Abstract: A guided projectile having a nose portion, a body portion, a tail portion, and a central axis. In various embodiments the projectile includes a control support portion and a collar assembly pivotally mounted to the control support portion. In various embodiments the collar assembly includes a collar having an exterior sidewall with a plurality of fixed aerodynamic surfaces thereon for spinning the collar and a plurality of variable sweep wings for directional control of the projectile. In various embodiments the plurality of variable sweep wings each have a first end coupled to a wing actuator configured to rotate a second end portion between and including a first position, where the wings are oriented generally parallel to the central axis of the projectile to a second position, where the lengthwise wing axis of the plurality of wings are oriented generally perpendicular to the central axis of the projectile.

Abstract: An aeromechanically stable sabot system that includes a center of gravity that is placed forward of an aerodynamic center of the aeromechanically stable sabot system when in steady-state flight. By placing the center of gravity forwards of the aerodynamic center, the sabot system exhibits positive longitudinal and directional stability. To illustrate, the sabot system and/or portions thereof will return to stable flight after being disturbed in pitch (vertically or about a transverse horizontal axis) or yaw (side to side or about a vertical axis) when traveling horizontally.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a projectile includes a projectile body including a tail portion, a nose portion, a barrel engaging portion between the nose portion and the tail portion, and a metal jacket that defines an exterior of the projectile that surrounds an interior solid core. In one or more embodiments the projectile includes one or more circumferential grooves defined in the interior core portion, each of the one or more circumferential grooves covered by and positioned adjacent to the metal jacket and within the barrel-engaging portion. In various embodiments, during firing of the projectile, the one or more circumferential grooves define a void that allows material of one or more of the metal jacket and interior solid core to displace into the void for reduction in radial stiffness to the projectile in the barrel engaging portion.

Abstract: The system and method of spin stabilizing a guided munition where a motor provides necessary de-spinning torque. The despun PGK portion of a guided projectile is already at high rate of spin relative to the projectile body and the motor is operated to maintain that rate.

Abstract: Devices and techniques including possibly mass-produced manufacture of fungible launch vehicles, suitable for customization to payload specification, and programming to achieve specified delivery. Speed of assembly is adjustable to demand for deliveries. Customization occurs after manufacture and delivery and in response to payload specification. Payload specification includes weight and balance, volume, packaging, and release mechanism and order. No individual launch vehicle is manufactured to meet any particular specification. Launch vehicles are delivered from assembly to a launch site or nearby storage. Launch vehicles can be allocated and customized upon demand, at the time of launch. Customization includes adjustment of weight and balance, attitude control, or air launch parameters. Software receives specifications of individual payloads and delivery parameters and determines customizations to achieve those specifications and parameters.

Abstract: A projectile fired from a weapon which has a bore with inner rifling, having a point and a base which are disposed within a sleeve such that the point and base of the projectile rotate independently of the sleeve when fired from a gun or similar weapon designed to discharge projectiles or similar material.

Abstract: A method for guiding an artillery projectile to a target. In one embodiment, the method includes providing control commands to change an angle of attack of one or more roll stabilizing fins and providing control commands to change an angle of attack of one or more lift guiding fins; and controlling the roll angle to provide a lift force to guide the projectile along a trajectory, wherein the projectile is configured to spin about its longitudinal axis during flight.

Abstract: A projectile apparatus is provided that includes a projectile, a propellant, and optional components such as a wading, a sabot, and an intermediary device. The projectile can be fired through a barrel having a smooth bore. A sabot is provided that can include molded features, for example, a base portion and a plurality of petal portions defining, in-part, a volume for accommodating a projectile. The sabot and wadding can include molded features that control and direct gases produced by the propellant. The apparatus can convert gas pressure or gas velocity into a high rate of projectile spin. The projectile has long-range accuracy due to a high or sustainable velocity and high rate of spin.

