Spin-stabilized missile with plug nozzle
US5078336A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 21, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jan 7, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 21, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF02K9/90
- WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A simplified and cost-effective missile is disclosed which features a generally cylindrical casing, an aerodynamic warhead, and a plug nozzle. The casing of the missile contains a combustible propellant. The plug nozzle comprises a generally radially symmetric plug fitting within an open rear end of the casing such that an annular passageway is formed therebetween, through which exhaust gases from combustion of the propellant pass. The shape of the plug is chosen such that the cross-sectional area of the annular passageway varies in a predetermined fashion, to cause a desired thrust to be generated by combustion of the propellant. A number of vanes are spaced radially around the annular passageway and are inclined with respect to the centerline of the missile, so that the reaction of the exhaust gases on them provides a twisting force on the missile, whereby it spins and is stabilized in flight. In one embodiment, the vanes are not moved during the flight of the missile; in another embodiment, a servo-mechanism is provided for moving the vanes during the flight of the missile and thus altering its trajectory of flight.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.