Reaction-jet torquer
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
InventorsAubrey Rodgers, Escar L. Bailey
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A reaction-jet torquer system carried in a projectile to aim the projectile o a target. The torquer system uses the thrust of sonic nozzles to control a gyro rotor inertial frame of reference. The reaction force applied to the gimbal gives the rotor the capability of tracking the target. A sensor carried by the gyro provides logic which identifies and activates the appropriate nozzle or nozzles of the system to generate the required gimbal force.
Claims2
In a missile disposed for flight to a target, apparatus for controlling flight of said missile to said target comprising:
- a. a gyro assembly including a frame secured to said missile, an outer gimbal secured to said frame, an inner gimbal secured to said outer gimbal, and, a rotor mounted in said inner gimbal;
- b. reaction-jet torquer means carried in said inner gimbal for torquing said rotor to line of sight with said target, said reaction jet torquer means including a source of pressurized gas carried in said inner gimbal, four sonic nozzles spaced about said inner gimbal 90.degree. apart, four miniature electrically actuated solenoid valves disposed about said inner gimbal 90.degree. apart, each said valve disposed in communication with said source of gas and one of said nozzles;
- c. a sensor carried by said inner gimbal for receiving signals from said target and for transmitting signals for activation of said reaction-jet torquer means, and;
- d. control means for guiding said missile to the target response to torquing of said rotor.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.