GB1440753A - Disabling means for reaction motor propelled missiles - Google Patents

Abstract

1440753 Self-propelled missiles DEFENCE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR 1 Aug 1973 [22 June 1972] 29318/72 Heading F3E A reaction-motor propelled missile has a motor with a fuel-containing portion 12 and a venturi portion 14, the missile having disabling means which includes an energy storage means, whereby separation of the portions 12, 14 is effected so that substantially no thrust is generated by the motor, the energy in said energy storage means being sufficient for disabling of the missile and the disabling means also being able to render inoperative starting means for the motor. In an embodiment the portions 12, 14 are located within a casing 10 and an explosive charge 16 is fixed circumferntially around the junction between said portions and can be fired from a control device 18, through electrical conductors 20. When the missile is in flight and under power from the missile motor, the device 18 is continuously in receipt of a radio signal, for example, from the launching site, which inhibits firing of the charge 16. If control of the missile is lost, the signal to the device can be interrupted, this causing the charge 16 to fire and the separation of the portions 12, 14 to be effected. The force of the charge 16 is sufficient to rupture a casing 13 and thus allow the separation of the portions 12, 14 but does not rupture the casing 10. The firing of the charge 16 breaks the starting means circuitry. This is a safety precaution to prevent the charge 16 being accidentally fired prior to the launching of the missile. In a modification the portions 12, 14 are joined by flanges 22, 24, Fig. 2, and a sealing ring 26 which are held together by latches 28, 30, hinged at 32, 34 respectively. The latches 28, 30 are actuated by piston and cylinder devices 36, 38 respectively which are connected to a cylinder 44 containing compressed gas, via a pipe 40 and a valve 42. Starting means contacts (not shown) are opened by the operation of the piston and cylinder. In another modification the cylinder 44 is replaced by a cylinder 46, Fig. 3, having a piston 48 with a piston-rod 40, the latter having a latch 52 formed at one end thereof and having a spring 56 thereon. The latch 52 engages a detent 54 carried by the armature of a solenoid 58, connected to a battery 60 through the control device 18 which, when actuated, causes the detent 54 to release the piston-rod 50 and allow the piston 48 to be driven by the spring 56 so as to compress gas in the cylinder 46, the compressed gas being passed through the pipe 40 to the devices 36, 38, Fig. 2. The latch 52, Fig. 3, also engages an electrical switch 64 which, when the latch is moved by the spring 56, is opened, thus making starting means 62 inoperative.