Abstract: A projectile has a base, a tip, and a body axis intersecting the base at a trailing axis point and the tip at a leading axis point. The projectile includes a meplat that is substantially orthogonal to the body axis and a plurality of standoffs that extend away from both the trailing axis point and the leading axis point.

Abstract: Projectiles for ammunition and ammunition for firearms are disclosed. Methods of making projectiles for ammunition and ammunition for firearms, and methods of using projectiles for ammunition and ammunition for firearms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of making a projectile apparatus is provided that includes making one or components of the apparatus using an additive manufacture technique such as 3-D printing or laser-aided additive manufacture. The projectile apparatus can have a projectile, a propellant, and one or more optional components such as a wading, a sabot, and an intermediary device. The projectile can be fired through a barrel having a smooth bore. Additive manufacture methods can be used that involve forming components from superalloys having nanoparticles incorporated therein. The projectile apparatus can convert gas pressure or gas velocity into a high rate of projectile spin. The projectile has long-range accuracy due to a high or sustainable velocity and high rate of spin.

Abstract: A projectile has a base, a tip, and a body axis intersecting the base at a trailing axis point and the tip at a leading axis point. The projectile includes a meplat that is substantially orthogonal to the body axis and a plurality of standoffs that extend away from both the trailing axis point and the leading axis point.

Abstract: Projectiles for ammunition and ammunition for firearms are disclosed. Methods of making projectiles for ammunition and ammunition for firearms, and methods of using projectiles for ammunition and ammunition for firearms are also disclosed.

Abstract: A projectile has a body with an axis and a meplat disposed substantially orthogonal to the axis. The meplat is bounded by a substantially square edge.

Abstract: A fin deployment system for a projectile is provided, the fin deployment system defining a longitudinal axis and including: an actuator plate, a first mechanical stop arrangement, an actuation assembly, a plurality of fin assemblies, and a second mechanical stop arrangement. The actuator plate is pivotable from a first pivot position to a second pivot position about the longitudinal axis. The first mechanical stop arrangement is configured for initially locking the actuator plate at the first pivot position, and for selectively unlocking the actuator plate from the first pivot position responsive to an actuating force, to thereby allow the actuator plate to pivot to the second pivot position. The actuation assembly is for selectively applying the actuating force to the first mechanical stop arrangement, to thereby unlock the actuator plate from the first pivot position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for guiding a cannon shell accurately are disclosed. The apparatus includes two main parts adapted to be installed on the leading end of the cannon shell. The front main part of the apparatus is equipped with at least one pair of fins and is rotatable with respect to the rear main part. The pair of fins is controlled to hold the front main part substantially stable with respect to an external reference frame when the cannon shell rotates as it flies towards its target. Control system is comprised within the apparatus that receives location signals and is adapted to provide guiding control commands to the cannon shell via the fins so as to guide the shell accurately to its preprogrammed target. The control system is adapted to activate the detonation chain of the shell according to preprogrammed mode.

Abstract: A projectile 1 for ammunition is disclosed, said projectile 1 comprising an outer profile geometry on an ogive-shaped impact end portion 5 thereof, said outer profile geometry comprising two or more notches 2 extending in at least one of (i) an axial, (ii) parallel or (iii) slightly inclined orientation relative to a dissecting axis 3 extending longitudinally through said impact end portion 5 of said projectile 1, wherein each notch 2 (a) comprises notch surface portions 4,7 so as to increase (i) an overall outer surface area of said ogive end portion 5 of projectile 1, and (ii) a given length of an outer surface periphery Sp extending along a line within a plane normal to said dissecting axis 3, and (b) is surrounded by an outer side surface 51 of said ogive-shaped impact end portion 5 of said projectile 1.

Abstract: A projectile has a body with three fins which partially define a meplat. Three flutes are alternatingly arranged with the three fins about an axis of the body. Each of the three flutes is at least partially defined by a curved surface having a substantially smooth radius of curvature that is substantially constant from the meplat to a side surface of the body.

