Abstract: A rocket motor case includes a plurality of plank sections which provide a structural key for locking metal and/or composite end enclosures in place as part of the motor case. The plank sections are sized longitudinally to form venting spaces in the motor case sidewall to allow passive venting in the event of propellant ignition during cook-off. The plank sections have plank legs which are surrounded by tailorable roll-bonded sheet material to complete formation of the motor case sidewall.

Abstract: A single-stage hypersonic vehicle is comprised of a low-speed and a high-speed propulsion system. The low-speed propulsion system propels the single-stage vehicle to a threshold velocity, after which the high-speed propulsion system then takes over. The low-speed propulsion system includes a combined-cycle engine featuring a swirl generator that is integrated into a turbojet engine to provide a compact turbojet and swirl afterburner-ramjet propulsion system. The high-speed propulsion system includes a hypersonic engine that is operable at the threshold takeover velocity and beyond. In various embodiments, the high-speed propulsion system comprises a scramjet, rocket, or scramjet/rocket engine depending requirements.

Abstract: A rotary combustion engine (12) with a self-cooling system comprises a heat exchanging interface for discharging excess heat from the rotary combustion engine (12), and a direct drive fan (44) integrated on the rotary engine output shaft (26) for providing a flow of forced air over the heat exchanging interface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a two-stage hypersonic vehicle, comprising a first-stage vehicle and a second stage vehicle. The first-stage vehicle includes a combined-cycle engine and a swirl generator for propelling the first-stage vehicle and the second-stage vehicle to a threshold velocity, which in one embodiment is about Mach 6. In one embodiment, the first-stage combined-cycle engine integrates a swirl generator into a gas turbine engine, providing a highly compact afterburner and a ramjet engine within the gas turbine engine. One benefit of the integrated swirl generator is the ability to significantly reduce overall first-stage gas turbine and afterburner-ramjet size and weight, while retaining high performance. The second-stage vehicle is detachably secured to the first-stage vehicle and includes a hypersonic engine.

Abstract: In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an aircraft having a scramjet engine is provided. The scramjet engine includes a flowpath which varies in three dimensions. In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a method for launching an aircraft having a scramjet engine with a nozzle section and a solid rocket booster positioned within the nozzle section is provided. The method includes the steps of igniting the solid rocket booster to accelerate the aircraft to a speed at which the scramjet engine can operate, clearing the nozzle section by ejecting the solid rocket booster from the nozzle section upon exhaustion of the solid rocket booster; and injecting fuel into a flow of air passing through the scramjet engine and igniting the fuel and the air to provide thrust to the aircraft.

Abstract: An air inlet duct for an air-breathing combined-cycle aircraft engines is internally divided into separate channels for low-speed and high-speed components of the engine, and contains one or more movable panels that are fully contained within the duct and pivotal between an open position in which incoming air is directed to both channels and a closed position in which all incoming air is directed to the channel leading to the high-speed engine. This integrated duct utilizes all incoming air at all stages of flight with no change in either the geometry of the air capture portion of the engine or the engine itself, and no exposure of movable leading edges. The result is a minimum of shock waves and a high degree of efficiency in operation of the engine.

Abstract: A method enables modeling of a gas turbine engine that includes a pulse detonation system. The method includes providing a pulse detonation modeling system, predicting characteristics of the engine using the pulse detonation modeling system, and predicting characteristics of the pulse detonation system using the pulse detonation modeling system.

Abstract: A ramjet powered device that utilizes a novel swirl generator for rapidly and efficiently atomizing, vaporizing, as necessary, and mixing a fuel into an oxidant. The swirl generator converts an oxidant flow into a turbulent, three-dimensional flowfield into which the fuel is introduced. The swirl generator effects a toroidal outer recirculation zone and an inner central recirculation zone, both of which are configured in a backward-flowing manner that carries heat and combustion byproducts upstream where they are employed to continuously ignite a combustible fuel/oxidizer mixture in adjacent shear layers and stabilizes flame propagation and accelerates combustion throughout the entire combustor. The swirl generator provides smooth combustion with no instabilities and minimum total pressure losses and enables significant reductions in the L/D ratio of the combustor. Other benefits include simplicity, reliability, wide flammability limits and high combustion efficiency and thrust performance.

