Abstract: The invention relates to a system for assisting the pilot of an aircraft, which comprises aboard the aircraft: a computer, a set of sensors able to provide data to the computer and, a seat for the pilot equipped with haptic actuators controlled by the computer. The computer comprises means for controlling each actuator or groups of actuators independently of one another, as a function of the data provided by the sensors. The seat comprising a back and a cushion, the actuators of the back and of the cushion comprise single-axis mini-rams distributed in the back and the cushion of the seat, whose displacement axes are respectively perpendicular to the back and to the cushion of the seat.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for controlling the deployment of a towline connecting a mooring craft to an ejected object comprising the steps of monitoring velocity to determine when a point for optimum braking has been achieved and then engaging a brake system to retard deployment of the towline, a DC motor augments and controls the brake system. The DC motor further controls the retrieval of the object. A cutter mechanism uses a first blade to grip the towing cable to maintain tension thereon as a second blade cuts the cable. A spring biased boom in combination with spring biased fins on the ejected object rapidly deploys the object from its storage housing. A locking mechanism secures the deployment mechanism in a stable locked position upon the object reaching its fully extended position.

Abstract: A flying device for IR flying target representation with at least one infrared radiator (2). An infrared radiator (2) is arranged inside the exhaust gas flow of a convected heat-generating unit so that the exhaust gas stream completely encloses the surface of the infrared radiator (2) exposed to airflow.

Abstract: A decoy deployment and retrieval system includes an extensible boom and corresponding cradle or saddle for use in the retrieval of the towed decoy such that, upon retrieval, the extensible boom with its decoy captured in the cradle is retracted into a chamber so that the decoy can be deployed over and over again. In one embodiment, the decoy is both towed by, and controlled over, a fiber optic line in which a load cell is used to detect tension on the line to prevent damage, and a fiber optic rotary joint is utilized along with high voltage slip rings to permit electrical and optical coupling without backlash, fouling or damage to the line.

Abstract: Recovery of a towed body, in one embodiment in the form of a decoy which is initially stowed in a receptacle or canister and which is allowed to pay out behind an aircraft on a towing cable wrapped around a spindle, is accomplished by snaring or lassoing a portion of the towing cable and by dragging it to a further spindle which is driven so as to cause the lasso and a portion of the towing cable to wind up around the driven spindle. When a sufficient amount of the cable is wound around the driven spindle, the cable end secured to the canister is severed to allow all of the rest of the towing cable to be wound up. In one embodiment, a telescoping saddle or docking cradle is provided which extends from the canister to receive the retracted towed body so that it may be secured to the moving vehicle from whence it can be recovered, refurbished, and redeployed.

Abstract: A flying device for IR flying target representation with at least one infrared radiator (2). An infrared radiator (2) is arranged inside the exhaust gas flow of a convected heat-generating unit so that the exhaust gas stream completely encloses the surface of the infrared radiator (2) exposed to airflow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tow body for the representation of flying targets by means of infrared flares, the infrared flares being situated at the rear of the tow body and being ejectable from the tow body and capable of being pulled by the tow body by means of towing cables during the burning time. According to the invention, a section of the towing cable (6) situated between the IR-flare-side cable linkage (2) and the tow-body-side cable linkage (5) is sewn onto a woven flap (1), this connection being releasable during the reel-off operation of the towing cable (6).

Abstract: A glide target comprising a fuselage having forward and aft ends. Movably attached to the fuselage is at least one control surface, while releasably attached to the fuselage is a tow line adaptor. Disposed within the fuselage is a tow line adaptor release mechanism which mechanically couples the tow line adaptor to the control surface in a manner wherein the (control surface is effectively locked into a set position until the tow line adaptor is detached from the fuselage. The glide target further comprises a glide target parachute which is disposed within the fuselage and a parachute launching mechanism which is also disposed within the fuselage and is used for selectively deploying the glide target parachute therefrom. The tow line adaptor, when attached to the fuselage, is cooperatively engaged to the parachute launching mechanism in a manner preventing the deployment of the glide target parachute from within the fuselage.

Abstract: A mechanical regulation system for controlling tow line payout between the aerobody and a towing vehicle. The system comprises a housing, a nonrotating spool, and a tow line wound around the spool that is coupled between the aerobody and the vehicle. The regulation portion of the present system comprises a rotatable wedge-shaped tube, having the tow line wrapped around it. A rotatable mechanical regulator is slidably coupled to the wedge-shaped tube. The regulator is adapted to rotate with the tube and move transversely along the length of the tube as the tow line is removed from the spool. A brake mechanism is provided as part of the regulator, and a brake drum is disposed adjacent the periphery of the regulator that is contacted by the brake mechanism.

