The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 06, 1990
Filed:
Nov. 07, 1988
Cloy J Bagley, Fountain Valley, CA (US);
General Dynamics Corp., Pomona Division, Pomona, CA (US);
Abstract
A lateral thruster for missiles is provided which comprises two or more individually rotatable thruster motors with integral nozzles. If the thrusters are located at or near the center of gravity of the missile, the missile can be maneuvered while it remains pointed at the target. Locating the thrusters forward or aft of the missile center of gravity enables steering forces as well as lateral translational and roll forces to be provided. The thruster motors need not be disposed in pairs. The use of integral nozzles obviates sealing problems and allows mountings that permit rapid rotation of the thruster motors to improve missile response time. The lateral thruster disclosed is effective at nearly all aerodynamic angles of attack, missile velocities, and altitudes. The thruster as a unit is enclosed by a shroud that blends into the missile body contour. Possible propellants for the thruster motors include solid propellants and compressed gases. The thruster motors can be rotated using electrical motors or pneumatic actuators.