Abstract: A bypass turbofan engine comprises a first propulsion system and a second propulsion system. The first propulsion system comprises a first fan rotor, a core engine, a first low pressure turbine and a first fan shaft drivingly connecting the first turbine and the first fan rotor. The second propulsion system comprises a second fan shaft drivingly connecting to a second fan rotor and the first propulsion system and arranged so that the first and second shafts are not coaxial with one another.

Abstract: A super-staged rocket includes at least approximately 50 rocket engines, where the engines are distributed according to at least one of: at least five multi-engine stages connected in series, each stage including at least ten engines connected in parallel; and at least five multi-stage units connected in parallel, each unit including at least five engines connected in series.

Abstract: A blanking-plug system for blanking off an orifice of a pipe, particularly for blanking off an orifice of a duct for introducing air into the combustion chamber of a ramjet. The blanking-plug system (16) comprises at least one blanking plug (15) comprising a glass plate (18) which is able to completely blank off said orifice (8) of the pipe (7); and at least one device (17) for destroying said glass plate (18) of said blanking plug (15). Said blanking plug (15) additionally comprises a plurality of elastomer protective elements (21) which are fixed on at least one first face (22) of said glass plate (18) which is likely to be subject to attack, these elements being separated from one another by a predetermined maximum distance at most, and completely covering said first face (22).

Abstract: A combined-cycle engine having at least one core engine and at least one ramjet engine. The ramjet utilizes a novel swirl generator for rapidly and efficiently atomizing, vaporizing, as necessary, and mixing a fuel into an oxidant. The swirl generator converts an oxidant flow into a turbulent, three-dimensional flowfield into which the fuel is introduced. The swirl generator effects a toroidal outer recirculation zone and an inner central recirculation zone, both of which are configured in a backward-flowing manner that carries heat and combustion byproducts upstream where they are employed to continuously ignite a combustible fuel/oxidizer mixture in adjacent shear layers, which accelerate flame propagation throughout the core flowfield. The swirl generator provides smooth combustion with no instabilities and minimum total pressure losses and enables significant reductions in the L/D ratio of the combustor.

Abstract: A multi-mode propulsion system for potential application to hypersonic and aerospace planes. The system can employ various propulsion modes at various points in time, with the propulsion system employed at a given point in time being selected according to the velocity of the inlet airflow. In one embodiment, the propulsion system of the present invention has an ejector-augmented pulsed detonation rocket propulsion mode, a pulsed normal detonation wave engine mode, a steady oblique detonation wave engine mode, and a pure pulsed detonation rocket mode.

Abstract: A variable cycle propulsion system for a supersonic airplane, the system comprising at least one engine having means for producing exhaust gas and a gas exhaust nozzle for generating thrust for supersonic flight speeds, and at least one separate auxiliary propulsion assembly dissociated from said engine, having no gas generator, and capable of generating thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic flight speeds. The system further comprises gas flow tapping means movable between a position in which they tap off at least a fraction of the exhaust gas produced by said engine and feed it to said propulsion assembly to enable it to generate thrust for takeoff, landing, and subsonic cruising flight, and a position in which the gas produced by the engine is directed solely to the engine nozzle for supersonic cruising flight.

Abstract: The pulse jet engine is a gas turbine characterized by an intermittent isochore combustion. The permanent flow of compressor output is pumped over in the form of gas bursts (pulses) towards the turbine stages after combustion has taken place in one or several units of three combustion chambers operating according to a three-phase cycle: intake, combustion, expansion. The throttle valves for opening and closing the chambers are controlled by electromagnets monitored by a digital system. The adjustment of the frequency of pulse productions and harmonization of the units enable the operating lines and variable permeability levels in the compressor field. The structural architecture is applicable to any type of aircraft engine, on land or at sea. For the same power level the pulse jet engine consumes less fuel, and the pumped over air flow is less than that of gas turbines.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for a dual-mode propulsion system. During the first mode of operation, intake air is liquefied through a cooling heat exchanger and condenser using a combination of stored liquid hydrogen (LH2) and stored liquid nitrogen (LN2) as coolants. The liquefied air is then separated into separated liquid oxygen (SLO2) and separated liquid nitrogen (SLN2), which may contain molecules of each other or other elements commonly found in air. The stored liquid nitrogen is replaced with SLO2, while the SLN2 is pumped back through the system with the stored nitrogen in a regeneration process. The SLN2, LN2, and LH2 become gaseous as they pass through the condenser and heat exchanger and are burned in the dual mode rocket thrust chamber to produce thrust. In the second mode, the same thrust chamber is operated as a liquid hydrogen-oxygen rocket, where the liquid oxygen is the SLO2 collected during the first mode.