Abstract: A new mortar projectile for use to resupply various payloads to distant troops. The mortar projectile has the capability of rapidly and accurately transporting the payloads to forward disposed combatants without interference of terrain or enemy action. The mortar projectile includes a shell body for housing the payload to be delivered, and a GPS-guided parafoil for delivering the payload to the designated remote target location.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for controlling the trajectory of a projectile having two rotationally decoupled sections, wherein the first section is rotationally decoupled from the second section. The first section of the projectile contains a navigation system. The first section also contains an actuator by which aero-control surfaces on the second section are actuated. The second section may have external aero-spin surfaces which provide a torque counter to the rotation of the base projectile. The apparatus and system also includes embodiments having applications for nose sections of projectiles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bullet including an air-guiding recess, comprising: a head 20; and a tail 30 disposed behind the head 20, and including an odd number of air-guiding recesses 32 formed so as to be curved in the bottom and outer circumferential surfaces thereof. The air-guiding recess 32 is characterized by having a sloped bottom that increases in depth while progressing to the bottom surface of the tail 30. Accordingly, vortex is prevented from being generated at the rear side of the bullet, so as to significantly increase the effective range thereof and simultaneously improve accuracy when shooting same.

Abstract: Apparatus/method estimate LOS rotation, to track, approach, pursue, intercept or avoid objects. Vehicle-fixed imagers approach/recede-from objects, recording image series with background. Computations, from images exclusively, estimate rotation vs. the vehicle, applying the estimate. Preferably, recording/estimating provide proportional navigation; scan mirrors extend strapdown-sensor FOR; applying includes measuring “range rate over range”, exclusively from interimage optical flow, using results to optimize proportional-navigation loop gain; estimating includes evaluating interframe optical flow, preregistering roughly as first approximation, selecting sequence anchor points, and applying a second, finer technique developing output registration that's a coordinate translation, aligning inertial surroundings. The approximation operates optical flow with efficient embedded registration/mapping, applying a homography matrix to nearby imagery.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile has a collar around the middle of its spun fuselage, longitudinally spanning a center of mass of the projectile. The collar includes lift-producing aerodynamic surfaces. Positioning the collar relative to the spinning fuselage produces a direct lift force on the projectile that may be used to steer the projectile. Since the projectile is constantly spinning, the positioning may be accomplished by a brake, such as a magnetic brake or a fiction brake, that allows the collar to be positioned substantially fixed relative to inertial space, with the collar not rotating with the fuselage about a longitudinal axis of the projectile. Since the lift force is applied close to the center of mass of the projectile, the steering occurs with no substantial change in the angle of attack of the projectile.

Abstract: Disclosed is spin-stabilized ammunition for use in grooved or smooth bore handheld firearms with calibers up to 60 mm. The projectile of the ammunition features a body in the shape of a truncated cone at the top of a cylinder with proportions of the cone length to the cylinder length varying between from one-to-six to one-to-three depending on the expected initial speed of the projectile after the ammunition has been discharged. A central longitudinal barrel extends through the projectile with a proportion of the entrance diameter and exit diameter of 1.38-to-one for expected discharge speeds near sound velocity or of 1.22-to-one for expected discharge of hypersonic velocities. Finally, nozzles within the projectile create a spinning motion around the projectile's axis, the nozzles being located between cavities for propellant charges.

Abstract: A method for deploying a control surface from an exterior surface of a spinning projectile during flight is provided. The method including: moving the control surface in an interior of the projectile such that a portion of the movement retracts the control surface into the interior and a portion of the movement extends the control surface from the exterior surface of the projectile; determining a roll angle of the projectile; and synchronizing the movement of the control surface with the roll angle of the projectile.

