Abstract: An apparatus and method for soft recovery of a projectile is disclosed. An lement, at least a portion of which is deformable, is placed in the path of the projectile, whereby the projectile becomes embedded in the element upon impact therewith. Gravitational or aerodynamic forces are applied to the combined projectile and deformable element to decelerate the same thereby making recovery possible.

Abstract: Projectile velocity measurement and communication apparatus comprises a microwave probe fixed to a projectile barrel near a muzzle end. An oscillator, having a reference frequency selected for exciting a fundamental electromagnetic mode in the barrel, is connected to the probe through a hybrid mixer configured for extracting, from moving projectile-reflected microwaves, a true Doppler signal having a varying frequency related to projectile barrel velocity. A processor, connected for receiving the Doppler signal, measures, by a clock oscillator, Doppler signal periods (half periods). A data presorter in the processor selects a last "N" number of period measurements before the projectile reaches an interference position relative to the probe, to be fed to a fire control computer interface for determination therein of projectile barrel and muzzle velocities, calibration means being provided to update barrel diameter values used in such determination.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an in-flight testing of projectile and mor fuzes. A microminiature electronic circuitry in a cartridge form is designed to attach to any of the large caliber shell or mortar fuzes. The test-cartridge is a recoverable, reusable, high-g hardened device. The system for sampling and recording projectile fuzes during a period of target impact comprises: a power supply; a timing and control logic unit; an accelerometer; an amplitude encoder; a shift register; and an interface connector to transform stored information of the fuze functioning characteristics to a ground station readout unit.

Abstract: A simulator has a barrel arranged to launch a projectile. The simulator iudes a stress device for stressing the barrel. This stress device comprises a piston slidably mounted within the barrel. This piston is operative to expand at its periphery. Also included in the stress device is a seal that is sealed to the barrel and is spaced alongside the piston. The piston is positioned between the seal and the muzzle of the barrel. Pressurized fluid can be applied to the above equipment to pressurize the interspace between the piston and the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the mass of an unknown object in a zero gravity environment having an impact plate connected at one end of a spring with the other end connected to an object of known mass, such as a space vehicle. A movement of the impact plate acts to close a switch which is again opened at the end of the impact time.

Abstract: An optical apparatus, particularly suited for use in a ballistic measurement device, including a laser generating a laser beam, an optical means for expanding the laser beam in a plane, and an optical element, positioned between the laser and the optical means, for dividing the laser beam into a plurality of beams of substantially identical intensity so that a substantially uniform brightness results over the entire angle of divergence of the laser beam.

Abstract: Measurement and correlation of chamber pressure and projectile position d is accomplished using an array of phototransistors, illuminated by collimated light, which phototransistors are sequentially switched off due to the interruption of the collimated light by the passing projectile. Pulses generated thereby may be displayed on an oscilloscope along with the pressure-time trace.

Abstract: A measurement system obtains and stores digital data on the positions of golf club and significant human body parts during a golf club swing. An interactive display allows later display of the measured performance for use in instruction or review. A coordinate transformer allows the viewing of a displayed simulated golfer from any aspect and at variable speeds and stop action. A generator such as an alphanumeric or graphic generator displays suggested display options, graphics, informative labels, and alphanumeric tabular data. Permanent copies of any displayed picture can be made for later home study.

Abstract: Electro-optical sensors measure the location of a plurality of spots on the surface of a golf club head or a golf ball at a minimum of two precisely spaced points in time. The two time points for the club head are just prior to impact with the golf ball. The two time points for the golf ball are just after impact by the club head. From the apparent displacements of the plurality of spots between measurements, the apparatus determines in substantially real time the velocity of the club head or ball and the spin about orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A device for detecting impacts on a target, comprising a vibration sensor which supplies a signal which is amplified, high-pass filtered, squared and integrated, the integration being controlled by a threshold detector. Application to a shooting range.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring velocity of a bullet is shown. A portable clamping device securely holds the barrel of a gun in position during firing. A bullet fired from the gun is projected through two openings located a predetermined distance apart from the end of the gun barrel. The bullet passing through the first opening activates a timing circuit to start current flow through a measuring device. The bullet passing through the second opening stops the current flow through the measuring device. The measuring devices gives an output indication that is indirectly proportionate to velocity of the bullet with units indicating the speed of the bullet. The measuring device may be a ballistic meter with no return springs on a meter movement to remain in its maximum position after measuring current flow therethrough.

Abstract: A projectile strain damage indicator utilizes a plurality of strain gages xedly disposed on the orthogonal axes of a structural beam member which is operatively located within the ogive of a projectile. The strain gages provide electrical pulses to an energy conserving micropowered circuit which records strains only above a predetermined level that the projectile is subjected to while in transport.

Abstract: A system for testing the performance and vulnerability of proximity fuzes der simulated live hardware conditions. The performance of the system is evaluated by the application of a repeater jammer signal within the cutoff range of the proximity fuze which is mounted in a free space test site. Beyond the cutoff range, the vulnerability of the proximity fuze is tested by the application of an unlimited number of modulated interference jamming signals which simulate approach and intercept of interference jamming sources.

