Abstract: A fire control group system for a firearm includes a trigger that includes a trigger base, a trigger extension extending from the trigger base, and an over-travel member coupled to the trigger base at a front end thereof. The trigger base has a sear hook extending therefrom and defining a recess and a transverse bore intersecting the recess. The over-travel member has a contact surface and is moveable relative to the trigger base such that a distance in a vertical direction between the contact surface and the trigger base is adjustable.

Abstract: A bullpup shotgun which ejects shells from the bottom of its action has a reciprocable cover which, when in a closed position, overlies the breech end of the shotgun's barrel. When in an open position, the cover is in spaced relation to the barrel breech end, allowing access to the shotgun's action to clear an ammunition feed malfunction. The cover is mounted on a butt stock, and is slidable or rotatable relatively to the shotgun's butt stock to effect motion of the cover between the open and closed positions.

Abstract: Methods and systems to decarbonize natural gas using sulfur to produce hydrogen and polymers are provided. Sulfur can be introduced in elemental form or as hydrogen sulfide, as may be desired. Decarbonization of natural gas involves introducing natural gas and H2S to a first reactor to produce first reactor products including CS2 and H2. The CS2 can subsequently be polymerized and the H2 recovered in a purified form with little or no carbon emissions.

Abstract: A fast expansion structure of a toy gun buttstock is provided. The structure includes a main body, a plurality of slide bars, a plurality of coupling portions, a plurality of fixing members, a butt piece, a plurality of rotating and retaining members, a plurality of first engaging surfaces, a plurality of second engaging surfaces, a limiting member, and a first elastic member. With the above structure, a user may pull the butt piece to cause the fixing members that are provided on the slide bars to push the rotating and retaining members for rotation so as to cause the first elastic member to push the limiting member to change the limiting member from an initial condition of contacting and pushing the first engaging surfaces to a condition of contacting and pushing the second engaging surfaces.

Abstract: An assembly for directing propellant gas to an action of a firearm includes a barrel and a gas block. The barrel has a plurality of gas ports that communicate with the bore of the barrel. The barrel and the gas block define a passage that receives pressurized propellant gas from the bore by way of the barrel gas ports, and directs the propellant gas to a gas port of the gas block. The plurality of barrel gas ports and the passage act as a manifold in which the propellant gas is taken from multiple locations within the barrel, combined into a single flow, and directed into the gas block via the gas block gas port. The pressurized gas is then routed to an action of the firearm by way of a gas tube and a gas key.

Abstract: A system that allows a person to adjust the tension of the fire control mechanism of a firearm from outside the firearm so the firearm does not need to be disassembled to make such adjustments. The system has a modified mainspring housing or modified grip safety that supports a spring engaging mechanism which engages the sear spring of the fire control mechanism. In one configuration, first and second apertures extend through the housing body and an engaging device, such as a screw, is received in each aperture to contact different segments of the sear spring. From outside the firearm, the user moves a device forward or rearward in an aperture to apply more or less force to the sear spring segment to adjust the fire control mechanism. The sear spring can be modified so a sear spring segment has an enlarged area that is contacted by its engaging device.

Abstract: A system that allows a person to adjust the tension of the fire control mechanism of a firearm from outside the firearm so the firearm does not need to be disassembled to make such adjustments. The system has a modified mainspring housing that supports one or more spring engaging mechanisms which engage the sear spring of the fire control mechanism. In one configuration, first and second apertures extend through the housing body and an engaging device, such as a screw, is received in each aperture to contact different segments of the sear spring. From outside the firearm, the user moves the devices forward or rearward in the apertures to apply more or less force to the subject sear spring segment to adjust the tension of the fire control mechanism. The sear spring is modified so each engaged segment has an enlarged area that is contacted by its engaging device.

Abstract: A firearm can have a bolt having a plurality of locking lugs that are configured to have a shear area that is larger than that of a standard M16/M4. A bolt carrier can have a bolt that has a double cut cam having an unlocking cam surface that has sufficient dwell increase to delay a start of unlocking when the bolt carrier is used in an M4 carbine. A stepped extractor pin may be provided that prevents disengagement of the extractor pin. A tube can be configured to provide gas from a barrel of the firearm to the piston via the carrier key. The tube can have a heat radiator formed from triangular shaped threads on at least a portion of the tube. A piston on the bolt and can have a plurality of rings including pairs of mating rings that are formed and maintained as a matched pair.