Abstract: A case-burning rocket booster includes a combustible case containing a solid rocket fuel, a combustion chamber adjustably coupled to the case for burning the case and the solid rocket fuel, a nozzle connected to the combustion chamber for expelling the burned case and fuel to generate thrust, and a drive system for pulling the combustion chamber and nozzle up the case as the case and fuel burn. A hybrid version of the case-burning rocket also includes an oxygen supply system for supplying varying amounts of oxygen to the combustion chamber to vary the thrust generated by burning the case and the fuel.

Abstract: A combined cycle pulse combustion/gas turbine engine has a gas turbine engine used in conjunction with a plurality of pulse combustion engines. In one embodiment, the gas turbine engine includes a housing, a bypass fan, a central engine core, and a diffuser section. The diffuser section is used to route bypass air from the bypass fan around the central engine core and out of the housing. The pulse engines are mounted in the diffuser section and receive bypass air from the bypass fan. In a first alternate embodiment, bypass air is routed from the diffuser section through a duct to the pulse engine. A valve is disposed between the bypass fan and the pulse engines for selectively allowing bypass air from the bypass fan to enter the duct. In a second alternate embodiment, a fan mounts to each inlet port. The gas turbine engine has a drive shaft that drives the fan. A clutch selectively disengages the fans.

Abstract: A microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) microthruster array is disclosed. The MEMS microthruster array of the present invention can be used for maintaining inter satellite distance in small satellites. One microthruster array includes numerous microthruster propulsion cells, each having a vacuum enclosed explosive igniter disposed on one side by a breakable diaphragm and having a propellant-filled chamber on the opposite side of the diaphragm. Upon explosion of the explosive igniter, the first diaphragm breaks, which, together with the explosion of the explosive igniter, causes the propellant to expand rapidly, thereby providing exhaust gases which are ejected from an exterior face of the microthruster propulsion array, thereby providing a small unit of thrust.

Abstract: The invention is an airframe which includes a vehicle (12) having a solid propellant rocket engine (14) and a ramjet or scramjet engine (16); a thrust plug (18) extending from an end (20) of the vehicle which directs combustion gases (23 and 64) produced by the solid propellant rocket engine or ramjet/scramjet engine to produce forward thrust; a longitudinal passage (38) extending from the end of the vehicle to an opening (30) forward of the end which receives external air directed by forward movement of the vehicle and in which solid propellant (32) of the solid propellant rocket engine is located, and wherein during rocket operation solid propellant is combusted to produce the combustion gases in the longitudinal passage which are conveyed by the longitudinal passage into contact with the thrust plug and during ramjet/scramjet operation the longitudinal passage is open to flow of external air after operation of the solid propellant rocket engine is completed and which supports mixing and combustion of the a

Abstract: A pulse detonation rocket engine, having at least two detonation chambers. The rocket propelled vehicle includes at least one fuel delivery system in fluid communication with each of the at least two detonation chambers, and at least one oxidant delivery system in fluid communication with the detonation chambers, along with fast-acting valves to inject fuel and oxidant controlledly into the chambers. An ignitor in each of the detonation chambers intermittently initiates detonation of a fuel and oxidant mixture in the chamber, in a controlled cycle, to provide motive force. Also provided is a combined cycle engine, able to operate in air breathing mode, oxidant augmented mode, and as a rocket engine. The combined cycle engine includes at least one detonation chamber, and may include a plurality of such chambers. The invention further provides methods of intermittently detonating sequentially created fuel and oxygen mixtures in these engines, and methods of using these engines.

