Integrated spacing and orientation control system
AssigneeTracor Aerospace, Inc.
InventorsLes H. Richards, David J. Schorr, Mark J. Kelley, Philip L. McDuffie, Edward R. Coleman
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An integrated spacing and orientation control system is provided for carrying an array of objects and maintaining a predetermined orientation of the objects and a predetermined spacing between objects. In a presently preferred application, the spacing and orientation system carries an array of anti-mine munitions for clearing a path through a minefield. The invention deploys the anti-mine munitions in a downwardly pointed orientation with proper spacing between munitions, even when the array of munitions is deployed using rocket motors.
Claims13
A remotely deployable munition array for destroying mines in a minefield, comprising:
- an array of jet-type munitions each having a top end and a bottom end, each munition being designed to fire an explosive jet from its bottom end when detonated;
- a generally planar network of upper flexible strapping members connected to the top ends of the munitions;
- and
- a generally planar network of lower flexible strapping members connected to the bottom ends of the munitions;
- the upper strapping members being fastened to the lower strapping members at locations between the munitions.
An integrated spacing and orientation control system for supporting an array of objects in a preselected arrangement and orientation, each object having a top and a bottom, the control system comprising:
- objects, said objects further defined as munitions:
- upper means for interconnecting the tops of the objects so as to restrict lateral movement of said tops;
- lower means for interconnecting the bottoms of the objects so as to restrict lateral movement of said bottoms;
- the upper means and lower means being joined to one another at spaced locations between the objects.
A remotely deployable munition array for destroying mines comprising:
- an array of jet-type munitions disposed in a preselected pattern and having preselected spacing and orientation for deployment over a mine field;
- and
- means for supporting the munitions during transport and deployment such that the preselected spacing and orientation of the munitions is attained after deployment;
- wherein the supporting means is coupled to a top end of each munition and to a bottom end of each munition so as to control the orientation of the munitions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.