Abstract: A line cutter or discharge valve responsive to aircraft attitude is posited on an aircraft ejection seat to interrupt the gas initiated sustainer rocket system. During inverted ejections, the cutter or valve will either sever or discharge pressure from a tube which leads from the firing squib to the sustainer rocket. Preventing sustainer rocket ignition enhances inverted ejection survivability by reducing crew member velocity toward the ground, thereby lengthening the time available for parachute deployment.

Abstract: An aircraft ejection seat which seeks the upward vertical direction to ene safe ejection from inverted aircraft at low altitude. An attitude control processor processes signals from three-axis attitude sensors and controls servo valves which regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid to hydraulic actuators connected to a spherical rocket motor mounted on a two axis gimbal system.

Abstract: An aircraft ejection seat having pitch, roll, and yaw control. Two gimbal rocket motors are attached to an aircraft ejection seat. A servo control circuit rotates the rocket motors in response to command signals.

Abstract: An attitude reference system which uses microwave radiometry to sense the orientation of a vehicle. A fundamental fact of microwave radiometry is that more natural energy emanates from the earth than from the sky. The difference in energy, which is directly proportional to temperature, can be used to estimate attitudinal position. Microwave antennas mounted on an escape vehicle, such as an aircraft ejection seat, receive energy from different directions in a base plane and from a direction perpendicular to the base plane. Vehicle orientation relative to the earth is discerned by comparing the sensed radiometric temperature received from each antenna direction, and seat guidance equipment is programmed to steer the seat in a predefined direction based upon the radiometrically sensed orientation.

Abstract: A steerable rocket motor for towing a load or extracting an aircrew member rom a disabled aircraft, regardless of aircarft attitude or altitude. The rocket motor is formed from a hollow cylindrical thin walled casing containing a high burn rate propellant and having a plurality of rocket nozzles at one end. The rocket nozzles are positioned around the circumference of the rocket body and are angled to thrust outward and toward the load or aircrew member being towed. A thrust control proportions thrust among the plurality of nozzles for controlling the pitch and yaw of the rocket. Position and rate sensing apparatus informs the thrust control regarding rocket attitude to enable the rocket to steer a predefined desirable flight trafectory. One or more lines are attached to the rocket and are adapted to be fastened to the load or aircrew member being towed.

Abstract: A drogue parachute deployment system for an ejection seat comprises a dro parachute mounted in a bag on the seat, a rocket motor, and a tow line attached between the parachute and the rocket motor. Upon firing of the rocket motor, the bag is caused to rip and the parachute is deployed.

Abstract: A rocket powered escape vehicle is equipped with an electrostatic attitude ensing system which commands a rocket motor mounted in gimbals on the bottom of the vehicle to provide a vertically upward seeking escape from an aircraft independent of aircraft attitude.

Abstract: A rocket motor assembly for a rocket motor utilized for towing a load or racting an aircrew member from an aircraft. The rocket motor is formed in two separate sections, a casing portion and a unitary nozzle igniter housing portion. The nozzle and igniter housing portion has a circumferential portion that mates with the internal surface wall of the casing portion. A seal and fastener holds the housing in place whenever the rocket motor is assembled. A shackle secured to the igniter mechanism is fastened to a tow line extending to a load to be towed.

Abstract: An igniter mechanism for a rocket motor utilized for towing a load or extting an air crew member from a disabled aircraft. The mechanism operates whenever a sufficient force is exerted on the tow line to shear a pin allowing closure of the switch. Electrical energy coupled to the switch is conducted to a squib which ignites a charge to cause ignition of the rocket motor propellant. The electrical switch mechanism can only be actuated by a predetermined pulling force on the tow line thereby causing the electrical contacts to be brought positively together.

Abstract: An improved tow line and attachment apparatus for use with a rocket motor ilized in carrying a line, towing a load or extracting an aircrew member from a disabled aircraft. The tow or pendant line is attached to the rear end of a rocket motor adjacent its nozzles and sustains the load to be carried during powered flight. Flame and heat exiting from the nozzles during powered flight from the burning propellant can impinge a pendant line attached adjacent the nozzles. To prevent weakening or destruction of this portion of the tow line a silicone rubber envelope is fabricated around the line.