Integrated bearing assemblies for guided attack rockets

A guide mechanism configured for use with a guided attack rocket, the guide mechanism comprising:

• an annular outer housing, the outer housing defining:
• a first shoulder radially inwardly projecting from an inner surface of the outer housing;
• a second shoulder radially inwardly projecting from the inner surface, the second shoulder being spaced apart from the first shoulder;
• an annular inner housing partially disposed in the outer housing, the inner housing defining:
• a third shoulder radially outwardly projecting from the annular inner member;
• a first angular contact bearing having a first outer member and a first inner member disposed within the first outer member, the first outer member engaging the first shoulder;
• a second angular contact bearing having a second outer member and a second inner member disposed within the second outer member, the second outer member engaging the second shoulder, and the second inner member engaging the third shoulder;
• a retaining nut received over a portion of the inner housing, the retaining nut engaging the first inner member;
• adjustment of the retaining nut effects a preload of the first angular contact bearing and the second angular contact bearing;
• a first sealing element received within a first annular groove defined in the retaining nut that sealingly engages the outer housing;
• and
• a second sealing element received within a second annular groove defined in the inner housing that sealingly engages the outer housing.