Abstract: A variable camber wing for mounting to a vehicle chassis has an actuator shaft and a static pin extending from the chassis. The wing's nose segment defines a proximal edge and a distal edge and has a channel therethrough between the proximal and distal edges, an arcuate aperture therethrough aft of the channel, and a second aperture therethrough aft of the arcuate aperture. The wing has a first linkage defining a clevis on a proximal end and hingeably connected to the nose segment. The clevis can rotatably engage with the static pin extending through the arcuate aperture. A second linkage defines a second clevis on a proximal end and a distal edge. The second linkage is configured to hingeably connect to the first linkage.

Abstract: A variable camber wing for mounting to a vehicle chassis has an actuator shaft and a static pin extending from the chassis. The wing's nose segment defines a proximal edge and a distal edge and has a channel therethrough between the proximal and distal edges, an arcuate aperture therethrough aft of the channel, and a second aperture therethrough aft of the arcuate aperture. The wing has a first linkage defining a clevis on a proximal end and hingeably connected to the nose segment. The clevis can rotatably engage with the static pin extending through the arcuate aperture. A second linkage defines a second clevis on a proximal end and a distal edge. The second linkage is configured to hingeably connect to the first linkage.

Abstract: A system for gas extraction is provided with a flap valve coupled to a bore with a pivot axis offset from an axis of the bore. The valve includes a higher mass on a shorter side of the pivot axis. A valve surface on the shorter side is inclined above a horizontal plane when the valve closes. The valve opens during liquid and gas flow to extract gas from the flow. As liquid flows over the valve, the valve is forced to close. The center of gravity of the valve relative to the offset pivot point ensures that the valve remains closed during liquid flow. As gas flows over the valve, closing forces are reduced and under internal vacuum, the mass distribution about the offset pivot axis allows the flap of the valve to tilt; opening the valve and allowing gas to enter the bore.

Abstract: A variable camber wing for mounting to a vehicle chassis has an actuator shaft and a static pin extending from the chassis. The wing's nose segment defines a proximal edge and a distal edge and has a channel therethrough between the proximal and distal edges, an arcuate aperture therethrough aft of the channel, and a second aperture therethrough aft of the arcuate aperture. The wing has a first linkage defining a clevis on a proximal end and hingeably connected to the nose segment. The clevis can rotatably engage with the static pin extending through the arcuate aperture. A second linkage defines a second clevis on a proximal end and a distal edge. The second linkage is configured to hingeably connect to the first linkage.

Abstract: An inflatable launch and recovery system for a towed body is provided. The system is containerized for ease of transport. A container houses a tow body, tow cable, a winch, winch controls, an inflatable ramp, deployment and retrieval equipment, power junctions and air line connections. Inflatable arch shaped tubes and spacer fabric form the ramp structure from which the tow body can be launched and recovered. The ramp can be ballasted to provide hydrodynamic stability and to provide sufficient system depth to accommodate retrieval of towed bodies operating below a liquid medium surface. Additional control can be achieved using inflatable or rigid fin elements or downward lifting surfaces. A rigid clamping fixture connects the ramp structure to the vessel. A snubber element dampens vibrations and transient tow loads.

Abstract: A vehicle recovery system is provided which includes a capture device having a body with two arms defining an open ended cavity with a shaft attached to and between each of the arms and extending through the cavity. A tow line is attached to the body opposite the cavity and a buoyant member disposed in the cavity and rotatable around the shaft. A plurality of capture loops disposed within the cavity are rotatable with the buoyant member and define closed loops with the buoyant member. A spring-loaded towing latch is attached to the vehicle to be recovered. The latch includes a hook having a first open position and a second closed position. The hook is moveable from the first position to the second position under action of a biasing spring upon engagement of one of the capture loops over the hook.

Abstract: The mechanism of the present invention maneuvers a vehicle by deflecting the flow from a propulsor of the vehicle. The mechanism has an elastomeric nozzle that encases the flow and is deflected via an articulation device mountable inside the vehicle. The nozzle is shaped and supported by spiral-wound composite to maintain a circular cross-section through a range of motion. An end of the nozzle is attached to the shroud of the propulsor and another end is supported by a ring with support struts radiating from a hub. The hub is supported by a shaft attached to a gimbal. The gimbal is constrained in movement by an outer race and an anti-rotation stud in a radial slot in a ball of the gimbal. A linkage as part of an articulation device controls rotation of the gimbal to direct movement of the shaft and enclosed nozzle thereby deflecting flow of the propulsor.

Abstract: A launch tube system has two concentric sleeves. An inner sleeve having holes formed therethrough defines a launch tube, and an outer sleeve surrounds the inner sleeve and is spaced apart therefrom. One or more flexible bladders are disposed between the inner outer sleeves. When filled with fluid, the flexible bladder(s) expands and extends into and through the holes and into confines of the inner sleeve to thereby form shock isolation for a projectile housed in the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a measurement probe proximate a test body disposed for a fluid tunnel test includes a frame having a forward frame portion for attachment to a fluid flow tunnel fluid outlet, an aft frame portion aligned with the forward frame portion, and axial support members interconnecting the forward and aft frame portions. The assembly further includes a probe mount portion having a base slidably mounted on one or more of the axial support members, a probe supporting strut mounted on the base, and a probe mounted in the strut and movable in directions radially of the frame, and a probe moving member for moving the probe radially inwardly and outwardly of the frame portions.