Abstract: A launching and regulation system that incorporates an expendable towing and deployment mechanism for use with a towed aerobody that provides for launching and controlled tow line payout between the towed aerobody and a towing vehicle. The system comprises a housing, a nonrotating spool disposed in the housing, and a tow line wound around the spool that is coupled between the aerobody and the vehicle. The tow line preferably comprises a photonic, fiber optic, link. The launching mechanism comprises a plurality of impulse cartridges for deploying the aerobody and severing the tow line at a predetermined time. A spring piston is disposed inside a wedge-shaped tube that confines expanding gasses within the tube that are generated by an impulse cartridge and moves the spring piston to launch the aerobody. The regulation mechanism may comprise a mechanical system or adhesive resin system. The mechanical system comprises a rotatable wedge-shaped tube, and the tow line is wrapped around it.

Abstract: A puzzle device which includes an array of indicators, each of the indicators capable of alternately indicating a first state or a second state, the array being formed into a three-dimensional shape; a mechanism for selecting one of the array of indicators; and a mechanism for changing, upon the selection of one of the array of indicators, the state of at least one of the other of the indicators based on a pre-determined pattern.

Abstract: The invention relates to a high speed aerial tow bag target of textile maial having a reduced aerodynamic drag provided with a frontside air entrance orifice and at least one air exit orifice at its tail. In order to reduce the drag of the tow bag and to improve its stability under flight condition the tail is provided with a contour tapering to the end of the bag and the hole area of the air exit orifices is made smaller than the cross section of the air entrance orifice at the front side.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target system having a visual augmenter release which includes a detention member that is moved to enable a spring biased rod to shift forward. The rod moves a pivoting contact member received within a bracket assembly extending from an end cap secured to the aft end of a towed forebody. The shifting of the rod causes the contact member to pivot so as to move the swivel connector of the visual augmenter from a position fixed within the bracket assembly to a position where the swivel connector is free to slide off. A deployment mechanism is also provided which includes a cutting assembly designed to cut a retention line extending about an end cap formed at the aft end of the forebody and about a two segment visual augmenter cover. A transient force absorbing adaptor is connected between the tow cable and forebody. A cone shaped ballast member redirects projectiles so as to protect the scoring sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to an aerodynamically braked vehicle deployment device. The deployment device system generally comprises a spool member. A tow line is bifilar wound about the spool member in a manner wherein one end of the tow line is attached to an aircraft while the other end is attached to a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle and the deployment device are deployed simultaneously, and the spool, by nature of its bifilar winding, assumes a position between the aircraft and the towed vehicle. An aerodynamic braking means is interfaced to the spool in a manner operable to provide a braking force during payout of the towed vehicle to control the payout speed of the towed vehicle. At the end of the towed vehicle payout, the deployment device is adapted to disengage itself from the tow line and propel itself away from the tow line and clear of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanically braked vehicle deployment device. The deployment device comprises a spool member having a guide member rigidly connected thereto. A tow line is bifilar wound about the spool member in a manner wherein one end of the tow line extends through the guide member and is attached to an aircraft while the other end extends from the spool member and is attached to a towed vehicle. The towed vehicle and the deployment device are deployed simultaneously, and the spool, by nature of its bifilar winding, assumes a position between the aircraft and the towed vehicle. A braking assembly is interfaced to the spool member in a manner operable to provide a braking force during payout of the towed vehicle to control the rotational speed of the spool during tow line payout. At the end of the towed vehicle payout, the deployment device is adapted to disengage itself from the tow line and propel itself away from the tow line and clear of the towed vehicle.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target which is towed behind a towing aircraft. The gunnery target includes an extension device that separates a forebody assembly from a visual augmenter. The target also includes a vented inflator positioned at the forward end of the visual augmenter. The vented inflator maintains the front end of the visual augmenter open during towing. The visual augmenter is generally cylindrical in shape with an open aft end and an adjustment device for varying the size of the aft opening. In addition, the visual body is comprised of a mesh netting which preferably includes a plurality of interconnected strands joined together to form a plurality of diamond shaped openings. The inter-connected strands are each formed of a plurality of knitted threads and the strands are preferably joined together by knitting some or all of threads of one strand with some or all of the threads of an interconnecting strand.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target which is towed behind a towing aircraft. The gunnery target includes an extension device that separates a forebody assembly from a visual augmenter. The target also includes a vented inflator positioned at the foreward end of the visual augmenter. The vented inflator maintains the front end of the visual augmenter open during towing. The visual augmenter is generally cylindrical in shape with an open aft end and an adjustment device for varying the size of the aft opening. In addition, the visual body is comprised of a mesh netting which preferably includes a plurality of interconnected strands joined together to form a plurality of diamond shaped openings. The interconnected strands are each formed of a plurality of knitted threads and the strands are preferably joined together by knitting some or all of threads of one strand with some or all of the threads of an interconnecting strand.

