A folding wing structure for improved missile aerodynamic performance and manuverability with a minimum payload space requirement which comprises a leading edge spar and at least one trailing edge spar spaced apart from each other by a plurality of transverse ribs, the spars being approximately parallel to each other with the ribs positioned along the spars to divide the structure into a series of parallelograms. The spars and ribs are pivotally joined together with the spars being further pivot...

The invention is directed to apparatus whose weapon efficiency is effected in cooperation via a highly compressed magnetic field, wherein the base magnetic field is maintained or increased beforehand by magnetohydrodynamic generator stages which are operated by propelling charges and/or explosives.

Method and apparatus whereby complex patterns are pressed into the interior of a part formed of compactible material. A flexible, pre-fabricated pattern form bearing the inverse of a desired pattern is wrapped around a conventional mandrel and this assembly is loaded inside of an isostatic pressing bag with a material charge. After compaction, the mandrel is separated from the pattern form, leaving the pattern form behind in the compact. The pattern form is then peeled, pulled, or otherwise remo...

Broadly the disclosure relates to a warhead positioner system which includes a warhead construction comprising a cylindrical missile section having a sector-shaped ordnance charge forming one quadrant thereof, means supporting said missile section for rotational movement about the longitudinal axis of the missile, torque motor means for controlling the rotational position, and means conducting electrical signals to said torque motor from an electric seeker head whereby the charge is positioned s...

A major increase in terminal explosive energy of a missile by reacting bulk aluminum, titanium, magnesium, steel, and/or organic matrix composite missile structure with oxygen enriched air which is collected as the missile flies to its target. Oxygen rich air is produced from a small amount of engine bleed or atmospheric air processed through a molecular sieve on board oxygen generating system (OBOG), and stored under pressure in the missile fuel tanks as they are emptied during flight. Explosiv...

A projectile for a surface-to-surface weapon to combat a target from the top. The projectile includes a warhead; a propulsion system for accelerating the projectile directly after the projectile is placed in flight; a stabilizing guide assembly; a sensor for detecting a target in a longitudinal and lateral direction; and a pulse generator for turning the projectile about its center of gravity. The projectile additionally includes electronics for activating the warhead and for controlling the pro...

An optical system utilized to provide guidance information in the form of a modulated beam for a beamrider missile during its rocket powered flight phase. Our system comprises first and second zoom type optical subsystems arranged to function cooperatively in object space, utilizing coincident lines of sight, with these optical subsystems serving to provide guidance information to the missile when the exhaust plume from its rocket engine is relatively difficult to penetrate. The first optical su...

A plier-like tool is designed to grip the end of a muzzle loader bore cleaning rod so as to assist in the removal of the rod from the gun. The tool is particularly useful in removing cleaning rods which become stuck in rifle barrels. A collet is attachable to the tool to assist in aligning the tool over a cleaning rod and to provide additional gripping force.

A method of guiding an air-to-air missile launched from a penetrating aircraft at a target aircraft having a search radar therein is shown. The missile changes from a passive antiradiation homing mode to an active seeker mode when the missile is detected and the search radar is shutdown. The active seeker uses a synthetic aperture radar that is squinted at the target aircraft. At the handover point when the search radar is shutdown, the missile executes a turn away from the target aircraft to br...

An electrically actuated igniter squib is formed by welding a cup containing a pyrotechnic material to a header inserted in the cup, thus forming a hermetic seal. The diameter of the header exceeds the diameter of the cup and the two are joined by forcing, under pressure, the header into the cup to achieve a tight readily welded joint.