Abstract: Controlling an in-flight spin-rate of a spin-stabilized guided projectile is disclosed. In various embodiments, the projectile includes a despun control portion configured for despinning relative to a projectile chassis and for directional control of the projectile. In various embodiments, controlling the in-flight spin-rate includes determining a gyroscopic stability factor for the guided projectile using the in-flight spin rate and a forward velocity of the guided projectile, determining that the gyroscopic stability factor exceeds a stability threshold, and spin-braking the guided projectile, in response to determining that the gyroscopic stability factor exceeds a threshold value, by braking rotation of the despun control portion by which the gyroscopic stability factor of the guided projectile is reduced to a second gyroscopic stability factor.

Abstract: A container for storing and/or transporting spent nuclear fuel. The container includes a body that defines an internal cavity that holds the spent nuclear fuel and an outer surface. The outer surface has holes formed therein into which trunnions are positioned. The container can be lifted by a lift yoke by coupling the lift yoke to the trunnions. The trunnions may include first and second components such that the first component is slidable in its axial direction relative to the second component when a force that exceeds a threshold acts on the second component. Thus, the second component may be slidable between a protruded state in which a portion of the second component protrudes from the outer surface of the body and a retracted state in which the second component does not protrude from the outer surface of the body.

Abstract: Flares with consumable weights connected to a forward end of the grain of the flare are disclosed. Also disclosed are consumable weight components for flares. The consumable weight components include a metal material within a matrix. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating a flare and methods for using a flare. Use of the consumable weights in the flares may reduce the amount of debris falling to ground.

Abstract: A fire-extinguishing bomb that can be pre-programmed to explode 2-200 feet above the ground or tree line. The bomb employs a laser or barometric altitude sensor in combination with a GPS-altitude sensor for failsafe detonation with extreme accuracy at the proper altitude. The redundant failsafe altitude-dependent detonation system ruptures a container carrying a payload of wet or dry fire retardant/suppressant, preferably dry environmentally-friendly fire-retardant powder having no toxicity and having fertilizer properties. Upon detonation the device coats the ground below with a uniform fire extinguishing coating. The core components of the bomb can be biodegradable, or alternatively can be readily retrieved and reused after each activation, thereby increasing both economy and reducing environmental concerns.

Abstract: An incendiary dispensing system (10) comprises a casing (12), a supply (16) of incendiary capsules (18), an apparatus (14) for initiating and dispensing the incendiary capsules (18), and a loading mechanism (20). The casing (12) can be opened and closed to enable loading of the supply (16) of incendiary capsules (18). The casing (12) is provided with an aperture (22) to allow the dispensing of initiated capsules (18). The capsules (18) are formed as series connected belts (24). The loading mechanism (20) sequentially feeds the belts (24) to the apparatus (14) which initiates each incendiary and dispense the incendiary from the opening (22). The casing (12) is arranged for external mounting on an aircraft and may be ejected in the event of a malfunction.

Abstract: Exemplary multi-shell structured blast effect charges as well as shaped charge or shaped-charge-like explosive charges are disclosed which contain metal carbonyls in the form of pure substances, granulates, mixtures with inorganic fuels, or as granulates of mixtures with inorganic fuels integrated in suitable closed containers. The metal carbonyls serve in the form proposed herein as fuel, which during the intended conversion of the total charge exhibit an undirected (multi-shell structured blast effect charges) or at least partially directed (shaped charges or shaped-charge-like explosive charges) pressure enhancing effect.

Abstract: An optically guided munition and control system has a replacement fuse assembly mounted on the front of a munition body or shell casing. An optical seeker subsystem detects an illuminated target and supplies signals to a processor. The processor develops steering commands sent to a flight control subsystem having a plurality of guidance canards which are actuated by drive motors through gear assemblies. The roll of the munition is established and left/right and up/down steering commands are sent to the canard drive motors based upon the optical seeker subsystem detection of the target illuminator. Range adjustment is based upon bore sight lockdown angle and cross range control is based upon left/right centering error. A code is contained in the optical radiation received from the illuminated target which must be validated by a preset code in the system processor to arm the munition.

Abstract: The system includes one or more devices to deter pig-blood sensitive terrorists' and others from passing across borders and across perimeters. It also deters similar terrorist suicide bombers. Sources of deterrence include pig blood derivatives in paint, spray, and detonation distribution form. In addition there are sources of deterrence from ampoules containing pig blood derivatives positioned in public buildings and on public transportation vehicles accompanied by appropriate signage.