Abstract: A method for controlling autopilot roll capture of a rocket comprising adapting the start time and the rate of roll capture such that regardless of the initial rocket spin rate, the roll capture process is completed at a predetermined time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotationally stabilized projectile (1) for launching from a barrel, which projectile (1) comprises a front projectile part (22), a rear projectile part (20) comprising a rotating band (4), and an intermediate projectile part (21) comprising a freely rotatable middle section (2) arranged with guide wings (3) for improving the gliding capability and guidance capability during the gliding phase and end phase of the projectile. The guide wings (3) are arranged extensibly on the freely rotatable middle section (2), and the intermediate projectile part (21) also comprises a regulator device (14) for regulating the rotation of the middle section (2). The invention also relates to a method for guiding a rotationally stabilized projectile.

Abstract: A scalable, inert munition data recorder cartridge. This inert cartridge allows users to record data from within a weapon system feed chute, breach, and extractor port. This cartridge is adaptable to any weapon system, packaging unit, environmental chamber, or other ammunition holding and storage device. Although the cartridge is designed to interface with a weapon and ammunition packaging based on its shape, it still functions as designed regardless of its location and application. This would allow the cartridge to be placed anywhere an actual live cartridge of ammunition could be placed.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to spin-stabilized ammunition for use in grooved or smooth bore handheld firearms with calibers up to 60 mm. The projectile of the ammunition features: a body in the shape of a truncated cone at the top of a cylinder with proportions of the cone length to the cylinder length varying between from one-to-six to one-to-three depending on the expected initial speed of the projectile after the ammunition has been discharged; a central longitudinal barrel through the projectile with a proportion of the entrance diameter and exit diameter of 1.38-to-one for expected discharge speeds near sound velocity or of 1.22-to-one for expected discharge of hypersonic velocities; nozzles for the creation of a spinning motion of the ammunition around the projectile's axis, the nozzle being located between cavities for propellant charges.

Abstract: A vehicle for launching from a gun such as a gas gun and having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.

Abstract: Improved rocket nozzle designs for vehicles with nozzles embedded in or protruding from surfaces remote from the desired thrust axis. The nozzle configurations are for rocket vehicles where the nozzles are not located at the optimal thrust axis of the vehicle. Two examples include nozzles located on the forward end of the vehicle (also called tractor nozzles) and attitude control nozzles located on the periphery of the vehicle. More particularly, the disclosed nozzle shapes enhance the axial thrusts and/or maneuver torques on the vehicle. These unconventional nozzle shapes improve vehicle performance.

Abstract: A bearing system for a spin-stabilized projectile including bearing configurations that permit selective relative rotation between a spindle and a body portion and which facilitate automatic centering of the spindle. Each bearing configuration includes a conical bearing surface rotatable with respect to a corresponding conical body surface. One bearing configuration is in a forward portion of the body portion and selectively engages a first body surface upon the projectile experiencing set-back forces to direct forces away from bearing elements, and another bearing configuration is in a rearward portion of the body portion and engages a second body surface upon the projectile experiencing set-forward forces to direct forces away from the bearing elements.

Abstract: A method for onboard determination of a roll angle of a projectile. The method including: transmitting a polarized RF signal from a reference source, with a predetermined polarization plane; receiving the signal at a pair of polarized RF sensor cavities positioned symmetrical on the projectile with respect to a reference roll position on the projectile; measuring a difference between an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities resulting from the received signal to determine zero output roll positions of the projectile; and comparing an output of the pair of polarized RF sensor cavities at each of the zero output positions to determine when the projectile is parallel to the predetermined polarization plane. The method can also include analyzing an output of at least one third sensor positioned on the projectile to determine whether the roll angle position of the projectile is up as compared to the horizon.

Abstract: A gyroscopic stabilizer has a ring mounted at a missile rocket nozzle exit for rotation about the exit. The ring bears vanes extended inwardly into gases exiting from the nozzle and configured for rotation by the exiting gases so that the rotating mass of the ring gyroscopically stabilizes the missile. The ring may be mounted by a bearing having rolling elements or sliding surfaces. The axial length of the ring may be substantially less than its diameter. The ring has a low moment of inertia and is accelerated to stabilizing speed by vanes minimally impeding the exiting gases. When the stabilizer is used on a rocket propelled missile launched from a tube, the missile is fully stabilized in the tube before burnout and there is no rotational friction between the tube and the missile.