Abstract: A rifle platform with semi-automatic, select fire, and/or fully automatic shooting options uses a pistol cartridge. The rifle barrel includes an extension having a ramp for loading the cartridges and having a key way for the shell extractor. The magazine of the rifle is mounted to the lower receiver so as to load the cartridges in a direction perpendicular to the rifle barrel. The magazine follower automatically locks the bolt after the last cartridge is fired. The bolt and bolt carrier are integrally machined, and fully enclose the cartridge to preclude out of battery firing.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a firearm comprises a lower receiver, a bolt carrier and a weight. The lower receiver is arranged to support a hammer and an auto-sear. The bolt carrier comprises a body and a striker moveable with respect to the body between a first position and a second position. The body defines a first cavity adjacent the striker. A weight is positioned in the first cavity and arranged to move the striker to the second position, wherein the striker is arranged to operate the auto-sear.

Abstract: A wear surface assembly configured for use in a firearm receiver is disclosed. The disclosed assembly may include one or more wear surface members configured to be disposed within a receiver such that they physically intervene between the internal sidewalls of the receiver and either (or both) of the bolt carrier and cam pin head. In this manner, the disclosed assembly may serve to concentrate on itself any friction from the bolt carrier and cam pin head which otherwise would produce unwanted wear on the interior sidewalls of the receiver. The disclosed assembly may be configured to provide coverage of the receiver walls for the bolt carrier and cam pin head along the full (or at least partial) length of travel of the bolt carrier. The disclosed assembly further may include one or more retention pins configured to prevent the wear surface member(s) from dislodging from the receiver.

Abstract: A removable manual and tactical safety device (1) for a hammerless or linear striker fired firearm, comprising a cylindrical body (2) having a longitudinal recess (3), a first lever (4) and a second lever (5) being secured together according to the axis of said longitudinal recess (3), said cylindrical body (2) having a transverse housing (9) for lodging a push pin (10) comprising a cogwheel having at least two cut cogs (14A) defining at least a first position and a second position of the push pin (10) respectively, said first lever (4) having a body (6) provided on its external surface with at least two pinions teeth (14B) capable of cooperating with the cut cogs (14A), so that the rotating of the first lever (4) secured with the second lever (5) permits the displacement of the push pin (10) perpendicularly to the axis of the longitudinal recess (3), said push pin (10) being held in said first and second position respectively by a spring (11) cooperating with a pin (12) located in a longitudinal cavity (13)

Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for firing a belt-fed closed-bolt firearm by delivering an impulse from an impulse source along a first axis to a firing pin on a second axis. The first axis and second axis are not coaxial, allowing the impulse source to be disposed away from and not in direct contact or alignment with the firing pin.

Abstract: A safety apparatus for striker-fired weapons, mountable at the back end of the weapon's slide and comprising a spring loaded button associated with a ram bar, wherein, when the spring loaded button is actuated by a user, the ram bar temporarily displaces a component of the weapon's firing mechanism, such that, although the weapon's trigger can still move full range, discharge of the weapon is prevented and the weapon is thus temporarily in safe mode; and wherein, as soon as the user releases the spring loaded button, the spring loaded button returns to its position before actuation by the user, causing the ram bar to stop the temporary displacement of the component of the weapon's firing mechanism, the weapon being thus returned to its normal, ready-to-fire mode.

Abstract: Firearm comprising a receiver (2); a barrel (6) mounted with one end on the receiver (2); a breech (8) equipped with a loading lever (9) mounted, in a way so that it can slide, in the receiver (2); at least one return spring (15) to return the breech (8) to its closed position, characterized in that the return spring (15) is a tension spring of the ‘constant-force’ type that is mounted between the breech (8) and a fixed support (12) with respect to the receiver and the barrel.