Abstract: This invention concerns a missile launching system, and particularly a missile launching and orientation system. It can be used to modernize missiles with an inclined launch at an angle by transforming them into missiles controlled for circular defense, avoids ejection of the passive mass within the launching area. In order to do this, the launching system comprises launching means, aerodynamic control surfaces with drive and means of orientation including at least one gas generator and nozzles connected to it. Orientation means are located in an annular body rigidly connected to the rear part of the missile body. The outside surface of the annular body is cone-shaped and is covered with a thermal insulating material forming a gas pipe, the profile of which is a continuation of the profile of the nozzle of the missile cruise engine.

Abstract: A combined ramjet and rocket engine, operates as a ramjet in atmosphere, and a rocket engine in space is provided with a rectilinear duct. The engine has interior of the rectilinear duct paired and hinged rectilinear baffles which move from one of the duct walls. These hinged rectilinear baffles move into and out of the planar duct wall and define both the constriction of the Venturi for the ramjet engine configuration or the closure of the duct for the rocket engine configuration. The hinged rectilinear baffles are given leading and trailing wall surfaces so that during movement within the duct for the ramjet configuration, alteration of the slope of the collector and diffuser of the Venturi can occur. The hinged rectilinear baffle bordering the diffuser is manifolded to supply fuel when the engine is ramjet configured and fuel and oxidant when the engine is rocket engine configured.

Abstract: A self-aligning adapter used for attaching a booster to a missile includes a hollow tapered receptacle positioned on the missile. A tapered member sized and shaped to fit into and mate with the receptacle is positioned on the booster. The tapered member fits into the tapered receptacle to align and attach the booster to the missile. A linear explosive charge is positioned on the booster around where the tapered member is joined to the booster. Explosion of the charge severs the tapered member from the booster releasing the booster from the missile.

Abstract: A variable cycle gas turbine bypass engine includes a first fan 1 located at an inlet to the engine so as to provide air to a compressor 2 driven by a turbine 11 and to a bypass duct 13 surrounding the compressor housing. A second fan 5 located in the bypass duct 13 is driven by a free turbine 12. A controllable area auxiliary air intake 4 and bypass duct blocker doors 3 are located between the first and second fans 1, 5. Control means are effective for selectably operating the bypass duct blocker doors 3 and the auxiliary air intake 4 to vary in operation the bypass ratio of the engine. Thus in conventional wing-borne flight, the intake 4 is closed and the bypass duct 13 is unobstructed, and the combined exhausts from the bypass duct 13 and the turbines 10, 11 and 12 pass to a tailpipe 14, which has a vectorable nozzle 8, to produce forward thrust.

Abstract: A jet engine having at least one combustion chamber with a propelling nozzle connected behind it, achieves in a constructionally simple manner and with a high propulsion effect a cross-sectional configuration of a hot gas flow duct bounded by the propelling nozzle that is highly variable with respect to the nozzle throat area as well as to the outlet area. The propelling nozzle contains a divergent lengthening part which is axially movable for the outlet-side expansion of the hot-gas flow duct. In the moved-out position, the lengthening part connects essentially in the corresponding shape to the divergent outlet end of the nozzle outer wall fixed to the engine and, in the moved-in condition, forms together with it an air outlet duct which encloses the fixed nozzle wall end in a ring-shaped manner and whose cross-section can be regulated.

Abstract: A jet engine includes a gas turbine, peripheral ramjet channels located oide the gas turbine and including burners wherein a gas circulation stream in the engine is subdivided over part of its length into a central turbojet stream which flows through the gas turbine, the peripheral ramjet channels and peripheral discharge channels terminating by flowing into a part of the gas circulation stream downstream of the turbine. A plurality of flaps are provided for opening and closing the central stream. A ring surrounds the central stream and extends in front of part of the peripheral discharge channels and ramjet channels. A motor is also provided for rotating the ring wherein the ring has a plurality of slots formed therein, the channels being arranged such that the slots successfully pass, during rotation of the ring in a continuous direction, in front of the discharge channels only, then in front of none of the channels and then in front of the ramjet channels only.

