Abstract: There is disclosed an improved upper-stage rocket motor/engine assembly of the type which comprises in combination with the basic rocket engine/motor and rigid or fixed nozzle thereof one or more telescoping nestible-extendible truncated cone-shaped collars of rigid structural form, and a further deployable perimetrically attached skirt formed of sheet metal or the like which is pleat-folded inwardly from an initial truncated cone-shaped configuration into a generally planar configuration. The assembly when inoperative is stowed within the basic engine/motor and nozzle profile; but in association with engine/motor firing the extendible components thereof are progressively deployed in accord with an improved technique to provide the desired extended length and plume exiting diameter/area nozzle effect.

Abstract: A skirt-like device attached to the exit end of a rocket engine nozzle is fabricated of thin sheet heat resistant metal; which when extended in operative condition is in frustoconical form, but which prior to engine firing is pleat-folded inwardly into a stowed position relative to the exit end of the rocket engine nozzle. Thus, prior to engine firing the device adds little or nothing to the engine/nozzle occupancy space; but incident to engine firing the device deploys to provide an effective engine nozzle/skirt combination of increased length and exit diameter/area; said combination having an inner surface of constant slope.

Abstract: A skirt-like device attached to the exit end of a rocket engine nozzle is fabricated of thin sheet heat resistant metal; which when extended in operative condition is in frustoconical form, but which prior to engine firing is pleat-folded inwardly into a stowed position relative to the exit end of the rocket engine nozzle. Thus, prior to engine firing the device adds little or nothing to the engine/nozzle occupancy space; but incident to engine firing the device deploys to provide an effective engine nozzle/skirt combination of increased length and exit diameter/area; such combination having an inner surface of constant slope.

Abstract: A diaphragm adapted for use in a positive expulsion tank is subjected to a pre-rolling operation prior to installation within a tank in order to provide for improved diaphragm rolling characteristics during a subsequent expulsion operation.

Abstract: A skirt-like device attached to the exit end of a rocket engine nozzle is fabricated of thin sheet heat resistant metal; which when extended in operative condition is in frusto-conical form, but which prior to engine firing is pleat-folded inwardly into a stowed position relative to the exit end of the rocket engine nozzle. Thus, prior to engine firing the device adds little or nothing to the engine/nozzle occupancy space; but incident to engine firing the device deploys to provide an effective engine nozzle/skirt combination of increased length and exit diameter/area; the combination having an inner surface of constant slope.