Abstract: A method of safely detoxifying mustard gases comprises reacting the gases a first reaction with incandescent pyrophoric metallic powder compounded in specific formulation. A second reaction enhances the neutralization of the toxicity of the mustard gases by thermal pyrolysis or deflagration. To accomplish the basic reaction which results in formation of thiacyclopentane, aluminum powder which is a preferred incandescent, pyrophoric metallic powder, is compounded in a basic formulation of aluminum powder, a binder, a curing agent, oxidizing agent, and burn rate catalyst. Examples of detoxification formulation which accomplishes the first reaction as well as a second reaction which enhances the neutralization of the toxicity of the mustard gases or toxic chemical agents by thermal pyrolysis or deflagration are shown under Table II and Table III.

Abstract: An explosive projectile comprises a casing, having a neck shaped portion adjacent to the opening, a female screw thread being formed in the internal wall of the neck shaped portion, and a region of increased average internal diameter in its inner wall beyond the screw thread, a charge of high explosive material partially filling the space inside the casing, and a case located between the charge and the neck shaped portion the case defining a detonation device cavity, the case being made of a malleable material and being swaged into the neck shaped portion and into part of the region of the internal wall of the casing which has an increased average internal diameter.

Abstract: Droppable or air-delivered ammunition, especially ammunition which is adapted to lie in-wait or in a lurking condition, and which includes a parachute and with a device for clearing away the parachute subsequent to being deposited on the ground.

Abstract: A rotary cam load positioning apparatus has a base, a bottom cam rotatably mounted on the base, and a top cam rotatably mounted on the bottom cam. The rotary cams have cylindrical wedge-shaped configurations with respective upper and lower surfaces disposed in inclined relation to one another. Thus, rotation of the top cam relative to the bottom cam will produce a change in the elevation position of a load supported on the upper surface of the top cam relative to the base, whereas rotation of both top and bottom cams together will produce a change in the azimuth position of the load supported on the upper surface of the top cam relative to the base.

Abstract: A device for the impervious sealing of a structure, for example a munitions compartment of a rocket, is disclosed. This device comprises an elastic shaped section inside which the edge of the structure and rim of a lid are imperviously embedded. This device further has means for thrusting the lid outwards from the structure. This thrust pushes the rim and/or the edge out of the shaped section through the deformation of this elastic shaped section, and causes the total expulsion of lid. When the device is fitted into a rocket, the moving away of the rim modifies the aerodynamic drag coefficient (Cx) of the rocket. This difference in Cx causes the total expulsion of the lid and thus causes the structure to be opened.

Abstract: A dome and window for missiles and launch tubes is provided having high ultraviolet transmittance and high strength properties. The domes and windows have, in their uncoated state, and with a thickness of about 1.88 mm, a transmittance greater than about 80%, preferably greater than about 82%, and more preferably greater than about 85%, at a wavelength of 0.4 microns to 0.5 microns. The domes and windows preferably have a transmittance per 1.88 mm thickness at all wavelengths in the wavelength range between 3.0 microns and 4.0 microns of at least about 81%. The domes and windows have a flexural strength of at least about 20,000 psi and a knoop hardness of at least about 1350 kg mm.sup.-2. The domes and windows are formed of a transparent, sintered polycrystalline magnesia-alumina spinel.

Abstract: The present invention is an ordnance fuze power source assembled from commercially available cells to form, fit and function in place of the lead/lead dioxide/fluboric acid spin activated reserve batteries now used by the Army and the Navy. Specifically, direct replacements for the U.S. Army HDL P/N 11744726 and 5058639 power sources were made using a series connection of commercially produced lithium anode cells in series with an acceleration activated switch supported in an epoxy matrix. However, the invention is applicable to other fuze power sources as well. Adoption of this invention by the armed forces will ease the logistics burden at the onset of a national emergency by providing a readily available supply of fuze batteries.

