US 2003/0164107 A1 · Rapid deflagration cord (RDC) ordnance transfer lines

Abstract

A novel transfer ordnance line and novel end fittings for the transfer line for use in space vehicles, aircraft, missile systems and other military applications. The transfer line is a Rapid Deflagration Cord (RDC) hermetically encapsulated in a metal tubing. The metal tubing terminates at end fittings such as a loaded high energy (HE) end fitting which detonates, a low energy (LE) end fitting which burns, and a percussion primer used to start burning of the RDC in the transfer line. The transfer line is constructed so that gases produced during the burning of the RDC do not escape and pose a threat to the surroundings during functioning and so moisture does not enter the system during shelflife, transportation, or at any other time prior to functioning. With minor adjustments to the transfer tube and the end fittings, the transfer tubing can be made flexible by forming a coil. With minor adjustments, a loaded HE end fitting can be made into a separation end fitting used ejected devices that must remain on course. Loaded HE end fittings may be placed in a manifold where it will ignite one or more loaded HE and LE end fittings to further progress the reaction. Loaded LE end fittings may be placed in transfer manifolds joining one or more other loaded LE end fittings to progress the reaction.

Claims35

Dependent claims

An ordnance transfer line system, comprising:

a Rapid Deflagration Cord (RDC) extending from a first end and a second end of a transfer line;
a first metal tubing hermetically encapsulating said RDC from said first end to said second end of said transfer line;
a first loaded end fitting disposed at said first end of said transfer line;
and
a second loaded end fitting disposed at said second end of said transfer line;
a first transfer assembly having a socket to receive said first loaded end fitting;
a second transfer assembly having a socket to receive said second loaded end fitting;
first ferrule connecting said first end of said transfer line to said first loaded end fitting and connecting said first loaded end fitting to said socket in said first transfer assembly;
and
a second ferrule connecting said second end of said transfer line to said second loaded end fitting and connecting said second loaded end fitting to said socket in said second transfer assembly, said first ferrule being welded to said first metal tubing at said first end of said transfer line and said second ferrule being welded to first metal tubing at said second end of said transfer line.

7 more elements

An assembly having a flexible transfer line, said assembly comprising:

a Rapid Deflagration Cord (RDC) extending from a first end and a second end of a transfer line;
a first metal tubing hermetically encapsulating an entire length of said RDC, said first metal tubing being of the shape of a coil in a portion of said transfer line between said first end and said second end of said transfer line;
a first loaded end fitting disposed at said first end of said transfer line;
a second loaded end fitting disposed at said second end of said transfer line;
a pair of second metal tubings, each one encapsulating respective portions of said first end and said second end respectively of said transfer line, said first end and said second end being defined as portions of said first metal tubing between said first and said second end fitting respectively and said coiled portion of said transfer line.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Rapid deflagration cord (RDC) ordnance transfer lines

Life of this patent

Rapid deflagration cord (RDC) ordnance transfer lines

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims35