Abstract: A control mechanism pins an optical fiber assembly on and off gimbal and between gimbals to route the assembly from an off-gimbal optical source across the gimbal axis/axes to an on-gimbal optical element so that the fiber assembly moves with the rotation of the gimbals. To accommodate a relatively large range of motion, the control mechanism is suitably configured to route the fiber assembly in a “U-shaped” loop with one end pinned off-gimbal in a stationary guide track and the other end pinned on-gimbal point in a rotating guide track so that the loose fiber assembly is constrained in the concentric tracks on and off gimbal. As the gimbal rotates, the loop seats onto one guiding track and peels off of the other guiding track while always maintaining its U shape.

Abstract: A ceramic element, e.g., a sapphire dome, is joined to a metallic element, e.g., a vehicle body comprising a titanium alloy, by an attachment structure, e.g., comprising niobium. The attachment structure comprises: (1) a form-factored, compliant metallic transition element having a “C” shape; (2) a first joint material connecting an upper portion of the transition element to the ceramic element; and (3) a second joint material connecting a lower portion of the transition element to the metallic element. A method is provided for attaching the ceramic element to the metallic element, using a single brazing operation. The presence of the attachment structure further minimizes the stresses related to the different coefficients of thermal expansion in the ceramic/attachment/titanium connection.

Abstract: A missile has a body with a substantially circular nose opening therein, and a ceramic radome sized to cover the nose opening. A compliant metallic circular transition element is disposed structurally between the radome and the body. The transition element includes an elongated compliant arm region and an upper crossbar region positioned adjacent to the radome such that the lower margin surface of the radome is adjacent to an upper side of the crossbar region. A brazed butt joint is formed between the lower margin surface of the radome and the upper side of the crossbar region of the transition element. A second brazed butt joint is formed between the vehicle body and the lower side of a lower crossbar region joined to the arm region. The brazed joints are formed with a single active braze alloy which permits the entire joining operation to be accomplished in a single furnace cycle.

Abstract: A missile has a body with a substantially circular nose opening therein, and a ceramic radome sized to cover the nose opening. A compliant metallic circular transition element is disposed structurally between the radome and the body. The transition element includes an elongated compliant arm region and a crossbar region positioned adjacent to the radome such that a lower margin surface of the radome rests against an upper side of the crossbar region. A brazed butt joint is formed between the lower margin surface of the radome and the upper side of the crossbar region of the transition element. A second brazed lap joint is formed between the vehicle body and the elongated compliant arm of the transition element.

Abstract: A vehicle having a ceramic radome includes a vehicle body having an opening therein, a ceramic radome sized to cover the opening of the vehicle body, and an attachment structure joining the radome to the vehicle body to cover the opening. The attachment structure has a substantially cylindrically symmetric compliant metallic transition element disposed structurally between the radome and the body. The radome is joined to a first end of the transition element by a first brazed butt-joint. A primary seal is disposed between the transition element and the vehicle body. A spanner nut overlies the transition element and has a first engagement to the transition element. A threaded engagement between the spanner nut and the vehicle body allows the radome/transition element assembly to be attached and tightened to the vehicle body and to be later removed.