Lockheed Martin Corporation

Leszek Stanislaw Basak

Randy L Gaigler

William Kraft

Benjamin D Skurdal

Mark R Alberding

George Raymond Root, Jr

Timothy R Fouts

Thomas G Sullivan

Lawrence M Hetzel

Jonathan B MacNeil

Erosion sensors and systems, methods, and computer products thereof are operative to determine and provide real time erosion data. Such data may be used to determine in real time an amount of erosion or ablation on an ablative surface, for instance, of a rocket or missile launch pad, of an exhaust management system, of an extraterrestrial vehicle, or of a fire detection system.

Erosion sensor and system, method, and computer program product thereof

Restraint release devices, systems and methods may enable actuation of a release function without using chemically energetic or thermally sensitive devices, and may employ an electromagnetic (EM) force to mechanically separate components of a fastener. A pulsed power system having a capacitive discharge circuit may be used to supply an electric current pulse to generate the EM force. The EM force can be applied to a retaining wire that surrounds and holds intact a segmented fastener. The EM force may cause the retaining wire to increase in length, thereby relaxing its hold on the segmented fastener and allowing the segments to separate and release the restraint mechanism. Restraint mechanisms using such EM restraint release devices, systems and methods may not need periodic recertification or replacement of energetics and may not have a risk of cook-off resulting from heat soak of thermally sensitive devices during operational and fault scenarios.

Electromagnetic restraint release device, system and method

The present invention enables the passive initiation of a deployment sequence for a countermeasure payload. The invention comprises an initiator coil that is positioned inside an electromagnetic countermeasure launcher. When the electromagnetic countermeasure launcher electromagnetically generates propulsive force to propel a payload to its deployment position, inductive coupling between one or more propulsion coils of the launcher and the initiator coil induces current to flow in the initiator coil, which thereby initiates the deployment sequence.

Electromagnetic initiator coil

A restraint for immobilizing a projectile with respect to its launch system is disclosed. When electromagnetic force is applied to the restraint, the restraint releases the projectile, thereby enabling its launch.

Electro-magnetic restraint

A system for launching a countermeasure device is disclosed. In the illustrative embodiment, the system uses an electromagnetic catapult to throw a countermeasure payload, wherein the azimuth, elevation, and propulsive force of the electromagnetic catapult are controllable.

Electro magnetic countermeasure launcher

An electromagnetic missile launcher is disclosed that provides greater flexibility for use with a variety of missile types and also provides potentially higher performance and efficiency as compared to prior-art electromagnetic missile launchers.

Unitary electro magnetic coil launch tube

Electro magnetic restraint mechanism

A multiple missile launcher has a plurality of canister holding chambers. Each canister includes a standard connector for connection by a standard cable to a missile launch sequencer. Each canister is loaded with four missiles. The cable has more than enough signal paths to couple launch and safe signals to a single missile, but not sufficient to independently control four missiles. A missile selection signal generator generates selection signals which are sent over a selected one of four separate signal paths of the cable to directly (without intervening active elements) actuate a relay associated with the selected one of the missiles. The four relays are part of a multiplexer which couples the signal set for launch and safe to the selected one of the missiles.

Growing community of inventors

Nottingham, MD, United States of America

Leszek Stanislaw Basak