Abstract: The pistol comprises a frame (1) containing a barrel (4) slidably mounted. The pistol further comprises a firing mechanism comprising a hammer (11) mounted so that it can pivot at the rear of the pistol, and a trigger (10) secured to an actuating arm (15) that acts on means (19) of arming the hammer (11) and retaining it in the armed position. The means for arming and retaining the hammer (11) comprise a link (19) directly connected to the hammer (11) by an articulation (20) and which is actuated via a lever (40) pivot-mounted in the frame (1). The lever has a top end actuated by the barrel as the latter moves into its forward position in order to cause the lever (40) to pivot, and a bottom end acting like a cam on the link (19) by pushing it backwards in order to rearm the hammer (11).

Abstract: The invention that is the subject matter of this application is about a submachine gun that uses 9×19 mm parabellum rounds and that can be used as an assault weapon. The invention is a submachine gun that consists of an upper body (1), a lower body (8), magazine (9), barrel (7), grip (13), which essentially contains a barrel round chamber (7); a pin system that fires the capsule of the round that is in the round chamber; and a cock which has the function of hitting the pin; at least one mechanism (2) that houses the pin system, pushes the round from the magazine (9) into the barrel round chamber (7), and winds the cock for a second shot as it moves backwards due to the recoil that arises from the firing of the round in the barrel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a cocking device for a bolt mechanism with a cocking slider (13, 14), which can be displaced, on a breech housing (2), between a rear uncocking position and a front cocking position, for the cocking and uncocking of a striker spring and a catch (21), located on the cocking slider (13, 14), which works together with a mating catch (23) to hold the cocking slider (13, 14) in the front cocking position. In order to attain an improved safety with respect to an unintended release of a shot, an uncocking mechanism (25, 29) for the automatic uncocking of the striker spring (48), when the magazine (5) has been removed, is correlated with the cocking slider (13, 14).

Abstract: A firing pin safety catch mechanism for a firearm, especially an auto-loading firearm which operates with a closed action such as found on the United States Military's M16 and its various derivatives. The firearm includes a firing pin which is housed within a bolt carrier group and which is capable of being moved from a rest position in which its proximal end is out of the travel path of the hammer to a firing position. The safety catch mechanism includes a safety catch, a pin and a spring for biasing the safety catch to hold the firing pin in its rest position to prevent the unintentional movement of the firing pin and thereby prevent the unintentional discharge of the host firearm. The safety catch includes a cam surface cooperating with the hammer so that the catch is released from engagement with the firing pin when the hammer has substantially completed its path of travel.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a trigger, a trigger bar, a hammer-type firing mechanism including a hammer having a hammer pin connected to the trigger via the trigger bar and a firing pin, and an automatic firing pin block safety mechanism (“automatic safety”) including a flange that is spring biased into engagement with the firing pin and a pivot lock arm rotatably mounted to the hammer pin and releasable engageable with the flange. The flange blocks the firing pin from discharging a chambered round unless and until the trigger is positively actuated. The automatic safety reduces the risk of accidental discharge, thereby rendering the firearm safer.

Abstract: Safety apparatus for firearms are described. An example safety apparatus may be used with a firearm having a latch movable between a first position to retain a breech of the firearm and a second position to enable movement of the breech. The safety apparatus includes a biased safety mechanism coupled to the latch and movable between the first position and the second position. Additionally, the safety apparatus includes a safety device moveable between a locking position and a non-locking position. The safety device interacts with the biased safety mechanism when the safety device is in the locking position and the safety mechanism is in the first position to enable the biased safety mechanism to prevent a trigger force from moving the latch to the second position but to enable the latch to be deflected by a returning breech.

Abstract: A remote cocking and charging device for a weapon on a mount, the weapon having a bore axis and a rope actuated cocking and charging mechanism having a rope end exiting from the weapon. The device includes a first rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the mount and positioned adjacent to and below an exit point of the rope from the weapon positioned in the mount, a second rotatable pulley having an axis of rotation fixedly connected to the weapon mount and positioned below and spaced from the first pulley, and a linearly moveable actuator arm having a longitudinal axis situated substantially in a plane and substantially parallel to the bore axis, the actuator arm at an end thereof including a rope engagement element.

