Flat trajectory projectile
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsChris A. Kalivretenos, Michael A. Brown
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An unguided projectile achieves a flat trajectory by generating gravity-ctering aerodynamic lift. The lifting device is stabilized in roll by a displacement-type gyroscope which is mounted directly to the lifting section of the projectile. Both the lifting device and the gyroscope are mounted on bearings to permit free rotation of the projectile body relative to the roll-stabilized lifting section. Lift vector orientation is maintained irrespective of projectile roll.
Claims25
A projectile capable of flat trajectory flight comprising:
- a payload section;
- a propulsion unit;
- a stabilized, aerodynamic lift-generating section rotatably mounted on the projectile to permit free, uncoupled rotation of the projectile relative to the lift-generating section, said stabilized lift generating section producing a resultant lift vertically oriented to counteract the projectile weight in order to obtain a substantially flat flight trajectory,
- said lift-generating section is gyroscopically stabilized in roll by a stabilizing gyroscope, having an inner and outer gimbal, to fixedly orient the resultant lift irrespestive of projectile rotation;
- and
- wherein said lift-generating section is fixedly attached to the outer gimbal of said stabilizing gyroscope.
A flight control mechanism for a self-propelled, unguided projectile comprising:
- an aerodynamic lift-producing device rotatably coupled to the projectile to permit free rotation relative to the projectile,
- a gyroscope stabilizing means, having an inner and outer gimbal, fixedly attached to said lift producing device to roll stabilize said device,
- said lift-producing device being fixedly attached to the outer gimbal of said gyroscopic stabilizing means;
- and
- whereby the aerodynamic lift produced by said device counteracts the projectile weight in order to obtain a substantially flat flight trajectory.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.