Abstract: An optical fiber canister (90) comprises a hollow housing (102) and an optical fiber pack (98) having a plurality of layers of optical fiber (20) supported on an inner surface of the housing (102) with a free end (96) of the optical fiber (20) positioned to pay out from an interior surface of the fiber pack (98). The optical fiber (20) of the optical fiber pack (98) has an amount of adhesive thereon ranging from zero to an amount sufficient to produce a peel force of less than about 2 grams. There is desirably a support layer (110) of a castable elastomeric material between the inner wall (108) of the hollow housing (102) and the outer surface of the optical fiber pack (98), and a release layer of a release material such as polytetrafluoroethylene between the inner surface of the support layer (110) and the outer surface of the optical fiber pack (98).

Abstract: A minefield breaching system or apparatus and a delivery projectile therefor comprises a projectile arranged to be mounted on a rifle, light mortar or similar weapon and to be projected in a desired direction by firing a round from the weapon into the projectile; an explosive line connected directly or indirectly at one end thereof to the projectile; and detonation means arranged to be connected directly or indirectly to the explosive line at the other end thereof for detonation of the explosive line; the projectile comprising a rocket the motor of which is arranged for operational ignition upon a round from the weapon being fired into the projectile, and the projectile carrying a presence or location indicator together with power means for operation of the indicator.

Abstract: A missile data link filament (12) dispenser (10) is located within an enclosure (20) having a single eyelet opening (26) through which the filament feeds on launch. A quantity of a particulate material (28) located within the enclosure (20) is converted to an aerosol mixture by the filament movement on dispense. The aerosol mixture serves to act as a brake on the filament preventing dispense speed exceeding a predetermined desirable maximum.

Abstract: A long, slender thread or filament of a slow-burning substance is metalli, by evaporation, cold-spraying, or the like, with aluminum, zinc or other similar substance. A short length at one end is not metallized but is provided with means for igniting the filament when the chaff is dispensed. A bundle of these filaments are then packed in an impermeable foil envelope and preferably filled with an inert atmosphere. When dispensed, the cloud of slow-burning filaments perform toward infrared search or tracking devices in a manner analogous to the clutter signal created in radars by conventional chaff. At the same time, the metallic coating on the filament acts as a conventional chaff, giving a capability to interfere with either infrared or microwave devices and devices with a combination of infrared and microwave capabilities.

Abstract: A filament (18) dispenser for on board use in an airborne vehicle (10) in which a cylindrical bobbin (20) is rotatively mounted within the vehicle (10) with the axis of rotation normal to the vehicle longitudinal axis. A brake (48) prevents the bobbin (20) from exceeding predetermined rotational speed limits that would cause filament lift-off. A protective covering (44) is placed on a prescribed filament end portion length as reinforcement against startup tension damage to the filament (18).

Abstract: Guided missiles (10) which trail control umbilicals such as optical fibers (20) are launched from an array (16) of launch tubes (14) that point in the same direction. A swing arm (40) extends over the face of the array (16) to capture and move the umbilicals (20) of previously launched missiles (10) away from the portion of the array (16) from which the next missile (10) will be launched, to avoid interference between the launched missile (10) and the exisiting umbilicals (20). As each missile (10) is launched, the swing arm (40) recycles to capture the umbilical (20) of the newly launched missile (10).

Abstract: An optical fiber package (20) is provided by winding a plurality of convolutions in a plurality of layers on a bobbin. To each layer is applied an adhesive material (45) which in a preferred embodiment is a mixture comprising a relative silicone copolymer resin, a solvent system which includes an aromatic constituent, a catalyst and a wetting agent. The mixture has a modulus behavior which is relatively stable with respect to time throughout a relatively wide operating temperature. Inasmuch as the solvent system and the method of application of the mixture are effective to control the rate of precipitation and the rate of cure of the silicone constituent, the surface roughness of the convolutions is controlled. After the desired number of convolutions have been wound, the package is subjected to a heat treatment which relieves stresses in the wound fiber and which completes the cure of the adhesive material.