Abstract: A calibration arrangement in combination with ammunition testing apparatus comprising an elongated test barrel and a piezoelectric transducer mounted in the barrel and having a contoured end surface in operative contact with the outer wall surface of a cartridge to be tested. The transducer converts pressure changes into electrical signals which are translated through an amplifier to a voltmeter for readout. The calibration arrangement includes a pressure tube element adapted to fit in the test barrel with one end in pressure-tight relation with the interior of an empty cartridge casing held in the test barrel and with the other end of the tube adjacent the opposite end of the test barrel. The tube is held by a retaining assembly against lengthwise movement in the test barrel. A conduit connects a source of known hydraulic pressure to the tube for introducing known calibration pressure to the interior of the cartridge casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing and evaluating the runout and recoil control systems for a gun in which a body having a mass representative of the mass of the moving parts of the gun is accelerated under the control of the runout system under test and then decelerated under the control of the recoil control system under test. During both acceleration and deceleration various conditions such as the position and velocity of the body are measured and recorded.

Abstract: Projectile component testing. A projectile carrying test components is imted against a mitigator backed by a momentum exchange mass, inside a tube to simulate setback. As the momentum exchange mass moves following impact it creates a partial vacuum behind it accelerating the projectile to simulate drag. Various means are disclosed controlling the vacuum level.

Abstract: A novel wind-tunnel simulator produces a flow of a gas over a spinning trr projectile to simulate the flame shape from the tracer projectile as though in actual flight. The wind-tunnel simulator comprises a fixture formed with an opening for receiving the tracer projectile therein spaced from the surface that defines the opening. The fixture is fixed to a motor which is coupled to the projectile for spinning it as though in actual flight. Gas is forced through passageways, formed in the fixture, that communicate with the opening, whereby the gas can flow over the spinning, burning, tracer projectile to simulate in-flight conditions.

Abstract: A chronograph uses a Doppler radar technique to determine the muzzle velocity of a bullet discharged from small arms such as pistols and rifles. A radar unit is placed in near proximity to the firearm to track the bullet while it is still relatively close to the muzzle. The radar unit is equipped with an antenna which is insulated from the sonic disturbance created by the firearm blast by sonic damping means formed exteriorly on the antenna. Measured spacing and orientation of the antenna with respect to the firearm diminishes the sensitivity of the antenna to the electromagnetic disturbance associated with the firearm blast. Doppler signal processing means are also disclosed.

Abstract: A projectile guide track having a plurality of track assemblies in aligned relationship with one another. Each track assembly contains fixedly spaced rails for supporting a projectile during flight while undergoing testing in a ballistic range. Precision machining allows for a plurality of different sized rails to be used with a plurality of track assemblies thereby accommodating projectiles of various dimensions.

Abstract: An automatic pistol is disclosed having both an electronic firing means for roviding variable rates of fire and a grip adjustable to positions ranging from directly behind the barrel to positions above and below the barrel.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the flexibility of ammunition link belts by folding the belt longitudinally back on itself in both directions, and also by twisting it about its length. The belt forms a loop in passing between a set of feed sprockets; the radius of the loop increases in the event that any of the links bind and cannot pivot freely on one another, causing the belt to engage a switch which stops the feeding motion of the sprockets. The belt is twisted 180.degree. in passing to a second set of feed sprockets, between which the belt forms a second loop, and engages a second stop switch if the links bind in their inverted positions.

Abstract: A lower base is provided and an elongated generally horizontal support member is oscillatably supported from the base for angular displacement about a generally horizontal axis. The support member extends in a direction transverse to the axis of oscillation thereof and includes structure spaced above its axis of oscillation for removably stationarily supporting a long gun therefrom with the long gun extending longitudinally of the support member. Adjustment structure is operatively connected between the base and the support member for infinite angular adjustment of the support member relative to the base throughout at least a limited sector of adjustment. In addition, electric motor driven structure is also provided for removable support from a long gun supported from the support member and includes features for operative association with the trigger of the associated long gun, whereby the trigger may be gradually actuated without causing vibration of the long gun.

Abstract: A ballistic simulation system including means to shape the deceleration pe by varying the rate of energy transfer in the system, including a shaped crush-surface on the mitigator and a momentum-exchange member having an elastic portion.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for decelerating a rifled projectile in flight. A gun ore rifled with a land pattern having a characteristic number of turns per bore diameter, has a muzzle at a first angular orientation along the projectile's flight axis and a characteristic recoil distance. A deceleration tube having an opened end is located at a separation distance from the gun muzzle along the flight axis. The deceleration tube has a rifled land pattern with a second angular orientation at the opened end, displaced from the first angular orientation substantially by the product of the characteristic number of turns per bore diameter times the sum of the separation distance and the characteristic recoil distance. When the projectile is fired from the rifled gun, it has a rifle pattern engraved thereon and it travels along the flight axis undergoing rotational motion imparted by the rifle land pattern of the gun.