Abstract: A closed bolt system with a trigger assembly for converting an open bolt, blowback type submachine gun into a single firing carbine is provided. The closed bolt system with trigger assembly includes a tensioned trigger member supporting a tensioned disconnector system. A tensioned sear interacts with the disconnector system and a tensioned hammer. The hammer strikes a firing pin in the bolt when it is released from the sear. The blowback of the bolt, as a result of expanding gases from the exploding and exiting round, re-cocks the hammer by re-engaging the sear with the hammer and disengages the sear from the disconnector system. Only after releasing the trigger will the sear re-engage with the disconnector system and thereby permit another round to be fired. A receiver having a cavity encloses the bolt and prohibits a fully automatic bolt to be used therewith.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a trigger mechanism for handguns, particularly pistols, with a striking lever (2), a first striking spring (3) that is assigned to the striking lever (2) and serves for acting upon the striking lever (2) in the firing direction, a trigger (12) and a trigger rod (13) that is connected to the trigger (12) and releases the striking lever (2) in a tensioned position in order to fire a shot. In order to generate a constant firing energy with variable trigger resistances and trigger paths, the striking lever (2) is acted upon in the firing direction by a second striking spring (5) that is arranged parallel to the first striking spring (3).

Abstract: A closed bolt system with a trigger assembly for converting an open bolt, blowback type submachine gun into a single firing carbine is provided. The closed bolt system with trigger assembly includes a tensioned trigger member supporting a tensioned disconnector system. A tensioned sear interacts with the disconnector system and a tensioned hammer. The hammer strikes a firing pin in the bolt when it is released from the sear. The blowback of the bolt, as a result of expanding gases from the exploding and exiting round, re-cocks the hammer by re-engaging the sear with the hammer and disengages the sear from the disconnector system. Only after releasing the trigger will the sear re-engage with the disconnector system and thereby permit another round to be fired. A receiver having a cavity encloses the bolt and prohibits a fully automatic bolt to be used therewith.

Abstract: Automatic firearms and safety mechanisms for automatic firearms are disclosed. In an illustrated example, a disclosed firearm includes a breech mounted for movement between a fired position and a cocked position, a breech catch having an inoperative position and a locked position, and a sear arm mounted to the breech catch.

Abstract: In a firearm having a trigger assembly with a trigger nose, a hammer with a sear hook and a trigger notch, a disconnector and an automatic sear, an improvement including a notched bifurcating the sear hook of the hammer for receiving the disconnector in a past-cocked position. Further improvements include the trigger notch being offset rearwardly from a center of the pivot point resulting in a slightly changed angle away from an acute engagement angle with the trigger nose.

Abstract: A safety mechanism dedicated to a single-action type firearm, equipped with a firing system using a hammer, presented in a kit form, capable of factory assembly on the firearm, or adaptation to a firearm already in service, comprising: said hammer striking the firing pin of the firearm when firing; a hammer ring working with the hammer; a trigger-activated sear, which, during firing, releases the hammer ring; a hammer strut including a hammer spring which is compressed to cock the hammer and which, when firing, propels the hammer ring, causing the hammer to strike the firing pin; a cocking lever, which may be left/right, and which is activated manually to release the active safeties by releasing the sear, the hammer and the slide; a return spring, to return the hammer backwards into the cocked position, ready to fire single action, a cocking lever spring; a hammer spring, which is fixed thanks to a pin to the hammer strut; a pin fastened to the cocking lever and a sear spring.

Abstract: An inertia-resistant preventer mechanism is provided for use in a firearm safety enhancement system to reliably and selectably prevent or to unblock a firing mechanism of a firearm. The inertia-resistant preventer mechanism includes a first solenoid having a moveable blocking rod with a first actuation response speed. The blocking rod is normally interposed in the firearm to prevent activation of the firing mechanism and is selectably activated to unblock the firing mechanism. A second solenoid is also included, having a second blocking rod with a second actuation response speed equal to or faster than the response speed of the first solenoid. The second blocking rod of the second solenoid is normally interposed at an angle to the first solenoid to block the first blocking rod of the first solenoid against accidental unblocking caused by inertia and relative movement of the firearm.

