A system and method for detecting and tracking a target object, including the calculation of the target object's altitude, is disclosed. During the processing of signals received by a receiver, the system selectively calculates the altitude of the target object from signals modified by an interference effect pattern formed by the signals broadcast by a transmitter, or from the calculation of geometric shapes associated with three or more transmitters and determining the intersection point of tho...

An altitude protection device for an acceleration protection suit having a plurality of liquid-filled veins is comprised of a bladder inserted in a pocket. A spacer fabric that is non-compressible under the loads to be provided is enclosed in the pocket and defines a minimum volume inside the bladder. The bladder is closed off or opened relative to surrounding air in the aircraft cabin via a valve that is opened if a rate of pressure change in the cabin is less than or equal to a presettable max...

An inflatable airship of predetermined volume is filled with gas to lift a predetermined weight to a predetermined high altitude. An elevator module is releasably secured to a gondola attached to the airship. A cable of a length at least equal to the deployment altitude of the airship has a first end attached to the elevator module and a second end attached to a winch mounted on the gondola. The airship is raised with the elevator module anchored to the ground and the cable is unwound from the w...

An annular ring parachute intended for low altitude deployment with a low te of descent. This parachute comprises an annular ring parachute canopy having a central vent. Suspension lines are connected at one end to the outer edge of the canopy and at the other end to risers attached to a load-bearing harness. A restraining device is connected to the canopy which slows the opening of the central vent while the canopy inflates during deployment of the parachute. A pilot chute connected to the rest...

The present invention provides a spread spectrum waveform encoded altimeter. Spread spectrum carrier wave signals which are transmitted and later received are processed in a novel edge detecting apparatus which includes a plurality of individual detectors. A pair of detectors are provided to detect an early chip or signal. Another pair of detectors are provided to detect a late chip or signal. There is also provided a pair of edge chip detectors for detecting the center or locked on chip signal....

A method is disclosed to measure the range and altitude of a radio frequency signal jamming source carried on an airborne platform, signals from such source traveling to a pair of airborne observation points over a direct path and an indirect path, such method including the steps of, before operation, assuming different altitudes for each one of the airborne observation points, calculating and storing sets of numbers representing lines of position characterizing selected values of the difference...

A system for providing a digital display of aircraft altitude, a selected altitude which it is desired the aircraft to assume and when the selected altitude is achieved, an audio and visual indication is produced. When within 1000 feet of the selected altitude, the visual indication gives the direction the aircraft must continue (i.e., up or down). When the aircraft exceeds a prescribed range, either above or below the selected altitude, an audio signal is produced. Barometric pressure obtained ...

A method and apparatus are provided for indicating the altitude of the tropopause or of an inversion layer wherein clear air turbulence (CAT) may occur, and the likely severity of any such CAT, which includes directing a passive microwave radiometer on the aircraft at different angles with respect to the horizon. The microwave radiation measured at a frequency of about 55 GHz represents the temperature of the air at an "average" range of about 3 kilometers, so that the sine of the angle of the r...

A mechanical device is located between the carburetor spark port and distributor breaker plate servo the device being fed by vacuum reservoir. The device provides a modulated vacuum control signal to the distributor breaker plate servo which is a function of spark port vacuum and the vehicle's altitudinal location by means of a pressure sensitive valving means operatively connected to an aneroid. The vacuum reservoir is charged by connection with the intake manifold, and a temperature responsive...

An instrument for detecting and signalling altitudes, of aircrafts, especially certain significant altitudes, in which a barometric unit is provided and which is arranged in controlling relation to an electric circuit which contains both visible and audible signalling devices. The instrument, is adjustable to vary the particular altitude at which the signalling devices incorporated in the electric circuit are actuated and to adjust the instrument for various barometric conditions.