Abstract: A configuration of an electronics unit is disclosed wherein a plurality of circular circuit cards are arranged in an aligned, parallel relationship. Each card has a central circular inner opening formed therein. A plurality of inner and outer spacer elements support the respective inner and outer peripheries of the cards. The conductive patterns on the cards include a plurality of conductive pads arranged around the inner and outer peripheries of the cards. Circular metal-on-elastomer inner and outer connectors engage respective one of the inner and outer spacers, and the metal traces of the connectors make electrical contact with aligned conductive pads of adjacent cards. The unit includes a cover structure which envelopes the circuit card configuration to form a sealed unit, and an electrically insulating coolant liquid is disposed in the sealed unit in direct contact with the circuit cards and electrical components mounted thereon to absorb heat generated by electrical power dissipation.

Abstract: A configuration of an electronics unit is disclosed wherein a plurality of circular circuit cards are arranged in an aligned, parallel relationship. Each card has a central circular inner opening formed therein. A plurality of inner and outer spacer elements support the respective inner and outer peripheries of the cards. The conductive patterns on the cards include a plurality of conductive pads arranged around the inner and outer peripheries of the cards. Circular metal-on-elastomer inner and outer connectors engage respective one of the inner and outer spacers, and the metal traces of the connectors make electrical contact with aligned conductive pads of adjacent cards. The unit includes a cover structure which envelopes the circuit card configuration to form a sealed unit, and an electrically insulating coolant liquid is disposed in the sealed unit in direct contact with the circuit cards and electrical components mounted thereon to absorb heat generated by electrical power dissipation.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking safe areas in an explosive hazard environment such s a minefield. The marking apparatus is carried and deposited into a minefield with explosive cloud forming fuel. When the explosive cloud is set off, mines under the cloud are exploded by the overpressure which simultaneously activates a timer securing the apparatus lid. The lid is pushed away by the spring-like, coiled telescoping members which then fully extend beyond the apparatus housing. The tapered ends of each extended telescoping member bear an electroluminescent light stick for nighttime apparatus and location marking, and a member length flag for daytime marking.

Abstract: A self-contained supplemental guidance module for use with projectile weapons having a connected body and payload in attachable to the weapon between the body and payload, and includes self-contained power supply, inertial sensors and a plurality of incremental charges angularly spaced around an outer periphery of the module. A control processor in the module is operable responsive to the position of the module as detected by the sensors to calculate deviation of the projectile from a nominal flight path, taking gravity into account, and to detonate individual incremental charges when deviation exceeds a threshold and the incremental charge is in position to reduce the deviation. The supplemental guidance module is particularly applicable to barrage rockets, and includes a multi-level safe-and-arm apparatus initiating operation with sufficient axial thrust and disabling operation in the event of loss of sensor signals.

Abstract: A security container, or case for the storage of valuable materials such as documents, credit cards, etc.

Abstract: An in-flight jettisonable protective cover device for protecting fragile, accurate, radomes or signal-responsive components for the major portion of a flight which is capable of being jettisoned in one piece at supersonic speeds from a guided missile, other air vehicles, or space vehicles. The cover device is for use, for example, in combination with a guided missile having a shell structure, a nose portion, and a radome in the missile nose. The cover device is attached to the missile nose for covering the radome such that an inner space is defined. A plurality of shear pins or other quick-release mechanisms attach and retain the cover device to the missile shell. A source of low pressure gas pressurizes the inner space to approximately 50 psi. A rapid-discharging, high pressure gas cartridge produces a high pressure gas for exerting a pressure force on the aft face of the cover device.

Abstract: An improved hypersonic aerodynamic configuration which has a nose portion and cavity formed at the bow of the nose portion. An optical window arrangement is provided at the base of the cavity such that during flight, temperatures at the optical window are reduced as a result of maintaining the cavity substantially within a subsonic region of the bowshock. The cavity can be gas pressurized in order to maintain a stable pressure and reduce the amplitude of shock oscillations in front of the cavity produced by movement of the bowshock. The cavity configuration also achieves a reduction in optical aberrations about the optical window by maintaining a line of sight near normal to the bowshock. The cavity also produces reduced heat and turbulence about the optical window compared to a window location equidistant from the nose to the side of the cone.

