GB524876A - Improvements in or relating to explosive projectiles (such as bombs or aerial torpedoes), and electrical apparatus for controlling their movement during flight - Google Patents

Abstract

524,876. Electric control systems. SPERRY GYROSCOPE CO., Inc. Feb. 9, 1939, No. 4308. Convention date, Feb. 15, 1938. [Class 40 (i)] [Also in Groups XXXV and XL] In a system for controlling the flight of a bomb after its release from an aircraft so that the bomb may be caused to hit the target, the bomb-sight controls a directional radio transmitter of ultra short waves and the bomb is provided with a radio receiver which maintains the bomb on the radio beam through the intermediary of servomotor mechanism. Fig. 4 shows the transmitting antennae 3 which are located at the focus of a reflector 4 carried by a universally mounted telescope 5. The bomb carries two dipole antennae 8, 8<SP>1</SP>, Figs. 2 and 3, arranged at right angles on a reflector 9, the antenna 8 being connected to a coil 10 inductively coupled to a coil 11 connected to rectifiers 12, 12<SP>1</SP> the plate currents of which control the position of a valve 19 by means of solenoids 17, 17'. The valve controls the output of compressed air from a tank 20<SP>1</SP> through one or other of the pipes 22, 22<SP>1</SP> which extend radially in opposite directions through the housing of the bomb. The antenna 8<SP>1</SP> operates similar servomotor apparatus for controlling the outlet of air from pipes arranged at right angles to the pipes 22, 22<SP>1</SP>. Upon releasing the bomb the operator focusses the telescope on the bomb during its flight and when the target moves into the field of vision the radio transmitter is switched on and the central line of the sight moved gradually towards the target. This motion of the sight causes the radio receiver on the bomb to operate the servomotor mechanism and cause blasts of air to alter the course of the bomb ; furthermore the control-system is such that the bomb is automatically maintained on the beam. The bomb may carry a lamp to facilitate sighting. In a modification instead of using the reaction forces of the air blasts, movable fins provided on the bomb are controlled by the pneumatic or hydraulic servomotors through cables. A circuit 24 of the type desscribed in Specification 480,115 or U.S.A. Specification 2,068,490 and responsive to rate of change may be included in the output circuit of the valves 12, 12<SP>1</SP>.