Abstract: The 6-axis position and attitude of an imaging vehicle's detector assembly is measured by mounting the detector assembly on a compliant isolator and separating the main 6-axis IMU on the vehicle from a secondary IMU comprising at least inertial rate sensors for pitch and yaw on the detector assembly. The compliant isolator couples low-frequency rigid body motion of the vehicle below a resonant frequency to the isolated detector assembly while isolating the detector assembly from high-frequency attitude noise above the resonant frequency. A computer processes measurements of the 6-axis rigid body motion and the angular rate of change in yaw and pitch of the isolated detector assembly to mitigate the drift and noise error effects of the secondary inertial rate sensors and estimate the 6-axis position and attitude of the detector assembly.

Abstract: A vehicle for launching from a gas gun having a housing; preferably incorporating a precessional attitude control system; and utilizing a flared base, fins, or active use of the attitude control system during passage through the atmosphere. Subtly canting the fins can produce desired spinning of the vehicle. The propulsion system can employ liquid, hybrid, or solid fuel. A removable aero-shell assists atmospheric flight with thermal protection being provided by anticipated ablation, an ablative aero-spike, or transpirational cooling. And a releasable sabot enhances the effectiveness of the launch.

Abstract: An example method includes receiving output voltage data from an array of at least four thermopiles placed around the circumference of a projectile such that for any rotation of the projectile during flight thereof, at least a pair of the thermopile having upwardly-facing fields of view referenced to the earth-fixed coordinate system. The method includes determining the pair of upwardly-facing thermopiles based on the output voltage data from the array, with the respective pair of thermopiles including a thermopile p and next adjacent thermopile p+1. The method includes determining a ratio of the output voltage data from thermopiles p and p+1, and applying the ratio to a function associating, for any pair of thermopiles n and n+1, a ratio of output voltage data from thermopiles n and n+1, and a roll angle ?n of thermopile n referenced to the earth-fixed coordinate system.

Abstract: A projectile (and munition including the projectile) and a method of assembling the same, includes a body having a cavity, a propellant disposed in the cavity and a base including an ignition flash column extending into the cavity containing the propellant and a nozzle formed so as to be openable and closeable.

Abstract: A projectile, air vehicle or submersible craft with a spinning or rolling fuselage, rotating on its axis, has a collar which can be positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile using aerodynamic forces. Aerodynamic surfaces, such as lift-producing surfaces, for example tails or canards, are coupled to the collar, and rotate with the collar. An actuator system or mechanism controls orienting of the lift-producing surfaces, such as tilting of the lift producing surfaces, to direct the collar into a desired position relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile, and to maintain the collar in that position. With such a control the projectile is able to be steered using bank-to-turn maneuvering. The actuator system may use any of a variety of mechanisms to move the lift-producing surfaces, thereby positioning the collar.

Abstract: A projectile, air vehicle or submersible craft with a spinning or rolling fuselage, rotating on its axis, has a collar which can be positioned relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile using aerodynamic forces. Aerodynamic surfaces, such as lift-producing surfaces, for example tails or canards, are coupled to the collar, and rotate with the collar. An actuator system or mechanism controls orienting of the lift-producing surfaces, such as tilting of the lift producing surfaces, to direct the collar into a desired position relative to a longitudinal axis of the projectile, and to maintain the collar in that position. With such a control the projectile is able to be steered using bank-to-turn maneuvering. The actuator system may use any of a variety of mechanisms to move the lift-producing surfaces, thereby positioning the collar.