Abstract: An arrangement of modular supporting structure or subassemblies constituted of interconnected circuit boards, especially for the assembly of a complex processing circuit in articles of ammunition possessing a search fuze or in airborne target-tracking bodies. The structures or modular subassemblies of the type considered herein consist of circuit boards arranged in a succession, in which between respectively two adjacent circuit boards, there are formed a series of optronic intersecting connections between coupling elements, wherein in the operational positioning of the circuit boards, a transmitting diode and a receiving detector are arranged opposite each other, which are connected with a multiplexer or, respectively, a demultiplexer.

Abstract: A combustible coating for providing a delay barrier to intrusion into an object. The coating contains a source of fuel as a metal and/or a polymer and a source of oxygen such as an oxidizer. The coating is ignitable at a temperature in excess of about 300.degree. C., during combustion is resistant to the effects of common fire extinguishing materials, and is capable of sustaining combustion for at least five minutes with a burn rate of no more than about six inches per minute.

Abstract: A missile body and related method for producing a missile body comprising a plurality of coaxially disposed contiguous body sections wherein each body section is a structure having a cross-sectional configuration corresponding to a respective cross section of the missile body, means for fixedly attaching the contiguous body sections together axially to form a hull, and an outer skin physically engaging the hull and constituting the outer skin of the missile body.

Abstract: A manual activation device (10) includes a support element (40) and a lever (42) having a cam surface (80) which contacts a ball (38) carried in a cap (36) mounted at one end of a reserve battery (17). Activation of the battery (17) is accomplished by rotating the lever (42) about a pivot pin (59) in the support element (40), causing the cam surface (80) to drive the ball (38) into the battery (17) and break the ampule (24) within the battery (17). The lever (42) is preferably mounted on the pivot pin (59) by means of a slotted bearing surface (82) which enables the lever (42) to be removed from the support element (40) only after the ampule (24) has been broken. In addition, when the device is used in a Pursuit Deterrent Munition (PDM) (12), the lever (42) may be connected to the safety pin (18) and the shorting bar (20) of the munition (12), causing both of those elements to be withdrawn when the lever (42) is pivoted.

Abstract: A plurality of pan-shaped beams and supports of graphite/epoxy laminate mrial are mounted on a circular graphite/epoxy aft panel to form a symmetrical structure which is attached to the missile shell. Four main stiffening beams intersect at right angles to form a central square structure with the intersecting walls extending outward beyond the central square to the missile shell. Four diagonal stiffening beams are disposed across the corners within the central square to form a central hexagonal structure. Additional stiffness is provided by strut support beams oriented parallel to the main support beams and support ribs oriented perpendicular to the main support beams.

Abstract: A nosepiece for the forward end of a missile that is launched into the atmosphere for a ballistic trajectory and a water entry impact comprises a frangible base and a separable nosecap, the base having multiple segments of rigid foam defining an axial bore into the base and a volume of soft cellular foam within the bore to protect the forward end of the missile. The nosecap is in seated relationship within the bore opening on the tip end of the base during airborne flight and separates therefrom to expose the axial bore opening prior to water entry impact such that upon impact the base is fractured by the force of water entering the exposed bore and thus separated from the missile.

Abstract: A method for implementing an operational or functioning test on electrically-actuatable ignition or detonation-triggering circuits for ammunition, wherein the circuits are arranged on board the ammunition. Moreover, also disclosed is an arrangement for the implementation of an operational test of electrically-actuatable ignition or detonation-triggering circuits for the ammunition, wherein the circuits are arranged on board the ammunition.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a large caliber, thinwall, cargo carrying, spin stabilized projectile of a type in which cargo is keyed to a projectile base member in order to preclude relative rotation between cargo and projectile during in-bore travel. In particular, the disclosure is directed toward an improved base closure method for the projectile including a method for transmitting in-bore torque through a base closure joint.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inflatable aerodynamic surface (14) particularly adapted for improving the aerodynamic smoothness of the forward end of a missile (10) of the type having a relatively blunt forward end with a centrally disposed extendible probe member (26). In accordance with this invention, a flexible membrane (36) is provided having a base edge (46) sealingly affixed to the forward edge of the missile casing and an apex (48) affixed to the forward end of the probe (26). The membrane (36) is inflated by a gas generator (42) to pressurize the inside of the membrane to define a smooth, nose-shaped aerodynamic frontal surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for protection from the heat flash of atomic weapons. The invention comprises a nylon net coated with a mixture of neoprene and at least one explosive initiator selected from the group consisting of tetracene, lead styphnate and silver fulminate.