Abstract: A jet engine has a central turbojet stream and a peripheral ram jet stream which can be in turn obstructed or freed by flaps. The flaps can be opened outwardly and are located on an intake cone and at an inlet of the peripheral stream. The operation of the flaps is a function of the sought operating mode. This arrangement permits a very good guidance of gases.

Abstract: A combined turbofan and ramjet aircraft engine includes a forward bypass duct which allows the engine to operate more efficiently during the turbofan mode of operation. By mounting a ramjet preburner in the forward duct and isolating this duct from the turbofan bypass air, a transition from turbofan operation to ramjet operation can take place at lower flight Mach numbers without incurring pressure losses or blockage in the turbofan bypass air.

Abstract: A combination turbojet-ramjet engine for powering a hypersonic aircraft is disclosed wherein the intake duct for the ramjet portion of the engine is centrally located within the turbojet portion of the engine in order to improve the access from outside the engine to the turbojet engine portion, as well as to maximize the use of common components and to simplify the control systems for changing from turbojet operation to ramjet operation and vice versa. The ramjet intake duct extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hypersonic aircraft engine and is located radially inwardly of the compressor, the combustion chamber and the turbine wheel of the turbojet engine portion. Flow control devices are located on the turbojet engine air intake, as well as the ramjet intake duct to control the supply of air to the respective engine portions.

Abstract: The combined propulsion engine comprises an air-breathing jet engine and a non-air-breathing rocket engine, the jet engine comprising an air inlet device and an external nozzle which, in association with a central body, defines an air-breathing combustion chamber, while the rocket engine comprises a non-air-breathing annular combustion chamber and at least one turbo pump for feeding it with propellant. The combustion chamber of the rocket engine is disposed inside a central body towards the rear thereof and is situated at the downstream end of the air-breathing combustion chamber, the rocket engine combustion chamber being itself delimited by a streamlined portion extending the central body and constituting a spike which penetrates into the throat of the external nozzle while ensuring aerodynamic continuity for the stream of combustion gases leaving the air-breathing combustion chamber.

Abstract: An air liquefier and separator of air constituents for a liquid air engine. Its unique structure captures the ambient air and guides it through guide vanes into a bank of spiral tubes or channels where the air is completely contained while being liquified and separated into its constituents. The spiral tubes or channels provide a compact heat exchanger design with long tube length or channel length for efficient heat transfer and liquefying of the air which is accomplished by a flow of liquid hydrogen flowing either inside a concentric tube inside the air condensing tube or flowing in a tube or channel with a common wall in contact with the air condensing tube or channel. The liquefier can easily be designed to be an integral part of a liquid air jet engine installation.

Abstract: A stationary centerbody includes vaulted areas displaced substantially by 180.degree. axially as well as along the circumference with respect to one another on its largest relative diameter. The vaulted areas, while enclosing a shut-off surface which is diagonal on the circumference side with respect to the end of an engine shroud forming a casing lip, encloses an axially spaced circumferential surface which is shut off in the manner of an annular slide valve from the end of the shroud.

Abstract: An integrated turboramjet engine has an axially slidable inlet cone, a rigid guide ring arranged concentrically outside the inlet cone, and a lock ring which can be slid axially against the inlet cone, whereby the air volume flowing into the air inlet can be introduced alternately into a turbo-inlet duct or a ram-air inlet duct in a low-loss and flow-promoting manner.

Abstract: With surface sections vaulted with respect to the valve centerline the valve mates with a stationary companion surface on an annular casing lip to optionally shut off or expose the engine by having vaulted surface sections which are arranged at an axial distance an angularly offset over the circumference by essentially 180.degree. with the valve centerline, forming its largest relative diameter; where the vaulted surface sections form a valve of axially and circumferentially three-dimensionally displaced drop or mushroom shape.

Abstract: A propelling nozzle for a hypersonic jet plane having movable upper and lower primary and secondary flaps assigned to the gas turbojet engine as well as to the ramjet engine, both engines being arranged axially above one another, their outlet ducts being separated by means of a partition extending in the downstream direction to the narrowest cross-section of the propelling nozzle. The nozzle flaps can place themselves against the end edge of the partition on both sides in a manner advantageous with respect to the flow in the transition area from the primary flaps to the secondary flaps. As a result, each of the two outlet ducts can advantageously, either alternatively or simultaneously, be closed or opened, while, at the same time, a narrow cross-section and a divergence of the propelling nozzle can be adjusted which are optimal for the respective flying Mach number.

