Abstract: An optical window for a detection system and method of employing the same. In one embodiment, the detection system includes an optical window configured to internally channel external incident radiation to an exit surface for emission. The detection system also includes a detector oriented to receive emitted radiation from the exit surface.

Abstract: A wideband antenna with backlobe elimination in a confined space is disclosed. Backlobe elimination is by an array of electromagnetically conductive members disposed between the spiral element and the ground plane and almost contacting the ground plane so as to bleed a backlobe away from the spiral antenna to the ground plane. In one embodiment, the members are conical elements disposed between the spiral element and the ground plane of a spiral antenna such that the apexes of the conical elements almost contact the spiral element and the bases of the conical elements contact the ground plane. In some embodiments, other means may be employed to perform this function. In operation, conical elements bleed the backlobe of the signal away from the spiral element to the ground plane.

Abstract: A kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments. A projectile includes a body and a kinetic energy fragmenting warhead disposed in the body. The kinetic energy fragmenting warhead includes a penetrator, a plurality of fragments disposed about the penetrator, and a sleeve disposed about at least some of the plurality of fragments.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively affecting a launch trajectory of a projectile from a canister includes means for selectively positioning the projectile with respect to the canister and a sabot operably associated with the projectile and the means for selectively positioning the projectile. A projectile launch system includes a canister, a projectile disposed in the canister, and means for selectively positioning the projectile with respect to the canister. A method for affecting a launch trajectory of a projectile includes providing a canister and a projectile disposed in the canister and adjusting a position of the projectile with respect to the canister.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing the launch of a projectile from a canister includes a pusher plate disposed in the canister, the pusher plate having a sliding, sealing engagement with the canister to define a closed volume, the projectile being disposed in the canister and resting on the pusher plate; and means for generating exhaust gas into the closed volume to urge the pusher plate and the projectile toward an opening of the canister. The apparatus further includes means for directing exhaust gas to affect the trajectory of the projectile.

Abstract: An optical window for a detection system and method of employing the same. In one embodiment, the detection system includes an optical window configured to internally channel external incident radiation to an exit surface for emission. The detection system also includes a detector oriented to receive emitted radiation from the exit surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively affecting a launch trajectory of a projectile from a canister includes means for selectively positioning the projectile with respect to the canister and a sabot operably associated with the projectile and the means for selectively positioning the projectile. A projectile launch system includes a canister, a projectile disposed in the canister, and means for selectively positioning the projectile with respect to the canister. A method for affecting a launch trajectory of a projectile includes providing a canister and a projectile disposed in the canister and adjusting a position of the projectile with respect to the canister.

Abstract: A pusher plate assembly for launching a projectile includes a pusher plate, a pressure seal circumferentially extending about the pusher plate, a cage extending from an aft side of the pusher plate, and a plurality of propellant portions disposed in the cage. A projectile system includes a launching tube, a projectile disposed in the launching tube, a pusher plate assembly disposed between an aft end of the projectile and the launching tube, a fuze, a charge igniter operatively associated with the fuze and the plurality of propellant portions, and a retainer disposed within the launching tube proximate a mouth of the launching tube. The pusher plate assembly includes a pusher plate, a pressure seal circumferentially extending about the pusher plate to seal an annulus between the pusher plate and the launching tube, a cage extending from an aft side of the pusher plate, and a plurality of propellant portions disposed in the cage.