Abstract: An unmanned aircraft is equipped with a helium-cooled Brayton cycle nuclear reactor. Heated helium gas drives turbines which in turn rotate propellers to maintain the aircraft aloft for a protracted period of time. After the helium gas expands in the turbines, it is passed through a closed loop including radiator tubes which radiate waste heat from the helium gas to space. The cooled helium gas is returned through the closed loop for repeat of the Brayton cycle.

Abstract: The inlet of a jet engine is equipped with a pivotally displaceable deflector which becomes deployed when the aircraft is in a stalled, horizontally stabilized condition. As the aircraft undergoes vertical descent, vertically impinging airflow is reflected off the interior surface of the deflector and flows coaxially through the inlet thereby forcing continued rotation of turbine blades. Hydraulic and electronic control devices deriving power from the turbine may be maintained operative even though the aircraft is in a stalled condition, thereby permitting limited horizontal maneuvering of the aircraft as the vertical descent continues.

Abstract: An unfurlable sheet is normally stored within a hollowed fillet existing between the fuselage of an aircraft and a confronting edge of the aircraft wing. When the surface area of the wing is to be increased, the sheet is unfurled so that it becomes coplanar with the edge of the wing and the confronting surface of the fuselage. By unfurling the sheet during a "deep stall" condition, the downward vertical velocity of the aircraft may be appreciably diminished.

Abstract: An autophage rocket has its casing constructed from KEVLAR-epoxy material which is itself combustible and stores liquid propellant. As the propellant is consumed during flight, the casing is combusted so that the pressure within the casing remains constant. A secondary nozzle is mounted to the outlet end of the rocket and cooperates with a ram-rocket construction to achieve additional impulse. A multiplicity of rocket motors are fed from a single stage tank to enable controlled motion of the rocket.

Abstract: A manned space entry vehicle having pivotally mounted wings which remain stored during space travel and become deployed to a forward-swept configuration after entry in the atmosphere. A radar antenna is mounted in the forward portion of the wing so that it is protected from excessive heat when the wing remains in a stored position during early reentry into the atmosphere. When the wings are deployed, the radar antenna maintains an operative position. The mean aerodynamic center of the deployed wings is transversely aligned with the center of gravity of the vehicle so as to increase the stability of the vehicle. The basic vehicle shape is intended to produce the least reflective radar cross section as it passes over threatening areas in a nose down attitude.

Abstract: A giant column of air is employed to assist in the vertical take-off and landing of an aircraft. The column of air is forced through movable louvers which steer the aircraft on the air column. A pressure differential occurs on top of the air column so as to center an aircraft on the air column. In order to illuminate the air column, a salt spray is introduced into the column and a laser source resonates the crystals of the salt thereby causing energy to be radiated from the column which may be detected and displayed by an approaching aircraft.

Abstract: A vessel, vehicle or aircraft is self-equipped with means for producing and storing synthetic fuel generated from the synthesis of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. Energy for the synthetic fuel production is obtained from an on-board nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing synthetic hydrocarbons such as gasoline and/or kerosene from the synthesis of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is obtained from the atmosphere while the hydrogen is obtained during the electrolysis of water. An intermediate fuel, namely methyl alcohol may be stored for use or upgraded to higher heating value hydrocarbons by a catalytic conversion.

Abstract: A thermal detection and alarm system for indicating the irradiation of a surface by a heat source such as a laser beam has been invented. The detector element may form an integral portion of the vehicle's outer surface or may be parasitically mounted thereto. The proposed system is light weight, energy efficient, durable and highly sensitive. The invention is especially suited for use with Boron-Tungsten composite surfaces as found on aircraft and spacecraft.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing synthetic hydrocarbons such as gasoline and/or kerosene from the synthesis of carbon dioxide and hydrogen. The carbon dioxide is obtained from the atmosphere while the hydrogen is obtained during the electrolysis of water. An intermediate fuel, namely methyl alcohol may be stored for use or upgraded to higher heating value hydrocarbons by a catalytic conversion.

Abstract: A Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft that has a small stowage envelope made possible by articulation of the aircraft empennage and fuselage, the aircraft having propulsion units capable of providing in all attitudes of the empennage with respect to said fuselage engine wash of the empennage thereby insuring aircraft control without additional reaction stabilizing units.