Abstract: A flying bomb includes a standardized bomb casing formed of steel and having a nose opening and a tail opening. A thin penetrator is disposed in the bomb casing in order to achieve high effectiveness with little collateral damage when the flying bomb strikes a target. A distance between the tip of the penetrator and the nose opening is greater than 100 mm.

Abstract: A kit for upgrading a non-guided shell to an airborne guided shell includes a device to couple the kit to the body of the non-guided shell. A fastener provides for fastening the resulting airborne shell to an aircraft and for detaching it there from. The kit also provides for causing the trajectory of the shell to change once detached from the aircraft according to instructions received in the kit; for determining the position of the shell; and for transferring data from the carrying platform to the guidance kit.

Abstract: A high angle-of-attack projectile or bomb comprises separate compartments that, after launch allow for (a) mixing of the chemi-luminescent materials, (b) heating of the materials in the projectile vessel, (c) pressurization of the projectile vessel, and (d) efficient expulsion of a day marker and heated chemi-luminescent mix upon striking the target. The projectile/bomb allows for the marking of targets. The projectile/bomb does not create unexploded ordnance (UXO) and minimizes use of energetic materials such as reactive chemicals and/or pyrotechnics.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and system for finding and physically altering underground targets. Multiple projectiles are dispersed into the ground and determine their spatial orientation using seismic waves, and then operate as an array to locate and properly time kinetic pulses to focus seismic waves on the target.

Abstract: A pneumatic launch system includes a manifold that stores pressurized gas and releases the pressurized gas on command to sequentially open the store retention hooks and eject the store. The manifold includes an eject valve whose main chamber is part of the high pressure gas storage. A hook release valve is controlled by the eject valve for sequential operation of hook opening and store ejection. A manually selectable pitch valve provides pitch setting to proportion the gas delivered to the ejector cylinders. The manifold minimizes flow path restrictions and provides a fast actuation response with minimum variability to unlock the hooks and quickly eject the store.

Abstract: A guidance system according to various aspects of the present invention operates in conjunction with a suite of different ordnance delivery devices. In one embodiment, the guidance system comprises an interface configured to attach to the ordnance delivery devices in the suite, such as via the fuze well. The guidance system may further include a control system adapted to attempt to establish communications with a subsystem of the ordnance delivery device and operate the guidance system as a standalone guidance system if the attempt fails. The guidance system may further include a control surface interchangeably attachable, for example via an interchangeable control surface module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fast action impulse thruster according to various aspects of the present invention may comprise a projectile comprising an impulse thruster system. The impulse thruster system may comprise a guidance system and a fast action impulse thruster system. The guidance system may control the trajectory of the projectile, for example by activating the fast action impulse thruster system to adjust the projectile's trajectory. The fast action impulse thruster system may be configured such that it may provide an impulse force to guide the projectile with a reaction time that is not affected by the rotational velocity of the projectile. The impulse force may be achieved by ejecting at least one mass from the projectile at high velocity such that a resulting momentum exchange may alter the trajectory of the projectile.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile is steered by taking air from an air intake at the front of the projectile, and expelling the air along an outer surface of the projectile to alter its trajectory toward the desired impact location. Air taken in through the air intake is directed toward a rotor that is able to rotate relative to the rest of the projectile. The rotor has an outlet that may direct the air taken in at the air inlet out in a direction having both radial and circumferential components. The force produced in the radial direction provides a steering force substantially normal to the projectile axis, used to steer the projectile. The force produced in the circumferential direction is used to provide impetus to spin the rotor. A brake is used to control the rotational speed of the rotor, to control the direction that the air is expelled from the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention is a device which includes an antenna and circuitry. The antenna may receive a circularly-polarized signal as first and second linearly-polarized signals. The circuitry is connected to the antenna and is configured for combining the first and second linearly-polarized signals to produce at least two reception patterns. The reception patterns are created by summing the first and second linearly-polarized signals via phase shifting. The reception patterns are optimized for at least two substantially different directional orientations. Further, the antenna may simultaneously allow/provide spec-compliant Global Positioning System operation and spec compliant Height of Burst operation.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting, processing, and selectively responding to radio frequency transmissions detected by at least one projectile deployed above a geographic area.

Abstract: A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target.