Abstract: An optical fiber package (52) includes a length of optical fiber (22) wound in a plurality of convolutions on a bobbin (50). In order to maintain the convolutions in a precision wound package and to prevent snags during payout, it is necessary that each convolution of optical fiber be adhered to at least a portion of an adjacent convolution. This is accomplished by providing the length of optical fiber with an adhesive material (32) which is not tacky at room temperature but which becomes tacky at a predetermined temperature. After the convolutions have been wound on the bobbin, the bobbin is treated to cause the adhesive material to become tacky and cause each convolution to adhere to at least a portion of adjacent convolutions. Suitable adhesion is caused to occur with any adhesive material for which molecular bonding can occur across the interface between contiguous portions of adjacent convolutions as a result of suitable treatment.

Abstract: A drumlike canister onto which a filament is wound is rotatably mounted to an airborne vehicle, the axis of rotation being generally parallel to the vehicle longitudinal axis. At launch, as the filament unwinds and is payed out the canister is rotated to remove the twist from the filament produced on winding.

Abstract: The coil according to the invention has normal dimensions, but contains a considerable optical fiber length.It is constituted by a main cylindrical support (12) about which is wound a first part (18) of the optical fiber (16), which is to be unwound by pulling. It is constituted by a first concentric, supplementary cylindrical support (14) placed within the main cylindrical support (12), a second part (20) of the optical fiber (16) being wound around said first supplementary support (14), the inner layer of the first part (18) of the optical fiber (16) being directly connected to an outer layer of the second part (20) of the optical fiber (16).

Abstract: A filament (20) for use as a data link is wound on the tapered aft fairing (22) of a missile (10) in a manner so as to form a tapered wound pack (24) conforming generally to the aft fairing. An outer length of the filament is enclosed within a protective covering forming a leader (26). When the missile is launched from a moving mother vehicle (36), a further length of the filament is wound onto a dispenser aboard the mother vehicle (36) and a drogue (30) connected to the leader (26) is released with the leader and filament during dispensing.

Abstract: A sabot-projectile arrangement adapted for being ejected from a gun barrel for the purpose of combatting actively and passively reacting armor. The arrangement comprises first and second projectiles, each having a different coefficient of air resistance (c.sub.w). A discarding sabot is comprised of segments which define a receptacle for accommodating the first and second projectiles with their longitudinal axes flush behind one another in order to follow one another in a spaced relationship on a common trajectory when the sabot-projectile arrangement is fired from a gun. Form locking means defines a form locking connection between the receptacle and each of the projectiles. The form locking connection existing between the leading first projectile disposed in the receptacle and the segments of the sabot are released earlier than when the segments are separated from the second projectile after the sabot-projectile arrangement leaves the gun barrel.

Abstract: A tandem projectile is made up of a front and rear projectile. The projectiles are connected by a wire which unwinds during flight of the projectiles. The front projectile leaves a launcher at greater initial velocity than the rear projectile, so that a wire in the front unwinds and the rear projectile follows the front projectile towards a target.

Abstract: A communication cable winding is disclosed which is protected from heat, turbulence and friction during unwinding by a plastic skirt which surrounds a portion of the winding on a spool or bobbin. An outer portion of the cable may also be provided with a protective overlayer which forms the outer layer of the winding not protected by the plastic skirt.

Abstract: Rescue apparatus comprising, a launcher, a missile and a supply of line mounted on the launcher, the launcher comprising a non-lethal firearm adapted to fire a blank round and having a barrel with a bore closed at its muzzle end, the muzzle end having gas ports therein, the missile being sleevable on the barrel and having means for connecting the line thereto, whereby when the firearm is discharged, gas escapes from the bore through the gas ports to propel the missile into space, carrying the line therewith.

Abstract: A throwing device including, a throwing gun formed by a high pressure chamber located within a low pressure chamber. A first frangible diaphragm having a predetermined breaking pressure interconnecting the two chambers. A second frangible diaphragm closing off the lower pressure chamber and having a predetermined breaking pressure lower than the breaking pressure of the first diaphragm. A barrel mounted adjacent to and extending from the second frangible diaphragm. A projectile located within the barrel. A main charge substantially located within the high pressure chamber and an ignition charge coupled to the main charge for igniting the main charge upon activation of the ignition charge. The ignition of the main charge providing for the production of rapid burning forming gas having an increasing pressure within the high pressure chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for capturing and retrieving objects from space. A tethered grappling unit having deployable arms with catching ropes and Velcro hook strips at the ends thereof is spun and propelled towards the target. On impact, the catching ropes envelop the target and each other. The grappling unit is then reeled in and engages a catching collar containing braking plates to despin the target.

