Dual-mode semi-passive nosetip for a hypersonic weapon

A dual mode semi-passive nosetip for a hypersonic weapon comprising;

• an elongated nosetip having a front end, a rear end and a predetermined length;
• said nosetip being formed of a shell that is substantially cone-shaped with its width decreasing from its rear end to its front end, said front end having an outer surface and an inner surface and a stagnation region adjacent said inner surface;
• a cone-shaped capsule having a front end and a rear end closed by a rear wall having an inner surface, said capsule being formed of a hollow shell whose interior forms a primary storage chamber;
• sublimating material in a solid state is received in said primary storage chamber;
• said capsule being smaller in length and width than the shell of said nosetip and it is positioned within said nosetip with a predetermined spacing between them that forms a discharge chamber for said sublimating material after it has been heated from a solid state into a vapor;
• and
• means for directing an impinging stream of said sublimation material against the inner surface of the shell of said nosetip adjacent said stagnation region when said sublimating material is heated from a solid state to a vapor state thereby cooling the temperature of the front end of the nosetip.