Patent · US Active

Hybrid missile propulsion system with reconfigurable multinozzle grid

US8117847B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
74References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateMar 7, 2008
Grant dateFeb 21, 2012
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 22, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF02K9/30
  • WIPO fieldEngines, pumps, turbines
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A propulsion system, such as for use in a missile, includes a multinozzle grid having a pair of plates that are separably mechanically coupled together. When coupled together in a first configuration, the plates provide multiple nozzles in a first nozzle configuration (geometry). Separation of the plates, such as by separating an aft plate from a forward plate that remains with the missile, reconfigures the multinozzle grid to a second configuration that has nozzles in a second nozzle configuration (geometry). The nozzle configurations may be suitable for different types of propulsion mechanisms. The hybrid propulsion system utilizing the multinozzle grid may include a pair of pressurized gas sources, for example a solid rocket fuel and a combustion chamber for a ramjet.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.