive thermal actuator, in response to the electronics unit temperature variations, selectively moves the vent door between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: A passive thermal switch assembly simply, easily, and inexpensively controls electronic system component temperatures within normal operating ranges during normal system operations, and reduces heat dissipation from the system during a cold startup, to thereby enable a relatively rapid component temperature rise. The passive thermal switch includes a heat pipe and a thermally activated switch coupled to the condenser end of the heat pipe. The switch thermally couples and decouples the heat pipe from a heat sink based on the temperature of a contact within the switch.

Abstract: An improved air outflow valve having a cable assembly that enhances its reliability. In a particular embodiment, the cable assembly couples the diaphragm to the control arm of the air outflow valve and includes a retainer and a cable. The retainer has a cavity to slidingly accept the end of the cable when the valve is operated in a manual mode. Thus, bending or kinking of the cable is substantially inhibited or prevented, resulting in improved valve reliability. The improved cable assembly also is available as a retrofit kit and a method of retrofitting an existing valve is also provided.

Abstract: An improved air outflow valve having a cable assembly that enhances its reliability. In a particular embodiment, the cable assembly couples the diaphragm to the control arm of the air outflow valve and includes a retainer and a cable. The retainer has a cavity to slidingly accept the end of the cable when the valve is operated in a manual mode. Thus, bending or kinking of the cable is substantially inhibited or prevented, resulting in improved valve reliability. The improved cable assembly also is available as a retrofit kit and a method of retrofitting an existing valve is also provided.