Consumable weight components for flares and related flares
AssigneeNorthrop Grumman Innovation Systems, Inc.
InventorsJeffrey F. Widener, Daniel B. Nielson
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Abstract
Flares with consumable weights connected to a forward end of the grain of the flare are disclosed. Also disclosed are consumable weight components for flares. The consumable weight components include a metal material within a matrix. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating a flare and methods for using a flare. Use of the consumable weights in the flares may reduce the amount of debris falling to ground.
Claims15
A consumable weight component for a flare, the consumable weight component comprising a metal material within a solid continuous phase of a matrix, the metal material comprising from about 50 weight percent to about 98 weight percent of the consumable weight component and the matrix comprising from 2 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the consumable weight component.
A flare comprising:
- a consumable weight adjacent a combustible material in a casing, the consumable weight comprising a metal material within a polymer matrix, the metal material comprising from about 50 weight percent to about 98 weight percent of the consumable weight and the polymer matrix comprising from 2 weight percent to about 50 weight percent of the consumable weight, and wherein the consumable weight is used up during use and operation of the flare.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.