Abstract: A game apparatus includes a CPU, and the CPU controls a moving object within a virtual space on the basis of acceleration data and angular velocity data which are transmitted from a controller. For example, before the angular velocity data is above a predetermined magnitude, a position and an orientation of the moving object is controlled on the basis of the angular velocity data. When the angular velocity data is above the predetermined magnitude, an initial velocity of the moving object is decided on the basis of the acceleration data, and a moving direction (orientation) of the moving object is decided on the basis of the angular velocity data. Thereafter, the moving object moves within the virtual space according to a general physical behavior.

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: 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 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: A turbine/air vent reeling machine for use in aerial towed target applications and the like disclosed characterized by use of a novel turbine head/air vent design which extracts ram air energy from the wind stream impinging upon a moving aircraft for the purpose of driving and braking the reeling machine for pay-in and pay-out of a towed target. Control of the turbine rotational speed is achieved through plural variable opening vents located aft of the turbine head which are driven through an open and closed orientation by a servo-motor to throttle the air mass flow through the turbine head. Turbine speed is sensed by a tachometer which is coupled to a shaft driven by the turbine. The tachometer output voltage is introduced into a closed loop control circuit including processing electronics which compares the tachometer voltage to a pre-selected set point voltage corresponding to the desired rotational speed of the turbine.

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 tow target system for use with a remotely piloted aircraft, including deployment of the target(s) from wing launchers on a tow line, braking of the tow line, release of target and tow line from the aircraft, and parachute recovery of the jettisoned target. A dual tow reel and two tow target launchers are provided on the carrier aircraft for sequential operation of more than one towed target. Signals received from the ground control only the target deployment from its carrier and the later jettisoning of the towed target when desired. The braking system has automatically operative control means for pay-out speed, slowing, and stopping of the reels at predetermined line lengths. The parachute recovery is automatically initiated by aerodynamic control forces when target release is commanded.

Abstract: The following specification discloses an aerial gunnery target that is adapted to be towed by an aircraft at high speeds for gunnery training and aircraft weapons qualifications. The assembly comprises a multiplicity of strands or cords such as twisted and plyed polypropylene lines. Each of said strands is secured at the forward end on a towing frame having various configurations which include circles, bars, radial extensions, and other configurations, including hexagons and triangles. The towing frame is pulled by means of a conventional towing cable and may have arms that extend outwardly upon deployment by aerodynamic forces, or may be rigidly constructed in the desired shape. The elongated multiplicity of cords extend backwardly from the frame to a terminal point, such as an analogous frame or a confluence point, such as a ring, where they are attached in coupled relationship, or any other terminal means for securing the ends of the elongated cord elements.