Abstract: In a moving craft connected by a towline to an ejected and freely falling object, a brake control system determines when to engage a brake that accelerates the object to the moving craft's speed by retarding the deployment of the towline without exceeding its rated working load. The control system continually monitors the velocity and the total deployed distance of the ejected object. When a point in a velocity-distance state-space plane corresponding to the monitored velocity and the monitored total deployed distance of the ejected object has reached a switching curve (48), the control system actuates a brake (74). The switching curve (48) is the locus of intersection points (38, 40, 42, and 44) of a plurality of pairs of curves, each pair consisting of a free-fall trajectory (23, 24, 26, and 28) and a brake trajectory (30, 32, 34, and 36) and being associated with a different craft velocity.

Abstract: A decoy system is disclosed characterized by use of a rotating towline spool having an axial bore therethrough adapted to receive a pyrotechnic charge adjacent one end thereof and communicate gas pressure upon detonation of the charge to the decoy to deploy the decoy from an aircraft. Pyrotechnic charges for both decoy ejection and towline cutting may be externally loaded into the system without the need to disassemble the decoy system and the use of the axial bore through the spool results in desired space economies. The interior of the decoy cannister is provided with plural guide rails and contoured guide rollers which facilitate ejection of the decoy from the cannister in directions even or perpendicular to the airstream of the aircraft. Towline spool and decoy terminations and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed which yield sufficient strength to withstand peak tensile forces exerted during initial acceleration and subsequent maximum pay out of the decoy.

Abstract: Apparatus for salvaging a hit indicating sensor, mounted on a towed drone serving as target simulator and being fastened by means of a cable to a towing craft; the hit indicator is severed from the drone and parachuted to ground either on cable release or by external command.

Abstract: The minimum distance between a passing projectile and a training (dummy) target is ascertained by means of four shock wave responsive transducers in the target, two of which are aligned with the target's propagation and the transit time differential of receiving the shock wave from the projectile as well as measured distances to the projectile's trajectory are used to establish a set of possible projectile trajectories, one of them being the real one; all of them being arranged in rotational symmetry to the line established by the two transducers. This information suffices already to determine the minimum distance of fly by.

Abstract: A towed decoy system is disclosed characterized by use of a rotating tow line spool having an axial bore therethrough adapted to receive a pyrotechnic charge adjacent one end thereof and communicate gas pressure upon detonation of the charge to the decoy to deploy the decoy from an aircraft. The pryotechnic charge may be externally loaded into the system without the need to disassemble the decoy system and the use of the axial bore through the spool results in desired space economies.

Abstract: A hit indicating system in an aerial firing practice target to be towed comprises parallel connected resistance circuits the combined resistance of which is varied when any of the circuits is cut by a bullet, and this variation activates an ignition control unit comprising a differentiation circuit, a logic circuit, an output circuit, and optionally, a waveform shaping circuit, to transmit signals causing signal tubes to operate in sequence to emit flares or smoke preferably of significantly different hues indicating sequential hits to enable visual observation from aircraft at relatively remote positions.

Abstract: A target bag to be towed has on its periphery arranged a plurality of pressure sensitive transducers for monitoring the trajectory of passing projectiles. The transducers are arranged to obtain overall omnidirectional response characteristics in relation to the center of the target.

Abstract: A drag stabilizer for a towed airborne cylindrical object comprises a fla body of a closed cell foam, an attachment plate that is connected to the towed object and has a central post for holding the flared foam body, and a securing plate that is connected to the center post, thereby holding the foam body on the center post.

Abstract: A rotary aerial toy comprising a tubular sleeve of flexible material and of circular cross section. In one form of the invention the tubular sleeve tapers from one end toward the other with air entering the larger head end and moving toward the tail end. The head end is adapted for a bridle connection for supporting the sleeve for wind passage therethrough. The sleeve comprises plural strips extending at least generally longitudinally of the sleeve with each strip being of substantially right triangular form, at least at the head end portion thereof. The strips are connected to one another with the hypotenuse leg of one strip being connected to the altitude leg of an adjacent strip and with the base leg being transverse. The strips are arranged at assembly with a step between the head ends of adjacent strips and the seams connecting any selected pair of strips stop short of the head end of the altitude leg of the strip.