Abstract: The angle measuring system comprises: a first mirror rigidly attached to muzzle end of a long gun barrel in a plane normal to the bore axis; second and third mirrors mounted on the gun mount near each other at the rear end of the barrel facing outwardly at 45.degree. to the bore axis; and a collimated light source positioned to project a primary light ray onto the second mirror at a 45.degree. angle to be reflected to the first mirror and then reflected back to the third mirror. A set of mirrors is mounted in the path of the ray reflected from the third mirror, to split the primary ray into two separate substantially-parallel component rays having vertical components of transverse motion corresponding respectively to the vertical and horizontal components of angular motion of the gun muzzle and first mirror.

Abstract: A method of testing air target fuzing systems by moving a simulated target ast stationarily mounted fuzes and fuzed warheads. A simulated target is fired from a large gun past one or more fuzes and/or fuzed warheads and the encounter between the simulated target and the fuzes is recorded on film and magnetic tape to provide a permanent record.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a novel range for receiving lead pellets from 0.177 up to 0.22-calibre and weighing from 7 to 16 grains fired from spring, gas (CO2) and pump style air powered guns at velocities of up to 800 feet per second. A preferred embodiment of the range comprises an 18Ga base and a somewhat resilient 16ga backstop attached to the base with only two bolts. The two-bolt, two-piece construction allows the backstop, when struck by a pellet, to act as a vibrating tuning fork, thus dissipating the energy of the pellet. The backstop absorbs pellet energy without destroying the metal, a problem with fixed non-movable backstops. The backstop therefore comprises thinner material which may be fixed at a greater angle of incidence to pellet paths than backstops in prior art pellet ranges.

Abstract: A circuit for determining the fire no-fire characteristics of electroexplve devices involves the application of an incrementally adjustable current level automatically to successive electroexplosive devices. The initial predetermined current level is applied to the first electroexplosive device under test. The current level applied to the next and succeeding electroexplosive devices is increased or decreased automatically by a predetermined amount, depending on whether the previous unit functioned or not. This method results in a mean firing current level being obtained with less chance for error and less operator involvement than required by presently established procedures.

Abstract: Valid artificial targets are generated by means of an external attachment ilizing a calibration transducer affixed against a homing system transducer within the nose section of the Torpedo Mark 48 Mod 1. The calibration transducer comprises four elements bonded to a Rho-C rubber surface with each element located in separate quadrants. A plurality of phase shifters for nulling purposes are connected between the four elements. Phase shifted signal inputs then enable the calibration transducer elements to provide acoustic signals corresponding to predetermined target angles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flight simulator for missiles. The system comprises means for directing heat toward the nose cone of a missile while simultaneously imparting axial rotation to the missile. Both the heat and the axial rotation are programmed to conform to actual inflight heat and spin conditions and the cycle of simultaneous heat and rotation is programmed to conform to such inflight conditions. Means are also provided for monitoring the proper fuse function at any given time during the simulated flight and for recording the entire cycle of simulated flight. The programmer can be programmed for the full real flight time of a missile such that the time-speed relationship can be matched to that of any real or proposed flight.

Abstract: A transducer for converting pressure changes into electrical signals wherein the pressure changes act on one surface of a relatively thin wall, such as pressure changes within a tube. A piston means on one end of a transducer housing and integral therewith has a contoured end surface conforming to the other surface of the wall opposite the surface on which pressure changes act. When the pressure changes are within a tube, for example within a cartridge casing in ammunition testing, the contoured end surface is concave. Piezoelectric crystal elements rigidly positioned within the transducer are deformed when pressure is applied through the wall to the contoured end surface of the piston means, and an output electrical signal is produced proportional to the applied pressure. Installation of the transducer in a test body is facilitated by a captive retaining nut rotatably connected on the transducer housing and having external threads for connecting in the test body.

Abstract: A combustion chamber pressure measuring apparatus comprising a diaphragm pressure bulkhead assembly, pressure transmitting fluid, pressure transducer, and a telemetry section is disclosed for an end burning grain solid propellant rocket. This apparatus eliminates the need for external attachments to the rocket or modifications to the propellant grain and enables fail-safe testing of previously manufactured rockets under actual flight conditions.

Abstract: A projectile recovery system where projectile speed is progressively reduced as the projectile passes through decelerator tubes. These tubes are precharged to high pressure in front of the projectile to minimize the decelerating distance. Quick opening valves, which separate the deceleration tubes and which seal them for pressurization, are opened as the projectile approaches so they will not be struck by the projectile with resulting damage.

Abstract: Pellicles of para-xylylene polymers are used as the sole support media for masses of objects supported thereon. The supported objects can be combined with the pellicle either during the formation of the pellicle or after the pellicle has been manufactured. The composite article is used wherever it is desirable to provide a support media which has as little detrimental influence as possible on the intended function of the supported object.

Abstract: Method of determining the distance between an area under fire and the muzzle of the weapon by means of autoradiography of the irradiated firing residues on this area. Several carrier areas are fired at from various distances. The carrier areas are subsequently activated by neutron irradiation and subsequently contacted with a film sensitive to nuclear radiation. The series of autoradiographs produced after development on the film are compared with the autoradiograph, produced in the same way, of the firing trace to be investigated on the area fired at and used as a distance standard for that trace.