Abstract: A turbine ramjet engine is provided which has a ram pressure air duct shrouding the basic turbo-engine in an annular manner. When the ramjet operation is disconnected, this ram pressure air duct, while at the same time intake air is released into the basic engine, is blocked off with respect to the supply of ram pressure air. It is provided to unblock or block an intake-side air inflow cross-section of the basic engine by the axial adjustment of a drop-shaped body with respect to a flow divider. A ring slide is provided which is axially adjustable to always be opposite this body which blocks the ram pressure air duct when the inflow cross-section of the basic engine is unblocked and unblocks it when the inflow cross-section is blocked. In addition, the ram pressure air duct is to be widened in a multicornered manner in the upstream direction at the level of a blocking zone caused by a local overtravelling of countersurface of the mentioned body and the ring slide.

Abstract: A change-over arrangement for an integrated turboramjet engine has a guide ring which can be displaced in the axial direction and an annular cone which can be displaced against the guide ring. In the turbo-operation, the annular cone is in its front position and the guide ring is in its rear position closing off a ram air inlet duct, and in the ramjet operation, the annular cone, in its rear position, closes off the turbo-inlet duct, and the guide ring opens up the ram air inlet duct. As a result, a low-loss introduction of the air current can take place into the turbo-inlet duct or into the ram air inlet duct, without, at the same time, requiring disadvantageous enlargements of the diameter of the outer casing of the engine.

Abstract: A propulsion system for a reusable spacecraft is disclosed having turbojet, amjet and rocket modes of operation. Hydrogen or exhaust gases from a gas generator drives a gas turbine which powers an air compressor in the turbojet mode. An injection device injects hydrogen and exhaust from the gas driven turbine in the combustion chamber in the turbojet mode. In the ramjet mode, only hydrogen is injected into the combustion chamber. In the ramjet mode, hydrogen and oxygen are supplied to the rocket motor. An adjustable nozzle is provided to form a variable throat convergent-divergent nozzle in the turbojet and ramjet modes and to form a divergent nozzle in the rocket mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device designed to modify the trajectory of a projectile by pyrotechnical thrusters, formed by several solid propellant thrusters arranged transversally on a cylindrical support. The combustion chambers, instead of having a cylindrical shape, are parallelepiped shaped. They contain propellant loads which are gone through by a rod connecting a streamlined to the support. The streamlined and the support are cut up to realize nozzles which allow the ejection of gas, the gas coming from the combustion of the propellant load. Thus for a given thickness (e) of the support, a greater loading volume is obtained than that which would be obtained with standard, cylinder-shaped thrusters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multistage launch vehicle and method of multistage launch vehicle operation in which at least one subsequent motor stage is ignited following lift-off in partially overlapping relationship with its immediately preceding motor stage prior to shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage in order to effect positive thrust control over the launch vehicle throughout shut-down and staging of the preceding motor stage. Preferably, each of the motors comprising the subsequently fired motor stage is provided with a thrust profile in which maximum thrust is attained prior to staging of the preceding stage.

Abstract: A propulsion system for an aircraft capable of hypersonic flight combines a turbo-jet with a ramjet which are so arranged that the ramjet or jets are located directly adjacent to the aircraft body while the turbo-jet or jets are located away from the aircraft body so that the ramjet or jets is placed between the turbo-jets and the body. This arrangement makes the turbo-jets much more accessible for maintenance and exchange work. Both types of engines have a common air intake which is provided with flaps capable of guiding the body boundary layer through the ramjet when the latter is not in operation. When the ramjet is in operation, the air intake flaps form the air intake in such a way that boundary layer turbulent air is mixed with undisturbed incoming air for the ramjet while the air inflow to the turbo-jet is closed off altogether.

