Thiokol Corporation

Alliant Techsystems Inc.

Cordant Technologies Inc.

David W Endicott

Ralph S Tappan

Ross W Guymon

Daniel W Doll

James D Rozanski

Michael T Rose

Jared K Olson

Russell J George

R Brad Cragun

Mark A Moore

Richard C Anderson

James R Kaminska

Projectiles containing a fluorophore composition comprising a fluorophore compound and an activator composition comprising an activator compound for marking targets are disclosed. Some embodiments include a nose structure with a cavity radially segmented into a plurality of radially isolated compartments by at least one laterally and radially extending internal wall. Additional embodiments include a fore compartment and an aft compartment sealed by a septum. Yet additional embodiments include at least one pressurized cavity and may further include a plunger positioned and configured to pierce each pressurized cavity. Methods of manufacturing target marking projectiles and methods of marking targets are also disclosed.

Projectiles for marking targets and methods of manufacturing such projectiles

Projectiles for marking targets, methods of manufacturing the same, and methods of utilizing the same

An aerodynamically stable, kinematic flare having an enhanced plume signature is disclosed. The flare includes a housing with a flare illuminant disposed within the housing. A primary nozzle is configured in the aft wall of the housing. Four secondary nozzles are configured in the aft end of the side wall of the housing and are positioned aft of the center of gravity of the flare. At least two of the secondary nozzles comprise off-center nozzles having a longitudinal axis which does not extend through the longitudinal axis of the flare. A shroud is attached to the housing and deploys to an extended position upon combustion of the illuminant. The shroud is configured with holes which correspond in size and position to each of the secondary nozzles when the shroud is in its extended position. The primary and secondary nozzles are sized and positioned to spin stabilize the flare during combustion of the illuminant.

Plume enhancement nozzle for achieving flare rotation

A decoy flare ignition system is disclosed which includes an ignition initiator disposed at the aft end of the flare housing. An illuminant igniter is positioned in direct contact with the flare illuminant. The illuminant igniter includes at least one illuminant igniter pellet selected such that the firing of the ignition initiator triggers combustion of the illuminant igniter pellet if the safe-and-initiation device has been actuated. The igniter pellet is preferably configured as a circular cylindrical shell and is positioned over the bore of the flare illuminant.

Illuminant igniter pellet ignition system for use in a decoy flare

A decoy flare is disclosed which includes illuminant disposed within a housing. A shroud is slidably attached to the housing for deployment from a retracted position to an extended position. A plug is attached to the aft end of the shroud and is configured with a radially beveled, nozzle-contacting surface. The plug is positioned and configured to sealingly engage the nozzle when the shroud is in the retracted position and to disengage the nozzle upon deployment of the shroud to the extended position. The plug is configured with a plume-contacting surface positioned at an angle to the path of the plume when the shroud is in the extended position for enhancing the cross-sectional area of the plume of the flare.

Nozzle plug for plume enhancement in a kinematic flare

An infrared decoy flare having enhanced infrared intensity is disclosed. The flare includes a case in which an infrared illuminant composition is disposed. The bore diameter and length of the case are advantageously selected to be compatible with preexisting chaff dispensers and their cartridges located on aircraft. The illuminant composition, the nozzle throat area, the geometry of the illuminant composition, and the volume of the combustion chamber are selected such that combustion of the illuminant composition results in an unstable combustion condition during the first second of combustion, thereby increasing the peak intensity of the radiation emitted by the propellant. Preferably, the flare is configured such that the unstable combustion occurs during the first 0.2 to 0.5 seconds of combustion of the illuminant composition.

High-intensity infrared decoy flare

Growing community of inventors

Mendon, UT, United States of America

David W Endicott