Abstract: A double action pistol having a frame is disclosed. A sear is mounted on the frame. A hammer cam is position adjacent the sear and linked to a hammer spring. The hammer cam is engageable with the sear to hold the hammer spring in a compressed position. A hammer is detachably coupled to the hammer cam. A return spring biases the hammer away from the hammer cam when the hammer spring is compressed. A drawbar is operable to engage the hammer to retract the hammer and disengage the sear from the hammer cam to release the hammer spring. The hammer spring acts on the hammer through the hammer cam to move the hammer to fire the pistol.

Abstract: A semi-automatic handgun that includes a firing pin locking assembly is disclosed. The firing pin locking assembly includes a firing pin plunger that has a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the firing pin plunger locks the firing pin in place. A trigger assembly is provided to selectively move the firing pin plunger to the unlocked position, where the firing pin plunger is disengaged from the firing pin. The trigger assembly is also operable to release the firing pin plunger to allow the firing pin plunger to be biased into the locked position after each round is fired.

Abstract: The stores ejection system and method of the present invention provide automatic pre-load device, such as a pneumatically-operated pre-load piston, to pre-load a store ejection ram into contact with a bomb or other store prior to store ejection. Mechanical shock to the store during ejection is thereby minimized. The ejection system automatically retracts following store ejection to minimize ejection system aerodynamic drag during flight.

Abstract: An actuator assembly that has a constant net pressure area telescoping piston. The actuator assembly has a cylindrical housing; nesting, telescoping pistons; a central plug; an outer cap; and a vent. The cylindrical housing has an interior surface and a base that terminates at an open end. The nesting, telescoping pistons are located in the housing and can extend past the housing open end. The telescoping pistons have an outer piston slidably sealed against the housing and an inner piston that is slidably sealed against the outer piston. The outer piston has a first end proximal to the housing base, and a second end distal to the housing base. The inner piston has an open end proximal to the housing base, and a closed end distal to the housing base. The central plug extends from the base and into the telescoping pistons. The central plug is in pressurized communication with the inner piston and is engagable with a pressurized fluid source. The outer cap has a first and a second member.

Abstract: This invention proposes to make use of an already developed set of hardware which dispenses and controls the performance of towed decoys capable of defeating radar guided weapons. Using this same hardware, a new and unique payload, payload control and dispensing mechanism is inserted into a decoy towbody. The payload consists of foils and/or foil packs of a pyrophoric material. This material creates an infrared (IR) signature behind the decoy that is more attractive than the infrared plume emitted by the aircraft engine. The fact that the IR decoy is towed insures that it will be kinematically correct by flying the same profile as the aircraft so as to remain within the field of view of the missile's seeker. Because the pyrophoric material can be metered (dispensed at varying and controllable rates) its radiant intensity can be matched with that of the engine of the towing aircraft.

Abstract: The stores ejection system of the present invention includes a single release hook and swaybraced ejection rams for releasably mounting and forcibly ejecting miniature munitions and other miniature stores on an aircraft. The pneumatically-driven stores ejection system can accommodate miniature stores having bail lugs sized to reduce store aerodynamic drag and radar signature and to improve store delivery accuracy.

Abstract: An improved mechanism for a semiautomatic submachine gun having a trigger, a spring box connected to the trigger, a ring connected to the trigger and moveable in a linear manner, a plate with a safety lever mounted thereon, a double-looped spring received by the plate, a retained lever providing a stop for the safety lever, a double-looped spring mounted on the bolt of the retained lever, a hammer corresponding to a cut-out formed in the retained lever, a spring clasped to the hammer to retain the hammer in a fixed position, and a carriage automatically moveable backwards after a cartridge has been fired.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for missiles, in which a hanger, with opposite carrying rails to guide the missile in a launcher, is connected to the missile by means of a screwed connection. The hanger is screwed from the outside, with screws to a enlargement or increased thickness portion (16,60). Preferably a clamp, provided with a enlargement or increased thickness portion surrounds the airframe (Zelle) of the missile and is fixed thereto. The screw connection of the hanger is effected with screws the axes of which form an angle with the plane of the carrying rails.

