Abstract: An apparatus includes a slotted multi-nozzle grid with a plate having multiple elongated slotlettes through the plate. Each of at least some of the slotlettes has a convergent input, a divergent output, and a narrower throat portion separating the convergent input and the divergent output. At least some of the slotlettes are arranged in multiple rows. The plate further includes multiple cooling channels through the plate. At least some of the cooling channels are located between the rows of slotlettes. Each cooling channel is configured to transport coolant through the plate in order to cool the plate, such as to cool the plate as hot combustion gases pass through the plate. Each of at least some of the rows may include at least two slotlettes, and two adjacent slotlettes in one row may be separated by a structural ligament (which may have a tear-drop cross-sectional shape).

Abstract: An apparatus includes a slotted multi-nozzle grid with a plate having multiple elongated slotlettes through the plate. Each of at least some of the slotlettes has a convergent input, a divergent output, and a narrower throat portion separating the convergent input and the divergent output. At least some of the slotlettes are arranged in multiple rows. The plate further includes multiple cooling channels through the plate. At least some of the cooling channels are located between the rows of slotlettes. Each cooling channel is configured to transport coolant through the plate in order to cool the plate, such as to cool the plate as hot combustion gases pass through the plate. Each of at least some of the rows may include at least two slotlettes, and two adjacent slotlettes in one row may be separated by a structural ligament (which may have a tear-drop cross-sectional shape).

Abstract: A rocket multi-nozzle grid assembly includes an insulator grid, a plurality of refractory nozzle fittings and a grid support plate. The grid support plate braces the plurality of refractory nozzle fittings and the insulator grid. The insulator grid includes insulator orifices, each of the nozzle fittings includes a fitting orifice and the grid support plate includes a plurality of plate orifices. The rocket multi-nozzle grid assembly includes a plurality nozzles. Each nozzle includes a plate orifice aligned with one insulator orifice and one fitting orifice. Exhaust gases are directed through the plurality of nozzles. The multi-nozzle grid assembly substantially maintains its surface area throughout operation of a rocket motor.

Abstract: A rocket multi-nozzle grid assembly includes an insulator grid, a plurality of refractory nozzle fittings and a grid support plate. The grid support plate braces the plurality of refractory nozzle fittings and the insulator grid. The insulator grid includes insulator orifices, each of the nozzle fittings includes a fitting orifice and the grid support plate includes a plurality of plate orifices. The rocket multi-nozzle grid assembly includes a plurality nozzles. Each nozzle includes a plate orifice aligned with one insulator orifice and one fitting orifice. Exhaust gases are directed through the plurality of nozzles. The multi-nozzle grid assembly substantially maintains its surface area throughout operation of a rocket motor. In one example, the surface area is maintained through ablation of the insulator grid. In another example, the surface area is maintained through cooling of the plurality of nozzle fittings with the ablated fragments passing through the nozzles.

Abstract: A propulsion system, such as for use in a missile, includes a multinozzle grid having a pair of plates that are separably mechanically coupled together. When coupled together in a first configuration, the plates provide multiple nozzles in a first nozzle configuration (geometry). Separation of the plates, such as by separating an aft plate from a forward plate that remains with the missile, reconfigures the multinozzle grid to a second configuration that has nozzles in a second nozzle configuration (geometry). The nozzle configurations may be suitable for different types of propulsion mechanisms. The hybrid propulsion system utilizing the multinozzle grid may include a pair of pressurized gas sources, for example a solid rocket fuel and a combustion chamber for a ramjet.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes a canted multinozzle plate, which has a multitude of small nozzles angled (not perpendicular) to major surfaces of the multinozzle grid plate. The multinozzle plate may be a cylindrical section or plate, and the multitude of nozzles may be substantially axisymmetric about the cylindrical plate. The propulsion system includes a pressurized gas source which may be placed either forward or aft of the multinozzle grid plate. The propulsion system may have a conical insert, an internal flow separator cone, to aid in changing directions of flow from the pressurized gas source, to divert the flow through the multiple nozzles.

Abstract: A propulsion system includes a canted multinozzle plate, which has a multitude of small nozzles angled (not perpendicular) to major surfaces of the multinozzle grid plate. The multinozzle plate may be a cylindrical section or plate, and the multitude of nozzles may be substantially axisymmetric about the cylindrical plate. The propulsion system includes a pressurized gas source which may be placed either forward or aft of the multinozzle grid plate. The propulsion system may have a conical insert, an internal flow separator cone, to aid in changing directions of flow from the pressurized gas source, to divert the flow through the multiple nozzles.

Abstract: A propulsion system, such as for use in a missile, includes a multinozzle grid having a pair of plates that are separably mechanically coupled together. When coupled together in a first configuration, the plates provide multiple nozzles in a first nozzle configuration (geometry). Separation of the plates, such as by separating an aft plate from a forward plate that remains with the missile, reconfigures the multinozzle grid to a second configuration that has nozzles in a second nozzle configuration (geometry). The nozzle configurations may be suitable for different types of propulsion mechanisms. The hybrid propulsion system utilizing the multinozzle grid may include a pair of pressurized gas sources, for example a solid rocket fuel and a combustion chamber for a ramjet.

Abstract: A missile includes a control system having divert and attitude control system thrusters with control valves. Each of the control valves has a nozzle plate having a plurality of small nozzles therein. The nozzle plate includes a pair of portions, one of which is rotatable relative to the other. Control of flow through the nozzle plate may be effected by relative positioning of the portions of the nozzle plate. An upstream convergent portion of the nozzle plate may be fixed relative to the missile, with a downstream throat and/or divergent portion of the nozzle plate moveable. Movement of the movable portion of the nozzle plate may be accomplished by use of an actuator that is external to the missile body. The control valve provides a simple, lightweight and compact way of controlling flow from a divert thruster.

Abstract: A missile includes a tail section having a multi-nozzle grid with both fixed nozzlettes, and movable, thrust vector nozzlettes. The movable nozzlettes may be configured in a number of discrete array bars, each containing multiple of the movable nozzlettes. Movement of one or more array bars may be used to vector the thrust of the missile, providing roll, yaw, or spinning of the missile, for example.

Abstract: A jet vane control system and method for a missile in which the system is compact, rugged, lightweight and detachably connected to the aft end of a missile. The system provides for very quick pitch over and roll control during launch. The system then detaches from the missile so as not to burden the missile during its flight to target. The vanes of the system are divided into quadrants, each having its own, mounting support and gear train assembly. Each vane is also connected through a, detachable coupling to the steering control system of the missile such that actuation of the steering control system simultaneously actuates the jet vane control system.

Abstract: A mechanism locking and controllably releasing two space vehicles along a preselected separation axis. The mechanism including a mechanical lock/release and a spring separation device that controllably forces the two space vehicles apart. An electrical interconnect maintains electrical communication between the two space vehicles when locked together. The two space vehicles can be reliably separated by activating a single disengagement actuator.