Abstract: An aerial towed battle target having a mechanism for radar detection and including a hollow body which is reinforced in the front in a ring-like manner and is composed of sewn together woven lengths of fabric into which are integrated elongated metal elements. The hollow body has a base and towing gear associated with the front. The problem with heretofore known targets is locating and taking bearings with shortwave radio beams during approach and take-off when the direction of flight coincides extensively with the beam direction. To improve the inventive target in this respect, the elongated metal elements are contained in the fabric lengths as weft threads which are disposed essentially transverse to the direction of towing. These metal weft threads are incorporated between the woven weft threads, with the spacing between the metal threads increasing over the length of a woven fabric pattern uniformly from a relatively small dimension to a relatively large dimension.

Abstract: The air scoop opening at the leading edge of a flexible, ram-air inflated airfoil canopy, is framed between curved lip sections extending tangentially from the upper and lower surface members of the canopy to prevent airflow separation adjacent the leading edge and the drag producing effect thereof. A baffling curtain extends across the air scoop opening.

Abstract: A modular target apparatus is described, which is adapted to be towed behind a towing vehicle, typically an aircraft. The modular apparatus includes a fore body, an aft body, and a thrust bearing interconnecting said bodies. The thrust bearing allows predetermined amounts of relative movement between the two bodies. The fore body is tubular and normally houses a miss distance indicator (MDI) device. The aft body has an aerodynamically shaped front end, and includes a trailing skirt. These coact to provide dynamic stability when the target apparatus is being towed. The front end of the aft body is preferably configured to house augmentation means which provides enhancement of a predetermined signal. This is most preferably in the form of a Luneberg lens. At least one of the fore and aft bodies is sometimes a substantially empty tube-like element. The trailing skirt has guides thereon which cause the aft body to follow a predetermined path of motion.

Abstract: A target acquisition and designation system is disclosed which enables an aircraft to perform aerial reconnaissance and surveillance, strikes of fixed or mobile targets, and other defense missions while at an altitude below which detection by enemy radar is effective. The system utilizes a very small, stealthy, unmanned glider equipped with a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) image sensor and a laser designator. The glider is towed by the aircraft and remotely controlled to fly at an elevation high above the aircraft where the FLIR and laser designator can be effectively utilized. A lightweight towline comprising one or more load-bearing tension members surrounded by a flexible member having a symmetrical streamlined exterior shape substantially reduces drag and allows the glider to be deployed from conventional aircraft.

Abstract: A banner towing adapter for use in the towing of a banner or target by an rcraft of the type having an arresting tail hook assembly. The towing adapter is installable in the hollow tail hook attachment pin of the aircraft by means of an expanding sleeve. The sleeve is fixed to a first upwardly extending immovable arm which secures the sleeve to the tail hook support structure located on the aircraft. A second arm, rotatably attached to the sleeve and coupled to the tail hook, is provided at its distal end with a hook suitable for securing a towline from the banner to be towed. The towline securing hook is disposable between two hook retainers which act as a constraint when the towline is on the hook. One of the retainers is disposed at the far end of the first arm while the other hook retainer is rotatable about a point fixed on the first arm. The second retainer is lockable in a retaining position by a ball lock pin.

Abstract: A reel launcher having a saddle operationally deployable beneath an aircr for carrying and towing an aerial tow target. The tow target is connected to the tow cable by an adapter which includes a notch for registration with a latch in the launcher. The adapter includes a nose section and one of a plurality of end fittings specially formed to engage a corresponding connection in different tow targets. The length of the adapter is adjustable by a threaded connection between the nose section and the end fitting which may be locked with the notch in proper alignment by a slot, key and notch arrangement between the two ends. Thus, a single nose section operable with a launcher may be used with different end fittings and tow targets with no other modifications.

Abstract: An aerial gunnery target system having a visual augmenter release which includes a detention member that is moved to enable a spring biased rod to shift forward. The rod moves a pivoting contact member received within a bracket assembly extending from an end cap secured to the aft end of a towed forebody. The shifting of the rod causes the contact member to pivot so as to move the swivel connector of the visual augmenter from a position fixed within the bracket assembly to a position where the swivel connector is free to slide off. A deployment mechanism is also provided which includes a cutting assembly designed to cut a retention line extending about an end cap formed at the aft end of the forebody and about a two segment visual augmenter cover A transient force absorbing adaptor is connected between the tow cable and forebody. A cone shaped ballast member redirects projectiles so as to protect the scoring sensor.