Abstract: An explosive projectile comprises a projectile casing, a high explosive charge filling a portion of the space inside the casing, an impervious case defining a detonation device cavity adjacent to a surface of the explosive charge, and located adjacent to the said surface of the explosive charge between the inside wall of the projectile casing and the impervious case, a pre-formed solid elastic sealant ring such that the seal effected by the sealant ring between the projectile casing and the impervious case is tightened if the pressure on the sealant ring from the material of the explosive charge increases.

Abstract: A ballistic face shield is provided for military use and acts to deflect penetrating bullets. Thickness is avoided by angling the orientation of the shield and by providing an explosive charge which launches the shield forwardly and upwardly when an outer layer of the shield is shattered. The shield construction includes glass, inert gas and plastic layers.

Abstract: An attachable, ablating shield comprises a metalized sheath for fitting closely over, for covering, and for protecting an electronics section in a missile from external electromagnetic radiation, particularly from high-energy radio frequency radiation, during launch. The sheath has weakened seams so that the sheath will separate from the missile when a seam is split. The sheath splitting system comprises an explosive device located near a seam, a detector for sensing the firing of the rocket motor, and a transfer line therebetween for receiving a motor-fire signal from the detector and for transferring a corresponding signal to the explosive device to split the sheath. A preferred embodiment employs a low-explosive and a transfer line that is a high-intensity shock pulse tube. The transfer line ablates with the sheath.

Abstract: A running time display for a projectile time fuze uses a digital display visible through a transparent window in a nose of the projectile. The fuze running time can be programmed either electrically by a receiving coil within the nose or manually by a time setting ring on the surface of the nose. To facilitate a running time display during adverse visibility conditions, the display may comprise LED elements with the display elements being intermittently energized to reduce electrical power consumption from a battery powering the time fuze.

Abstract: An apparatus for repelling birds or beasts by exploding gunpowder automatically and repeatedly to make explosive sounds. The apparatus comprises a housing, a body plate on which most of other parts of the apparatus are mounted, an electric motor, a disk-like gear mechanically connected to the electric motor via reduction gears, a gunpowder striking hammer and a driving link, respectively, rotatably secured to the body plate and being actuated by the rotation of the disk-like gear, a gunpowder supply plate driven by the driving link, a gunpowder band winding spool, a bottom plate for placing the gunpowder band, and a switch assembly operated by the rotation of disk-like gear and electrically connected with a timer, a dry cell battery, and the electric motor.

Abstract: A payload projectile including a carrier body having an ogival region in which a receptacle for an ejection charge is provided. A perforated disc is seated immediately in front of the receptacle and a lifting ring screw closes an opening in the carrier body at the forward tip of the ogival region. A chamber, reserved for an igniter, is defined between a rear face of the screw and a front face of the disc and has radial dimensions wider than those of the seat of the disc so that the disc is movable forwardly toward the screw peripherally unimpeded in the chamber.

Abstract: A payload-carrying projectile 1 includes a sensor 16 and a sensor carrier 15 disposed in a launch-resistant manner in a recess 14 in the tail section 11 of the projectile 1. After impact of the projectile, which is stabilized by extendable vanes 12, in the target area, where it may penetrate the ground as necessary, the object is to deploy the sensor from its protected position inside the projectile 1and to place it as high as possible above the surface of the ground. For this purpose, the sensor 16 is connected with a concertina bellows 15 which for its part leads into a reservoir 13a which is disposed in the projectile, and which is filled with polyurethane foam mixed with a propellant gas under high pressure. The connection of the reservoir 13 with the concertina bellows 15 is made via a valve 13c which is regulated by an electronic control element 13a containing, for instance, a timer switch.

