Abstract: Ignition current is conducted by a firing circuit through a firing pin to a rimer mixture retained by its cap within a cartridge case from which the cap is electrically separated by an insulator to effect primer ignition with reduced lock time by activation of a firing switch independently of the firing pin. Voltage for the firing circuit is derived from a battery, maintained in a charged condition by alternate voltage supply sources, and stored at an ignition firing level for a prolonged period of time to accommodate selective activation of the firing switch after the firing pin contacts the primer cap.

Abstract: Ignition current is conducted by a firing circuit through a firing pin to a rimer mixture retained by its cap within a cartridge case from which the cap is electrically separated by an insulator to effect primer ignition with reduced lock time by activation of a firing switch independently of the firing pin. Voltage for the firing circuit is derived from a battery, maintained in a charged condition by alternate voltage supply sources, and stored at an ignition firing level for a prolonged period of time to accommodate selective activation of the firing switch after the firing pin contacts the primer cap.

Abstract: Signal antennae are mounted on the casing wall between forward nose and r tail ends of an aerospace launched vehicle for radio communication through a radiation conducting sheath of plasma formed thereon by atmospheric ionization during descent of the vehicle along a non-gliding reentry path. The reentry path is maintained by vehicle guidance at a steep angle in response to data transmitted to the antennae through the radiation conducting sheath having a plasma content minimized by cooling which is thereby maintained in complete surrounding relation to the vehicle and modulated to enhance data transmission during the entire duration of vehicle descent.

Abstract: An elongated rod made of a shape memory alloy composition having selected eudoelastic properties, is deformed into a dimensionally compact coil for packaged storage under stress maintained by physical constraint. Upon selective removal of the constraint allowing shape recovery, a substantial increase in axial length of the rod occurs in order to improve its performance in various installations, including long rod penetrating projectiles.

Abstract: A method of bonding two carbon/carbon composite pieces or a carbon/carbon mposite piece and a graphite/aluminum metal matrix composite piece together by(1) forming a uniform coating of molten AgNO.sub.3 on the surfaces to be bonded at a temperature above the melting point of AgNO.sub.3 but below the decomposition temperature of AgNO.sub.3 ;(2) placing the molten AgNO.sub.3 coated surfaces to be bonded into contact with each other;(3) decomposing the molten AgNO.sub.3 to form a silver metal layer bonding the pieces together.If a graphite/aluminum metal matrix composite piece is being bonded, a silver diffusion step may be added at the end of the process to strengthen the silver bond to the metal cladding or metal matrix of the metal matrix composite piece.

Abstract: A process for producing high temperature, oxidation resistant silver metal oatings on carbon/carbon composite structures by coating the carbon/carbon surfaces with molten AgNO.sub.3 at a temperature above the melting point of AgNO.sub.3 but below the decomposition temperature of AgNO.sub.3, and then heating the resulting uniform coating of molten AgNO.sub.3 at a temperature of from the decomposition temperature of AgNO.sub.3 to about 700.degree. C. to decompose the molten AgNO.sub.3 and form a uniform coating of silver metal.

Abstract: An aluminum or aluminum alloy surface is coated with molten AgNO.sub.3, the ilver nitrate is decomposed (at about 450.degree. C.-550.degree. C.) leaving a thin layer of silver metal, and then an inter-diffusion layer of silver and aluminum is formed (at about 570.degree. C.-660.degree. C.). The treated surface can be soldered by conventional means.