Abstract: Suspension and Release Equipment (S&RE) capable of carrying and releasing various types of weapons including bombs and missiles without the need for reconfiguration. The rack assembly of the present invention includes a plurality of separate, yet linked hook assemblies. A multi-purpose hook is employed to engage either bombs or missiles by means of three separate toes. A center toe includes a protruding arm adaptable for engaging the hook-shaped portion of a forward bomb bail lug which can be located either fourteen or thirty inches from the aft lug. The multi-purpose hook further includes a pair of outer toes including slots for engaging the opposite side rails of a missile lug. Because the multi-purpose hook is equally adaptable for engaging bomb or missile lugs, the rack assembly can be employed to carry either type of weapon. An aft mounted missile hook is adaptable for engaging a missile rail lug, and a separate hook mounted on the rack is adaptable for engaging a bomb lug.

Abstract: A trigger arrangement for an automatic weapon with switch-over between continuous firing and single-shot modes includes a hammer, a breechblock, a latch, a pivotably mounted trigger, and a firing lever. In the single-shot mode, the firing lever engages the hammer and retains it in tension while the trigger is depressed. When the continuous firing mode is selected, the firing lever is moved to an inactive position and retained by an engaging element. The engaging element is preferably a slider which is controlled by a safety and firing cessation roller that is actuated by an operating lever.

Abstract: A pneumatic actuation assembly for use in an ejection system capable of unlocking and forcibly ejecting stores from racks mounted on an aircraft or similar weapon carrier. The actuation assembly including a primary valve and release ram attached to one-another for joint, reciprocating movement along a common longitudinal axis between closed and open positions. A solenoid control valve initiates movement of the primary valve by creating a pressure imbalance across the primary valve member. Pressurized gas is caused to vent to the atmosphere, allowing the primary valve member to move the attached release ram into engagement with a mechanism capable of unlocking the hooks before moving thrust pistons to forcibly eject the unlocked stores.

Abstract: A mechanical ejector device includes a sliding piston, a transverse lever articulated to a first fixed axis and to a first mobile axis coupled axially to the piston and including a second mobile axis, a first link articulated to a second fixed axis and including third and fourth mobile axes, a transverse actuator rod articulated to the third mobile axis to displace the latter in a single displacement direction and a second link articulated to the second mobile axis and to the fourth mobile axis. The fixed and mobile axes are parallel. The first link and the second link form a deformable assembly having an intermediate configuration in which the piston is in its service position.

Abstract: A fighter aircraft achieves low aerodynamic drag and radar signature without sacrificing flight performance through a unique arrangement of the air inlets, the weapons bays, and the main landing gear. Separate main and auxiliary weapons bays permit a narrower fuselage than could be be obtained with a single common bay. Also, the auxiliary weapons bays and the landing gear can be aligned outboard of the main weapons bay without needing to increase the length or width of the aircraft. The air intake ducts extend aft from each intake and curve upwardly and inwardly over the main weapons bay. The result of the design configuration is an aircraft of minimum fuselage width for optimal performance and which has a forward aspect reduced to the minimum necessary to accommodate the components that need forward visibilities, which translates to minimum aerodynamic drag and radar signature.

Abstract: A functioning mechanism for a small caliber automatic weapon includes a translatable and rotatable sear, and a rotatable hammer. The sear includes a hooking element adapted to contact a bearing surface of the hammer to render the hammer immobile. Rotating movement of the sear is controlled by the hammer in such a way as to obtain clean contact between the hooking element and the bearing surface.