Abstract: A bomb and penetrating warhead (“PW”) casings is disclosed that has three or more exterior facets. The facets may be straight or spiraling. The resulting bomb or PW casing that results is a stronger, tougher structure that will increase the overall performance of the bomb or PW casing in delivering the desired destructive power to a selected target. The bomb and PW casings also have the advantage of being lighter in weight than a conventional bomb structure but yet provide the desired destructive power to the selected target.

Abstract: A reduced collateral damage bomb (RCDB) bomb casing is described and disclosed along with the system and method for making it. The RCDB bomb casing may be formed from conventional or penetrating warhead bomb casings. The RCDB bomb casing has a filler material/materials disposed on the interior walls that will assist in controlling the collateral damage caused by the finished bomb but not prevent the appropriate destructive power being delivered to a selected target.

Abstract: A method and system for guiding and controlling an ordinance body having a trajectory and a bore sight angle including making corrections to the trajectory based on bore sight angle vs. time history. The system is incorporated with existing fuse components in a replacement kit for existing munitions. The method determines nominal time values of the ballistic trajectory of the munition in relation to launch time and determines deviation from the nominal time values by an algorithm by analyzing signals received from a source of radiation located at the target. A processor determines lateral (left/right) and range errors and provides commands to a plurality of flight control surfaces mounted on the munition.

Abstract: An aerial surveillance device is provided, comprising an image capturing device capable of being supported by an airframe structure above the ground. The airframe structure includes a body portion defining a longitudinal axis and configured to support the image-capturing device. A tail portion having control surfaces is operably engaged with the body portion along the axis. Transversely-extending wing portions are directly engaged with the body portion. Each wing portion is defined by longitudinally-opposed spars extending from a spaced-apart disposition at the body portion to a common connection distally from the body portion. The spars have a fabric extending therebetween to provide a wing surface. A support member extends along an aerodynamic center, transversely to the body portion, of each wing portion, to tension and rigidify the wing portions so as to provide a positive camber for the wing portions and to form an airfoil.

Abstract: A guided missile or projectile and associated guidance control are provided to control a path to a point of intersection with a potentially moving target. A new path is repetitively recomputed and acceleration orthogonal to the path is applied to minimize heading error and thereby to converge on the target. The gain of the control function is partly proportional to heading error, but the gain is reduced approaching the point of convergence. In this way, the guidance control is more responsive to actual variance of the true heading error and is less responsive to random error in sensing the target heading, which random error would otherwise increase in its contribution to corrective guidance movements approaching the point of intersection.

Abstract: A non-spinning projectile that is self-guided to a laser designated target and is configured to be fired from a small caliber smooth bore gun barrel has an optical sensor mounted in the nose of the projectile, a counterbalancing mass portion near the fore end of the projectile and a hollow tapered body mounted aft of the counterbalancing mass. Stabilizing strakes are mounted to and extend outward from the tapered body with control fins located at the aft end of the strakes. Guidance and control electronics and electromagnetic actuators for operating the control fins are located within the tapered body section. Output from the optical sensor is processed by the guidance and control electronics to produce command signals for the electromagnetic actuators. A guidance control algorithm incorporating non-proportional, “bang-bang” control is used to steer the projectile to the target.

Abstract: A suspension lug for releasably suspends loads under aircraft. The suspension lug has a lug eye and a threaded base and a rotation mechanism is inserted into the threaded portion. When the suspension lug is threaded into a compatible well in the load and the load is released from the aircraft, the rotation mechanism causes the suspension lug to rotate by ninety degrees from an initial orientation in which the face of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight to a final orientation in which the edge of the lug eye is pointed in the direction of flight. The rotation of the lug eye significantly reduces the drag on the load. Also described are methods of manufacturing and using the suspension lug of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides an unpowered low-cost “smart” micromunition unit for a weapon system for defense against an asymmetric attack upon ships and sea or land based facilities. A plurality of air dropped micromunition units are each capable of detecting and tracking a plurality of maneuvering targets and of establishing a fast acting local area wireless communication network among themselves to create a distributed database stored in each deployed micromunition unit for sharing target and micromunition unit data. Each micromunition unit autonomously applies stored algorithms to data from the distributed database to select a single target for intercept and to follow an intercept trajectory to the selected target. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: An agent defeat bomb including a payload with at least one metal-based high thermal component, effective for producing high temperature, and a plurality of oxidizer components, such that the high thermal component and oxidizer are progressively stacked through the length of the projectile and react within the body of the bomb.