Abstract: A line launcher for launching a line spool provided with a length of line thereon toward a devised target comprising: a projectile or propelling means, generally a blank cartridge chamberable into a conventional marine flare pistol; a tubular housing with the line spool container therein; a lead ballasted end cap; a bored fore end cap; and an air spaced within the housing. One end of the line projects from the housing through the bored end cap and may be secure to a heavier line. Upon launching the device by discharge of the pistol, the line continuously uncoils from the line spool until it reaches the point of impact. A secure line is then provided between the point of impact and the securing point.

Abstract: A line throwing rocket arrangement is disclosed which is normally stored in a generally rectangular case. The set includes at least one rocket provided with a guide sleeve generally integral with the body of the rocket but disposed exteriorly thereof. During the launching, the sleeve slides over a straight guide rod. The storage case is provided with suitable means for securement of the guide rod to the box at different angles so that different ranges can be covered by the rocket in rescue or the like operations can be covered. The advance in the art is primarily in the simplified arrangement which facilitates the operation and reduces the manufacturing costs of the set.

Abstract: A cartridge launched spin stabilized disk for deploying chaff (radar countermeasure dipoles) or other expendable materials or substances from a moving aircraft. The disk, containing the expendable material is ejected from the aircraft at some elevation angle and at an angle in azimuth off of the aircraft line-of-flight and dispenses the expendable material in a more or less uniform fashion for a brief period of time as it travels away from the aircraft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fouling the rotor system of a helicopter positioned in a localized space is disclosed. One end of a long flexible line is attached to a carrier and the carrier is propelled from a launch point so as to overfly the localized space. The flexible line is progressively played out from the launch point and over the localized space as the carrier overflies the localized space. The playing out of the flexible line attached to the carrier is terminated before the distal end is substantially pulled from the launch point so that the played out line falls to the ground with one end trailing along the ground. Preferably, the end of the flexible line in the air and the carrier are attached to a parachute to slow the descent of the flexible line and carrier to the ground. A number of flexible lines can also be simultaneously played out to form a grid or net of slowly descending lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying helicopters is disclosed and relies on launching cables above a helicopter which cables are tailored to a specific helicopter to maximize the probability of ingestion of the cable into the helicopter rotor system thus providing a low cost, highly efficient helicopter destruction system.

Abstract: Apparatus for ejecting and dispersing a payload of passive radiation interference material into the near vicinity of a tactical aircraft comprises a cartridge case adapted for carrying and launching at least one cylindrical payload disk, the cartridge case having a lineal length of rack teeth within its bore and the payload disk having at least a portion of its exterior circumferential extent with matching gear teeth such that upon explosively pressurizing the cartridge case the payload disk is ejected exhibiting high linear and rotational velocities. The payload disk has tapered bore wall surfaces which confine the payload material and upon being ejected the spin-stabilized payload disk disperses the payload substantially uniformly within the first few milliseconds after leaving the cartridge case.

Abstract: System for artificially triggering lightning flashes. This system comprises a rocket, provided with fins, launched from a launcher and which trails behind it a thin wire made from a conductive material, which is either electrically connected to the ground, or is connected to a second wire made from an insulating material, which is in turn attached to the ground, as well as a pay-out reel. The pay-out reel is constituted by a reel body in the form of a cylindrical tube onto which the wire is wound with a limited winding thickness, mounted at the lower end, centered on the central axis of the rocket, the reel having a diameter larger than that of the rocket body and smaller than the apparent diameter of the guidance fins. The launcher is constituted by a plastic tube.

Abstract: A device is provided which enables a person to capture a fugitive without injuring the fugitive. The device comprises a tubular body having angularly disposed tubular barrels extending therefrom. The barrels each have a slot extending along the length thereof such that a pair of projectiles can be loaded into the device while a flexible line interconnects the pair of projectiles.To catch the fugitive, the device is aimed at the fugitive and the pair of projectiles are propelled from the barrels in diverging lines of flight. As the line extends between the diverging projectiles, the fugitive is engaged by the line. The momentum of the moving projectile causes the projectiles to wrap the line about the fugitive thereby entangling him and preventing him from further fleeing.

Abstract: A projectile arrangement for a gun barrel weapon having a plurality of sub-caliber projectiles which are mounted on a common sabot which is composed of a plurality of segments. These projectiles are designed for a sequential flight one behind the other at predetermined distances and along a common flight path and are joined to each other by means of a wire. The leading projectile deactivates a detonating charge upon impacting on a target region of a "actively armored" target, so that the next following projectiles can become target-effective without being disturbed.