Abstract: A missile having a payload mounted on an airframe includes a pair of wave aped springs for separating the payload from the airframe at a predetermined time in the flight envelope. Hinged clamshell-half fairing members in the airframe support the payload during the initial stages of deployment by a rocket motor. At the predetermined time an explosive band separation device is actuated so that the pair of diametrically disposed wave-shaped springs can force the clamshell-half fairing members apart and into the slipstream to disengage the airframe from the payload to assure its intended deployment.

Abstract: A naval ground mine comprising two modules (1, 2) each having a cylindrical casing (4) containing explosive material. The modules have mating end faces (5), each provided with a spigot (6). Lips (7) on adjacent spigots form an annular projection which tapers in a radially outward direction. The two modules (1, 2) are held together by a split ring (3) having a corresponding internally tapered surface (9), which embraces this annular projection. As the ring (3) is tightened, the adjacent end faces (4, 5) are drawn tightly together. The external surface of the ring provides a smooth transition between the external surfaces of the modules, so as to minimize surface discontinuity and the possibility of detection by sonar.

Abstract: Two sensors are mounted a distance "a" apart near the muzzle of a gun barrel. The first position sensor generates a signal which initiates a binary count, upward from zero at a clock frequency, when the projectile passes the first point. The second sensor generates a signal which reverses the direction of count, at a preselected submultiple of the clock frequency. The time required to return the count to zero is an integer multiple of the time required for the projectile to travel from the first sensor to the second sensor. Thus, the distance that the projectile travels will be an integer multiple of the distance "a" between the sensors. The velocity of the projectile remains relatively unchanged over the specified distance. The signal that is generated when the counter returns to zero may be used to trigger a monitoring device located at the specified point in front of the muzzle when the projectile passes that point.

Abstract: A high pressure gas supply system used for storing and activating a fluid in a liquid form and converting the liquid to a high pressure gas when needed. The high pressure gas is used for the control and stability of missile fin actuators, canards, hot or cold gas thrusters and other applications on a missile.

Abstract: A bomb to bombrack attachment lug assembly engages in a keyhold slot of a actice bomb casing and includes a metal lug element and a plastic locator element that centers and releasably locks the assembly in the keyhold slot. The lug element has an eye portion, a stem and arms extending laterally from the stem, while the locator element includes a cylindrical body snapped onto the stem and arms and has laterally extending ears having retaining bosses that engage the slot.

Abstract: A shock resistant missile longitudinal support assembly provides axial support to a canisterized missile while allowing the missile to translate under shock in any radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the canister.

Abstract: A missile separation system for fixedly attaching a rocket motor section a payload section has cofunctioning attaching and retarding means integrated to retain plural sections of a missile system in mated relationship until a predetermined point in the missile flight path.

Abstract: A separating arrangement between multipart constructional elements, including an expansion chamber for at least one pyrotechnic charge which is bounded by the piston surface of a displacement or sliding piston. The separating arrangement has at least one gas passageway which communicates with the expansion chamber, through the intermediary of which a separating piston can be subjected to pressure. The combustion gas pressure of the pyrotechnic charges acts within the expansion chamber against different piston surfaces and thereby, in a constructively predeterminable manner, effects different successive piston movements, as a result of which the sequence of the individual separating operations which can be carried out in different directions predeterminably in a definite manner and functionally-dependent.

Abstract: A terra-finned earth penetrator having a plurality of axially symmetric fins adapted to rotate in a downward direction in response to off-axis inertial reactive forces generated on impact with earth. The penetrator thereby executes a tuck maneuver within the earth surface thereby avoiding ricochet, broaching or upward turning found in low level weapon delivery systems.

Abstract: A projectile for delivering to a target a can containing pressurized material which is to be dispersed over the area of target. The projectile includes a cylindrical hollow housing to the rear end of which is attached a launching tube with a fin assembly. The can is slidably disposed within the housing. There is a space between a cap which closes the forward end of the housing and the can in the housing. The can slides forward in the housing toward the cap upon impact of the cap against the target. This opens a valve which releases the contents of the sealed can into the housing, and this, in turn, blows the cap off the housing so that the released material is dispersed over the target area. With the present projectile, the sealed can is not breached before the projectile strikes its target and the contents of the can may be dispersed in a very short time.