Abstract: A striking mechanism (20) for the semi-automatic operation of a cartridge firing firearm (10) providing, in combination, a receiver (12); a barrel (11) attached to the receiver; a gas operated slide assembly (13) providing a slide (14) movable within the receiver; a magazine (19), supplying a plurality of cartridges (29), carried by the receiver; and a trigger assembly (26) attached to the receiver and providing a hammer (28); the striking mechanism comprising a bolt (21) reciprocable within the receiver and engageable with the breach (32) of the barrel and the face of a cartridge chambered therein, the bolt carrying a primary firing pin (22); a bolt lock (23) pivotally linked to the bolt for selectively locking the bolt within the receiver; a secondary firing pin assembly (24) pivotally linked to the bolt lock and to the slide, the secondary firing pin assembly providing a secondary firing pin (25), engageable with the hammer and the primary firing pin thereby to strike the primer of a cartridge chambered wi

Abstract: There is provided a renewable energy source ejector rack for retaining and releasing stores (bombs or the like) on an aircraft, which has on-board pressurization capability, employs a single pressurization system for two or more release mechanisms, and uses air or other clean non-pyrotechnic pressurized gases both as the energy source and energy transfer medium. The aircraft contains a miniature compressor and purification system. Ambient air is filtered, dried and stored as an energy medium. Since the compressor system is onboard, the pressure can be constantly maintained regardless of temperature change. Using purified air eliminates the excessive cleaning burden imposed when using state-of-the-art pyrotechnics, and eliminates the sealing problems associated with hydraulics.

Abstract: A fighter aircraft achieves low aerodynamic drag and radar signature without sacrificing flight performance through a unique arrangement of the main weapons bay, the auxiliary weapons bays, and the main landing gear. Separate main and auxiliary weapons bays permit a narrower fuselage than could be obtained with a single common bay. Also, the auxiliary weapons bays and the landing gear can be aligned outboard of the main weapons bay without needing to increase the length or width of the aircraft. The air intake ducts extend aft from the intake and curve upwardly and inwardly over the main weapons bay. The result of the design configuration is an aircraft which has a forward aspect reduced to the minimum necessary to accommodate the components that need forward visibilities, which translates to minimum aerodynamic drag and radar signature.

Abstract: A multiple stores weapons rail comprising a box beam structure spanning the nderside of an aircraft's fuselage. The box beam structure has a forward structural member and a rear structural member which are flexibly coupled by a ball joint coupling at a predetermined location on the aircraft's fuselage. Extending from the box beam structure are first, second and third identically shaped elongated pylons with the first elongated pylon being located on the centerline of the box beam structure and the second and third elongated pylons being positioned adjacent the first elongated pylon at angle of about 24 degrees. Each of the three elongated pylons has front and rear portions flexibly coupled at the predetermined location on the aircraft's fuselage. The first elongated pylon has first, second and third openings, while the second and third elongated pylons each have first and second openings with each opening being adapted to accommodate a missile launcher or bomb rack.

Abstract: An underwater maneuverable vehicle is presented which carries an explosive charge and can be used for immediate removal or destruction of various menaces to navigation and other underwater hazards. The battery powered vehicle is air dropped from a platform which carries an imaging lidar system for detection and is operated and navigationally controlled in conjunction with an imaging lidar system. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, an optical lidar downlink is used to control the submerged underwater maneuverable vehicle from an airborne platform. The downlink is pulse spaced modulated. Command signals are secure, and are decoded aboard the vehicle. Control in speed, heading and depth, as well as command detonation are available using this technique.

Abstract: A system for releasably supporting a store on a rack comprises a conical lug mounted on the store and a hollow locking ring which extends between minor and major rims defining circular openings, respectively. A plurality of ribs extends between the minor and major rims at equally spaced circumferential locations. The ribs are aligned with the longitudinal axis of the locking ring and define windows between them. A collet includes a mounting head for attachment to the rack and a plurality of integral, circumferentially spaced, resilient, locking fingers, equal in number to the ribs and windows in the locking ring, which extend divergingly, away from the mounting head and have terminal projections which extend radially inwardly. Each locking finger is smaller than its associated window in the locking ring means. The collet nests with the locking ring such that the mounting head extends through its minor opening for attachment to the rack means and with the locking fingers projecting toward its major opening.

Abstract: A jettisonable adaptor for air-carried missiles is located between an aircraft-mounted launcher and a missile. The adaptor may include flight stabilization and retardation functions which are deployable on separation from the launcher. Instead of mounting fixing hooks on the missile (which would incur aerodynamic-drag) these are mounted on the adaptor instead. When stabilization has occurred the adaptor is separated from the missile.