An actuation system for controlling the steerable nozzle of a missile or like vehicle. The system comprises two essentially identical actuators mounted along a plane generally transverse to the missile axis and oriented orthogonally relative to each other about the missile axis for pivoting the nozzle through mutually orthogonal axes, thereby achieving omni-directional steering. Each actuator includes an elongated yoke plate extending about the nozzle for applying steering forces against a yoke seat circumferentially mounted on the nozzle. Each yoke plate is pivotably mounted at one end and driven laterally at the other end by a gearing mechanism affixed to the nozzle skin.

An actuation system for controlling the steerable nozzle of a missile or like vehicle is combined with an aerofin control system, both of which are driven in unison by associated drive motors and gear assemblies, one set for each aerofin. The nozzle steering system comprises two essentially identical yoke plates mounted along a plane generally transverse to the missile axis and oriented orthogonally relative to each other about the missile axis for pivoting the nozzle through mutually orthogonal axes, thereby achieving omni-directional steering. The yoke plates are coupled at opposite ends to pinion gears which are driven by the same gear assemblies which drive the associated aerofins. The arrangement permits common directional control of the steerable nozzle and the aerofins while maintaining the nozzle in a neutral direction when the aerofins are rotated to a missile roll control mode.

A method of making heat engine components, such as rocket nozzle throats, includes forming a body having at least one surface, wherein the body is made of a refractory metal, and compressing a ceramic powder between a die and the at least one surface of the body, with sufficient heat and pressure to densify and thus form a solid ceramic coating on the at least one surface of the body. Nozzle throats made according to the invention have bodies made of refractory metals, such as tantalum, and ceramic coatings on the inner surfaces of the annular bodies, wherein the ceramic coatings are made of ceramic materials such as tantalum carbide.

An actuation system for controlling the steerable nozzle of a missile or like vehicle is combined with an aerofin control system, both of which are driven in unison by associated drive motors and gear assemblies, one set for each aerofin. The nozzle steering system comprises two essentially identical yoke plates mounted along a plane generally transverse to the missile axis and oriented orthogonally relative to each other about the missile axis for pivoting the nozzle through mutually orthogonal axes, thereby achieving omni-directional steering. The yoke plates are coupled at opposite ends to pinion gears which are driven by the same gear assemblies which drive the associated aerofins. The arrangement permits common directional control of the steerable nozzle and the aerofins while maintaining the nozzle in a neutral direction when the aerofins are rotated to a missile roll control mode.

The present invention relates to a mechanical and insulating connection between, on the one hand, a filament-wound casing, constituting a wall for the combustion chamber of a solid propellant rocket motor, and on the other hand, a hot nozzle made from a heat-conducting refractory material wherein said connection consists of a single connecting ring fixed to the nozzle and resiliently connected to the wound casing, which ring is made from a low density insulating material, resistant to mechanical forces, as well as to mechanical shocks and thermal stresses, preferably a composite material with multidirectional reinforcements and a ceramic matrix.