Abstract: An add-on ballast assembly for adding on to a missile in the field in a fle manner. The ballast is added in the unused hollow center of bobbins secured in the aft end of the missile. The bobbins have guidance wires wound therearound to be dispensed during flight. The addition of the ballast changes the center of gravity of the missile.

Abstract: An improved frangible nose cap is presented which in addition to providing echanical protection to the torpedo nose also provides electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection to the torpedo electronics systems. The improved nose cap is made up of a frangible material which may be impregnated, or coated, by methods well known in the prior art, with a conductive layer that can be electrically connected to the torpedo's electronic circuit ground for the EMI shielding.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor-carrier which is transported by a useful load projectile to a predetermined target region which may be inaccessible and is set down in said region. For the purpose of avoiding damaging the sensitive sensor, the latter is, together with the sensor support, compactly mounted in a folded retracted condition in a rugged housing and is automatically projected out of the housing in an erected, extended position when the sensor-carrier is set down and the housing is opened. The sensor support consists of a plurality of rotationally symmetrical support members which are strung on a steel cable in a manner similar to a pearl necklace. The steel cable is surrounded by a sheathing and is connected via a disc to a coil spring for tensioning the steel cable. The sensor-carrier serves to position the sensor in an elevated position over the ground surface for improving its sensing and transmitting capabilities.

Abstract: A detonating cord transport package wherein detonating cord is installed on a plurality of separator-support members so as to provide crossover locations at frequent intervals at which crossover locations there is incorporated means for stopping any detonation that occurs, with the result that such detonation will be confined to a relatively short length of detonating cord and will also be confined to the container in which the detonating cord transport package is disposed.

Abstract: Apparatus to simulate supersonic high altitude flight for air driven eleccal generators. First and second air-tight chambers are provided, as are means for evacuating the chambers to a preselected pressure. The air driven generator has both air inlet means and air outlet means. The air inlet means of the air driven generator is in fluid communication with the second air-tight chamber, and the air outlet means of the air driven generator is in fluid communication with the first air-tight chamber. Adjustable orifice means are provided. Valve controlled air inlet means for allowing air to enter the second air-tight chamber through the adjustable orifice means are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the instant on explosive is detonated by way of an optical signal. A length of optical fiber has one end wrapped around or positioned near the explosive with the other end coupled to a remote recorder. The end of the fiber at the explosive has been cleaved so as to internally reflect an optical signal propagating therein. A beam of radiation is launched into the fiber at the record where it is reflected from the distal end and redirected back to the recorder where it is detected. Detonation of the explosive destroys the reflective end of the optical fiber causing the radiation to leak from the broken fiber end. The instant the recorder does not receive the reflected radiation is the instant of the explosive detonated.

Abstract: Snapshot data from a projectile traversing a resisting medium are analyzed o determine a lower critical value within the resisting medium where rapid yaw growth begins and a yaw-growth constant governing yaw growth from the lower critical value to an upper critical value. Snapshot data from additional projectiles are similarly analyzed. Curves produced by the solution of a differential equation, including the lower critical value and the yaw-growth constant, are overlaid graphically or analytically to provide an increased data density sufficient to improve substantially the ability to predict the yaw performance of the projectile.

Abstract: A system for sensing the angular position of a code ring of magnetic matel which is rotatable about a cylindrical housing, also magnetic material, to any one of a predetermined number of code ring settings. Either or both the cylindrical housing and the code ring include permanent magnets to provide a magnetic circuit including both of these elements. The code ring has an inner surface which carries an N-bit digital code of magnetic material in N tracks. N Hall effect digital switches are disposed on the cylindrical housing adjacent the N tracks of digital code bits, respectively. Each Hall effect digital switch senses whether a code bit is adjacent to it. The Hall effect digital switches are read by associated electronics within the housing to provide a digital signal indicating the code ring setting.

Abstract: A projectile capable of detecting toxic agents in the atmosphere at long ge, particularly halogen containing materials, containing therein a pyrotechnic composition comprising magnesium, calcium resinate and strontium nitrate. The projectile has an orifice therethrough along its longitudinal axis to enable the projectile to sample the atmosphere as it travels therethrough.