Abstract: An optically guided mortar comprising a three axis canard assembly, an optical seeker, a guidance and control processor, and a fuze mechanism. The optical seeker is a direct replacement for existing standard mortar fuzes. The resulting system significantly improves current mortar circular error probability (CEP) and results in overall reduction of cost of target prosecution, reduction in collateral damage, improved crew survivability, and adds compatibility against limited non-stationary targets. The optical seeker detects an optical illuminator located at a target and supplies signals to the guidance and control processor which through a guidance algorithm supplies steering commands to drive motors of the three axis canard assembly which move a plurality of guidance canards to accurately direct the munition toward a target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bulkhead shield particularly of a projectile with a pyrotechnic charge, situated between the pyrotechnic portion and the command and control portion. The bulkhead shield comprises at least: one wall pierced by a duct; an end-cap consisting of a support portion and a portion engaged in the duct leaving a space between itself and the wall of the duct, the two portions being connected by a mechanical weakness zone; the support portion pressing on the wall, at the front, so that the engaged portion separates from the support portion under the effect of an external pressure to come into contact with the inner wall of the duct and close the space. The invention applies in particular to shells whose detonation is programmed a given delay after impact on the target.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for arming a fuze of a smart weapon comprise a release sensor and a verification maneuver sensor in cooperative electronic communication with each other, such that when the release sensor senses that the weapon has been released and the verification maneuver sensor detects a predetermined verification maneuver of the weapon in flight, the fuze is armed.

Abstract: A safety and arming apparatus for arming a fuze of a smart weapon comprise a release sensor and a verification maneuver sensor in cooperative electronic communication with each other, such that when the release sensor senses that the weapon has been released and the verification maneuver sensor detects a predetermined verification maneuver of the weapon in flight, the fuze is armed.

Abstract: A water pod for assisting a user in extinguishing forest fires includes a hollow shell constructed with a biodegradable plastic that ruptures upon impact when dropped from an aircraft. The shell includes a fill port allowing it to be filled with water or another flame retardant material. The shell may include a detonation device allowing the pod to be ruptured prior to impact, if desired.

Abstract: A general purpose bomb having a shaped charge penetrator warhead mounted in the front of the bomb and facing forward, in which the caliber of the warhead is at least 90% of the caliber of the general purpose bomb.

Abstract: A system for communicating hardened, buried target arrival-related data from an airborne warhead device to a remote mission analysis location is disclosed. The communicated information especially relates to impact deceleration events encountered by a hardened target penetration warhead, events arising from the warhead impacting with the earth and then with one or more layers of hardening material such as concrete disposed in or adjacent a subterranean target. Verification of warhead detonation may also be included in the communicated data. The system includes ultra high radio frequency communication from the subterranean warhead to a repeater apparatus disposed at or above the point of warhead earth impact followed by conventional signal relaying of the collected warhead experience data from the repeater to a remote mission analysis facility.

Abstract: A target penetrating aerial bomb including a penetrating body shaped for improved target penetration, having a narrower impact profile at approximately the same weight as an existing bomb. An aerodynamic shroud encases the penetrating body and emulates the aerodynamic shape of the existing bomb, and the weight, center of gravity, and moments of inertia of the bomb closely approximate those properties of the existing bomb. The bomb constructed according to the present invention may be qualified by similarity to the existing bomb, thus avoiding lengthy and costly qualification procedures.

Abstract: A target penetrating aerial bomb including a penetrating body shaped for improved target penetration, having a narrower impact profile at approximately the same weight as an existing bomb. An aerodynamic shroud encases the penetrating body and emulates the aerodynamic shape of the existing bomb, and the weight, center of gravity, and moments of inertia of the bomb closely approximate those properties of the existing bomb. The bomb constructed according to the present invention may be qualified by similarity to the existing bomb, thus avoiding lengthy and costly qualification procedures.

Abstract: A shrouded bomb is provided having components which are substantially free of weld lines and rivets. The shroud assembly includes a nose cone having a forward end and a rear end, a central tube having a forward end contiguous with the rear end of the nose cone, and a rear end, and an aft tube having a forward end contiguous with the rear end of the central tube.

Abstract: An image guided weapon system employing passive optical terminal guidance d method which provides the precision strike capability without requiring the use of a designator or the presence of an additional designator aircraft, which can operate through the weather, which allows rapid attack of multiple targets, and which does not require any aircraft to remain in the target area after a weapon has been launch. A target area is designated and an image of the target area is generated. An aimpoint within the target area is selected and GPS coordinates of the aimpoint are determined. An image template is generated using flight orientation data, the image of the target area, and GPS coordinates of aimpoint. Image processing software creates an image template which is downloaded to a weapon. The weapon's seeker generates seeker images which are compared to the image template.

