Methods and apparatus for increasing aerodynamic performance of projectiles

• US 20050133661A1
• Filed: 04/26/2004
• Published: 06/23/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Richard B. Pelz
• Original Assignee: Jahangir S. Rastegar, Richard B. Pelz
• Inventors: Rastegar, Jahangir S., Pelz, Richard B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,090,163 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 244/3.240
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/146 Fabric fins, i.e. fins comprising at least one spar and a fin cover made of flexible sheet material
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/38 Range-increasing arrangements F42B10/34, F42B14/06 and F42B15/105 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/40 with combustion of a slow-burning charge, e.g. fumers, base-bleed projectiles
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/42 Streamlined projectiles
• CPC Class Codes: F42B 10/44 Boat-tails specially adapted for drag reduction

Abstract

A method for enhancing an aerodynamic performance of an unmanned projectile. The method including at least one of the following: (a) morphing a cross-sectional shape of the projectile after launch thereof; (b) morphing a longitudinal shape of the projectile after launch thereof; (c) bleeding a fluid at a base of the projectile during flight thereof: (d) varying a base cone angle of the projectile as a function of speed thereof; (e) deploying at least one wing from a body of the projectile after launch thereof; and (f) deploying a fin from the body of the projectile after launch thereof.

Claims

1. An unmanned projectile, the projectile comprising at least one of the following enhancements to increase its aerodynamic performance:

means for deploying at least one wing from a body of the projectile after launch thereof; and

means for deploying a fin from the body of the projectile after launch thereof.

14. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the projectile comprises an outer skin having the at least one deployable wing restrained thereon, wherein the means for deploying at least one wing from a body of the projectile comprises means for releasing the retention of the at least one wing to deploy the same.

15. The projectile of claim 14, wherein the means for releasing the retention comprises a locking strip disposed on the skin and having a portion thereof which interferes with the wing to prevent its deployment and a release means for releasing the strip from interfering with the wing.

16. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising means for shaping the wing after deployment thereof.

17. The projectile of claim 1, wherein the projectile comprises an outer skin having the at least one deployable fin restrained thereon, wherein the means for deploying at least one fin from a body of the projectile comprises means for releasing the retention of the at least one fin to deploy the same.

18. The projectile of claim 17, wherein the means for releasing the retention comprises a locking strip disposed on the skin and having a portion thereof which interferes with the fin to prevent its deployment and a release means for releasing the strip from interfering with the fin.

19. The projectile of claim 1, further comprising means for shaping the fin after deployment thereof.

2-13. -13. (canceled)

20. A method for enhancing an aerodynamic performance of an unmanned projectile, the method comprising at least one of the following:

deploying at least one wing from a body of the projectile after launch thereof; and

deploying a fin from the body of the projectile after launch thereof.

25. The method of claim 20, wherein the projectile comprises an outer skin having the at least one deployable wing restrained thereon, wherein the deploying of the at least one wing from a body of the projectile comprises releasing the retention of the at least one wing to deploy the same.

26. The method of claim 20, further comprising shaping the wing after deployment thereof.

27. The method of claim 20, wherein the projectile comprises an outer skin having the at least one deployable fin restrained thereon, wherein the deploying of the at least one fin from a body of the projectile comprises releasing the retention of the at least one fin to deploy the same.

28. The method of claim 20, further comprising shaping the fin after deployment thereof.

21-24. -24. (canceled)