Support system for rocket thrust nozzles

In a rocket having a case with an aft aperture therein and a movable thrust nozzle in the aperture, a system for mounting the thrust nozzle to the rocket case comprising:

• a plurality of cups surrounding the nozzle and fixed to one of said members (i.e. the nozzle and case) in a common plane perpendicular to the axis thereof;
• a plurality of plugs fixed to the other said member, so that each plug fits loosely into a corresponding one of the cups, the plugs and cups being arranged so that they tend to be forced together by pressure of propulsive gases of the rocket;
• a fluid containing bladder in each cup, separating each cup from its corresponding plug -- each bladder being partially filled with fluid so that it forms a convolution, folding upon itself around the corresponding plug;
• means for permitting fluid content of each bladder to be varied in quantity comprising a tube connected at one to a source of hydraulic fluid, capable of supplying fluid under pressure to the bladder and of withdrawing fluid from the bladder, and connected at the other end to a duct in the plug that extends therethrough to the interior of the bladder;
• and
• means for providing a gastight seal between the nozzle and the rocket case.