Abstract: Shell for trench mortars and similar firing systems, which shell includes an effective portion, which can be fired from a barrel by a propellant charge, there being a pressure plate provided between the effective portion and the propellant charge, which pressure plate carries the influence from the propellant charge. To provide effective fire above the ground a support portion is releasably arranged in front of the effective portion in the firing direction. The support portion carries a second propellant charge and in its front end a percussion cap, which, when the shell is fired, is located partly exposed outside the front end of the support portion and initiates the second propellant charge when hitting ground.

Abstract: A penetration warhead of a positively position-controlled roll-stabilized missile. The warhead has a main axis and includes a nose section which is asymmetric with respect to the main axis of the warhead, the asymmetry is selected such that upon impacting a target the forces acting on the nose section create a moment about the warhead's center of gravity which directs the penetration warhead in a direction which is substantially toward the perpendicular, thereby increasing the warhead's penetration depth.

Abstract: A weapon transport device transports along a path toward a target in hostile territory, (1) a target-intended weapon and (2) biological, chemical and/or radioactive agents for attacking the occupants of such territory should they execute countermeasures against the weapon transport device. Separation of the biological, chemical and/or radioactive agents is initiated or, where appropriate, inhibited, by signals from either the guidance system of the transport device or from on-board Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers when the transport device strays by more than a predetermined distance from the path, the sensor is blinded, or the transport device passes beyond a predetermined point while en route to the target.

Abstract: A penetrating bomb weapon comprising a long hollow cylinder constructed of high strength steel or similar material and including a pointed nose to aid in penetration of media such as concrete, soil, steel or a hardened surface. The cylinder contains an insensitive explosive that is separated into segments by shock attenuating materials so that one segment of the cylinder may detonate without detonating or destroying adjacent segments. The number of segments may be two or more depending on the complexity of the target to be attacked. Initiation of the main charge within each segment is achieved using explosive boosters positioned so that shocks transferred to adjacent segments, and the initiation train of these segments, is minimized. Separation of the segments is accomplished using explosive cutter charges which perforate and/or spall through the case wall of the penetrator bomb.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new type of penetrating projectile, the penetrating capacity of which is improved and more efficiently controlled, notably through a solution to the problems of obliquity. A projectile of this type has a front element forming the active part, fixedly joined to a tube. The tube has a closed end which contains a propellant charge for the propulsion of the element and an igniter for the charge, responding to the impact of the element on a target. In reaching the target, the projectile penetrates it slightly under the effect of the velocity and it is only at this instant, or slightly after it, that the penetration proper takes place. The penetration thus takes place without obliquity. This projectile can be used as an individual munition or sub-munition.

Abstract: A self-retracting bomb suspension lug assembly for being releasably supported by a hook or the like of an airplane bomb rack. The lug is mounted within a housing for axial movement and has an outer surface conforming to the shape of the bomb so as to eliminate aerodynamic drag when the bomb is released. Springs, such as a stack of Belleville springs, are disposed for biasing the lug inward when the bomb is released and the weight of the bomb no longer bears on the lug. Finger springs and pawls engagable with a groove in the bottom surface of the lug are provided to maintain the lug in partially extended loading position wherein the top of the lug is accessible for being grasped. To cock the lug, it is moved slightly inward against the force of the lug biasing spring, and the finger springs are forced radially inward to engage the groove.

Abstract: A guideable sonobuoy is disclosed that is ejected from a moving aircraft o the free stream with a ring wing opened to guide the buoy along a predetermined flight path. While the buoy remains packed inside a launch container, the ring wing, made of spring steel, is collapsed around the nose portion thereof. Once launched, the ring wing will fly the buoy to a predetermined destination.

Abstract: The disclosed projectile has a tube forming a mortar, a munition contained in the tube, at least three deployable fins, solidly joined to the tube, and firing means triggering the ejection of the munition. During operation, when the projectile, released from an aircraft, lands on the ground for example, the fins form a pedestal in the mortar tube and, upon the command of the firing means, the munition is ejected to a certain distance from the tube.

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 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: In combination: an elongated container comprising a plurality of explosively separable parts extending rearwardly from a closed forward end; a load in the rearward end of said container; and a frangible, unitary ballast member in the container between the closed end and the load.