Abstract: Composite changeover-type reaction power plant for propelling aircraft and spacecraft operating in subsonsic, supersonic and hypersonic regions, embracing a turbofan bypass engine with front fan, and a ramjet engine with a cycle corresponding to that of the fan, where the fan has individually independently supported, operationally counterrotating statorless rotors and variable fan blades which are feathered and immobilized during ramjet operation for low drag during said ramjet operation.

Abstract: An integrated stage rocket motor arrangement provides boost and repeated throttling post boost operations, on demand, and includes an attitude control system. The rocket motor includes a plurality of casings for enclosing an initial boost motor, a post boost motor, and gas generator means for producing gases that are used for re-ignition of the post boost motor and as a motive source for the attitude control system. The boost motor and post boost motor are contained within the same enclosure but are separated by an internal bulkhead. The rocket motor has a plurality of nozzles one of which is located aft of the boost motor and another located within the internal bulkhead that separates the boost and post boost motors.

Abstract: An auxiliary gas generator is used to provide gas for steering and pointing control of a multi-stage rocket motor system to a head or forward end located final interception maneuvering stage. During lower stage operation, this gas is routed through the "Divert" thrusters of the final interception stage through a check valve. When control is not required, the gas can be either dumped through all thrusters or all thrusters can be closed and the gas dumped into the lower stages. As each of the lower stages is burned out, it is discarded. Using one or more gas generating propellant packages provided therein, the final interception stage maneuvers to the target.

Abstract: An aerial target vehicle has an aerodynamically stabilized body carrying plural rocket motors. An ignition system for the motors serves to fire the motors in selected groups at selected time intervals. The ignition system uses a capacitor as its sole power source. The capacitor is charged only after the motors are in place and the vehicle is ready for launch. A capacitor-powered logic circuit ignites the motor groups at the selected time intervals. The sequential firing of the rocket motors provides a quasi-maneuverable target with relatively long range and flight time. The capacitive power arrangement is a safety factor that prevents premature firing of the rocket due to transient currents.

Abstract: In a dual area nozzle automatic mechanical actuation system for a boost-sustain solid propellant rocket motor, a pressure differential is created on the opposite sides of a ball-catch retaining ring when a fast-burning portion of the solid-propellant grain is spent and a slow-burning portion is ignited that allows the blow-out load on the smaller throat orifice of a mechanically restrained movable nozzle section to move the movable nozzle section to seat the smaller throat orifice against the larger throat orifice of a fixed nozzle section.

Abstract: A compact bistable, magnetically operated fuel valve embodies an upper portion comprising a pair of similarly poled and spaced apart permanent magnets defining vertical side walls of an enclosure space which is completed by a pair of pole plates sandwiching the permanent magnets therebetween. The pole plates provide pole faces at their opposite ends and the two sets of pole faces define air gaps. Within the space there is located an armature of plate like form centrally mounted on an upstanding flexure tube. A valve actuating rod is connected at one end to the free end of the flexure tube and projects therethrough downwardly into a valve block. The valve block presents at least one fuel chamber provided with means for supplying pressurized propellant thereto and is provided with oppositely directed fuel outlets to which oppositely directed thrusters are connected.

Abstract: A two-stage ramjet engine including an aft end, ejectable, boost stage-combustor/nozzle assembly for initially accelerating from low-to-mid-supersonic launching speeds to high supersonic speeds, and mounted in a tandem arrangement immediately aft of a separate, forward end-cruise stage-combustor/nozzle assembly positioned directly behind an inlet-diffuser section for subsequently further accelerating from high supersonic to hypersonic speeds after ejecting the entire boost stage.

Abstract: A device for joining the two stages 2 and 3 of a self-propelled engine comprises means for achieving the separation of the two stages 2 and 3 after the combustion of the pyrotechnic charge 12 of the rear stage 2 is completed, means for carrying out the ignition of the pyrotechnic charge 19 of the front stage 3.A rear part of the front stage 3 and a front part of the rear stage 2 are assembled together for sliding axial movement therebetween. A temporary connection breakable under the effect of the ignition of the rear stage 2 maintains a predetermined spacing e between the two stages. The front stage 3 includes means 22 and 23 for igniting, after a predetermined delay, a pyrotechnic charge 19 of the front stage 3 and the rear stage 2 includes means 29 for triggering the igniting means after said temporary connection is eliminated.