Abstract: A line throwing device adapted to be launched from a riot gun or similar tubular launching device comprises an elongated projectile that fits in the tubular launching device, a fin assembly slidably mounted on the body of the projectile such that the fin assembly slides forwardly to permit the rear end of the projectile to be positioned in the launching device for launching and slides rearwardly to a flight stabilizing position at the rear of the projectile as the projectile is launched from the tubular launching device. A rocket engine is mounted in the rear of the projectile for propelling the projectile. An ignition mechanism comprising a conventional shotgun primer cap mounted in a plastic casing fits on the end of the rocket and is ignited by the trigger and firing pin of the gun. A line is coiled in a canister removably attached to the gun, with one end of the line being attached to a harness mounted on the projectile so that the line can be carried to the desired target.

Abstract: A grapnel is disclosed which comprises a plurality of arms pivotably mounted on a substantially rod shaped body. The arms have at their free ends catching points forming an angle with the arms and near the foot of the catching points auxiliary catching claws extend substantially in the direction of the arms. A piston and cam-shaped portions of the grapnel arms co-operate to urge the arms into an outwardly extending position upon a traction on the grapnel rope.

Abstract: The invention features use of a probe that is flexible until after the munition is projected, so that it may be folded up and compactly stored despite considerable length, but is fairly rigid as the munition descends toward earth, and cooperates with other mechanism to explode the munition when the end of the probe engages an obstruction such as the ground.

Abstract: A projectile deployed cable weapons system for defeating helicopter rotor systems is disclosed. The deployed cable is intended to settle on the target helicopter from above, and damage is inflicted on the main rotor blade or tail rotor blade of the helicopter by sudden stoppage or castastrophic failure of the contacted rotor system.A particularly advantageous assemblage for deploying an amount of cable to defeat helicopter rotor systems is also disclosed. The weapons assemblage includes a first cavity for receiving a projectile, a second cavity containing an amount of cable, and a snaring means attached to the first cable and situated with respect to the first cavity so as to intercept the projectile when projected. Most advantageously the assemblage consists of a field container containing both the projectile and cable as a single operating unit to be attached to the muzzle of a mortar cannon of conventional design.

Abstract: A dispenser for feeding an optical glass fiber from a missile to provide a ommunication link from the missile to the ground; the dispenser includes a supply of optical fiber and a source of pressurized gas mounted in a housing having an orifice through which the optical fiber is fed and the gas exhausted during the feeding of the optical fiber from the missile.

Abstract: A projectile deployed cable weapons system for defeating helicopter rotor systems is disclosed. The deployed cable is intended to settle on the target helicopter from above, and damage is inflicted on the main rotor blade or tail rotor blade of the helicopter by sudden stoppage or catastrophic failure of the contacted rotor system.A particularly advantageous assemblage for deploying an amount of cable to defeat helicopter rotor systems is also disclosed. The weapons assemblage includes a first cavity for receiving a projectile, a second cavity containing an amount of cable, and an inelastically deformable snaring means attached to the cable and situated with respect to the first cavity so as to intercept the projectile when projected. Most advantageously the assemblage consists of a field container containing both the projectile and cable as a single operating unit to be attached to the muzzle of a mortar cannon of conventional design.

Abstract: An anchoring system comprising a pointed anchor body having either a wire apped therearound in one embodiment thereof or a coiled wire disposed within a hollow portion of the anchor body in a second embodiment thereof. One end of the wire is fixed to the pointed end of the anchor body and the other end projects through a pusher plate at the other end of the anchor body, behind which is an explosive or propellant charge for actuating the anchor. When the charge is ignited the anchor body is driven out of the charge housing, which is configured to retain the pusher plate, causing the wire to unwind as the anchor body embeds itself.

Abstract: A high acceleration umbilical cable deployment system for enabling electrical communication between a ballistic projectile forebody and an afterbody. A cable coiled on a spool is housed within a ballistic casing having a drag funnel at the rear end. The cable is sandwiched between a foam plug and the drag funnel before it leaves the forebody and is secured in a strain relief at the apex of a funnel in the afterbody. On deployment, when the bodies are separated, energies that would tend to rupture the cable are expended by the funnels, plug and strain relief.