Abstract: A GNC device for use with a projectile, includes a rotating GNC portion and a non-rotating GNC portion, the rotating GNC portion being fixedly coupled to a projectile body, at least one bearing being interposed between the rotating GNC portion and a non-rotating GNC portion, the at least one bearing permitting the rotating GNC portion to rotate with respect to the non-rotating GNC portion. In a GNC device for use with a projectile, a method is further included.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile has a collar around the middle of its spun fuselage, longitudinally spanning a center of mass of the projectile. The collar includes lift-producing aerodynamic surfaces. Positioning the collar relative to the spinning fuselage produces a direct lift force on the projectile that may be used to steer the projectile. Since the projectile is constantly spinning, the positioning may be accomplished by a brake, such as a magnetic brake or a fiction brake, that allows the collar to be positioned substantially fixed relative to inertial space, with the collar not rotating with the fuselage about a longitudinal axis of the projectile. Since the lift force is applied close to the center of mass of the projectile, the steering occurs with no substantial change in the angle of attack of the projectile.

Abstract: A spin rate tracking system comprising a guidance system suitable for adjusting a flight path of a vehicle based on a spin rate of the vehicle, a signal reception system configured for receiving signal information from a global navigation system wherein a spin rate of the vehicle is derived from a substantially harmonic pattern produced amongst a global navigation signal.

Abstract: A method for onboard determination of a roll angle of a projectile.

Abstract: A spin-stabilized projectile has its course controlled by counter rotation of an internal mass about a longitudinal axis of the projectile. The internal mass may be a boom within a cavity of an external body of the projectile. The internal mass may be tiltable relative to the hull, and may be configured to counter rotate relative to the hull about the axis of the hull. The counter-rotation may keep the boom in a substantially same orientation relative to the (non-spinning) environment outside of the projectile. The positioning of the boom or other weight within the projectile thus may be used to steer the projectile, by providing an angle of attack to the projectile hull. A magnetic system may be used to counter rotate the boom or other weight. The projectile may have a laser guidance system to aid in steering the projectile toward a desired aim point.

Abstract: A projectile has a pair of different parts with respective orientation sensors for detecting orientation, such as the roll position of the parts. The orientation sensors may be any of a variety of sensors, such as magnetometers, light sensors, infrared (IR) sensors, or ultraviolet (UV) sensors. Orientation events of the orientation sensors, such as maxima or minima of sensor output, are determined. The orientation events of the two sensors are compared to produce an alignment correction factor for correcting for misalignment of the parts relative to one another, that is to correct for differences in alignment between the sensors of the two parts. This allows (for example) instructions produced at one of the parts to be usable at the other of the parts.

Abstract: The effects of IMU gyro and accelerometer bias errors are significantly reduced in accordance with the present teachings by a system or method for commanding an IMU or vehicle through a series of preprogrammed maneuvers. The maneuvers can be designed to minimize the effects of other gyro errors including scale factor errors, nonlinearities, cross coupling/misalignment, and scale factor asymmetries. A sample maneuver is provided which demonstrates performance based on a sequence of roll and yaw maneuvers resulting in zero build up of error at the end of a maneuver cycle period as a result of these errors. Modification of the system involves the addition of control logic to determine the maneuver period, maneuver rate, and vehicle orientation. No additional hardware beyond possible fuel required to perform the maneuver is required.

Abstract: A system and method for guiding a projectile is presented. A nozzle system includes a boom assembly body that can be attached to a rear end of a projectile. A gas tank in the boom assembly contains pressurized gas. Fins are attached to the boom assembly body to guide the projectile. A valve lets a pulse of gas out of the gas tank. A nozzle expels the pulse of gas to control an angle of attack and lift of the projectile to guide the projectile to a target.

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: Rolling airframe projectile guidance and stability systems are disclosed. Flight control surfaces, such as canards and/or tail fins are attached to a projectile airframe that is designed to roll during flight. Stepper motors are attached to the flight control surfaces and move the flight control surfaces in discrete increments. A control system generates signals that control the flight control surfaces. The control system may include a neural network that is trained to generate control signals in response to received inputs.