US20070256587A1 - Propulsion kit - Google Patents

Propulsion kit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20070256587A1
US20070256587A1 US11/693,387 US69338707A US2007256587A1 US 20070256587 A1 US20070256587 A1 US 20070256587A1 US 69338707 A US69338707 A US 69338707A US 2007256587 A1 US2007256587 A1 US 2007256587A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
bomb
kit
engines
propulsion
gliding
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/693,387
Inventor
Zalman Shpund
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
Original Assignee
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd filed Critical Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd
Assigned to RAFAEL-ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD. reassignment RAFAEL-ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: SHPUND, ZALMAN
Publication of US20070256587A1 publication Critical patent/US20070256587A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F42AMMUNITION; BLASTING
    • F42BEXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION
    • F42B10/00Means for influencing, e.g. improving, the aerodynamic properties of projectiles or missiles; Arrangements on projectiles or missiles for stabilising, steering, range-reducing, range-increasing or fall-retarding
    • F42B10/32Range-reducing or range-increasing arrangements; Fall-retarding means
    • F42B10/38Range-increasing arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention is in the field of armaments. Specifically, the invention is an add-on propulsion kit for the range extension of an air to surface bomb.
  • the present invention is a propulsion kit that can be attached to a gliding air to surface bomb.
  • the kit comprises:
  • the engines of the kit of the invention are air-breathing engines, preferably jet engines.
  • the propulsion kit of the invention can be designed to be able to be retrofitted to any existing gliding bomb.
  • the principal components of the mounting and operation interface section are: a power supply unit; an engine control unit; and an electric cable, which provides a link between the mission computer of the bomb and the operation interface of the kit.
  • the use of the propulsion kit of the invention allows the original bomb to function in either an improved gliding ratio mode or a cruise trajectory mode.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a gliding bomb and the principal components of the kit of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows the three modes of operation of the gliding air to surface bomb according to the invention.
  • the present invention is a propulsion kit that is attached to a gliding air to surface bomb.
  • the kit of the invention is based on the use of one or more engines and, when activated, allows a significant extension of the length of the flight path of the bomb.
  • the engines can be any type air-breathing engine for example jet engines.
  • the kit can be designed to be retrofitted to an existing gliding bomb.
  • the kit of the invention allows the original bomb to function in one of the three following modes, depending on the bomb size and the aerodynamic characteristics:
  • FIG. 1 is schematically shown the main components of the kit of the invention.
  • a conventional gliding air to surface bomb 10 shown attached to the fuselage 12 of an airplane (gliding wings folded)
  • Above and below bomb 10 are shown the main components of the kit 20 of the invention.
  • the kit is comprised of three main components.
  • Fuel tank 22 mounting and operation interface section 24 , and one or more engines 26 (two engines are shown in FIG. 1 ).
  • Principal components (not shown in the figure) of mounting and operation interface section 24 are a power supply unit, an engine control unit, and an electric cable that provides the link between the mission computer of the bomb and the operation interface of the kit.
  • the kit 20 is attached to bomb 20 by means of the mounting interface in section 24 .
  • the mounting is done by conventional methods well known in the art and does not require any structural changes to bomb 20 . If the kit is later removed, bomb 20 is returned to its original form and can be used as originally designed, i.e. in mode (a) above.
  • the activation of the kit is coordinated with the operation of the bomb and the kit's operation is implemented by the mission computer of the bomb to which additional flight control code relating to the properties and operation of the kit, e.g. number and type of engines present and required mode of operation, has been added.
  • the mission computer checks, among other things, for the presence of a kit of the invention. If the presence of a kit is established, then the systems are operated according to the mission plan of the bomb, which takes into account the additional capability supplied by the kit.
  • the starting routine will activate a series of activities in the engine control unit of the kit that will culminate in engine start and stabilization of the thrust provided by the engine, or engines if more than one is present, to operate the bomb in either mode (b) or mode (c).
  • FIG. 2 shows schematically a graph of altitude A vs. range R for each of the three modes of flight of the air to surface bomb.
  • point x signifies the release of the bomb from the airplane and point y, the ignition of the engine of the kit.
  • point z represents the location at which the bomb is released and simultaneously (or slightly before release) the engine is ignited.
  • the distances in FIG. 2 are not meant to be anything other than schematic; but, as shown, the use of the kit of the invention has significantly extended the range of the bomb, i.e. has increased the stand-off distance and safety of the air crew.
  • mode b improved gliding ratio
  • mode c cruising mode
  • the increase in the stand-off range depends on the amount of fuel in the fuel tanks of the bomb.

Abstract

The present invention is a propulsion kit that is attached to a gliding air to surface bomb. The kit of the invention comprises one or more engines and, when activated, allows a significant extension of the length of the flight path of the bomb. The engines can be any type of air-breathing engine for example jet engines. The kit can be designed to be retrofitted to an existing gliding bomb. The kit of the invention allows the original bomb to function in one of the three following modes, depending on the bomb size and the aerodynamic characteristics: the original operation mode, an improved gliding ratio mode, and a cruise trajectory mode.

Description

    FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The invention is in the field of armaments. Specifically, the invention is an add-on propulsion kit for the range extension of an air to surface bomb.
  • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Free-fall air to surface bombs have been used since the very beginnings of military applications of airborne systems. The main shortcoming of such bombs is that the airplane must approach relatively close to the target in order to release the bomb. The relatively short stand-off distance places the airplane and its crew at great risk from antiaircraft defensive weapons, especially ground to air missiles.
  • In order to overcome the problem of short stand-off distance, various types of free-gliding bombs and air to ground missiles powered by rocket motors or air breathing engines have been developed. Despite the development of missiles there is still an important place in the arsenal of modern air forces for gliding bombs, which in certain scenarios can have advantages, e.g. lower cost and higher payload.
  • Methods have evolved involving the attachment of aerodynamic lift and control surfaces, such as various shapes of wings, control fins, and tail structures to the bomb, in order to increase stand-off distance and also to allow control of the flight trajectory of the bomb after release from the launch vehicle. In most cases these surfaces are folded against the sides of the bomb during captive flight and are deployed when the bomb separates from the airplane that launches it. Typical prior art solutions are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,141,175, 5,615,846, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,152,041.
  • It is a purpose of the present invention to provide a kit that can be attached to existing gliding air to surface bombs that will significantly extend their range.
  • Further purposes and advantages of this invention will appear as the description proceeds.
  • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention is a propulsion kit that can be attached to a gliding air to surface bomb. The kit comprises:
      • (a) a fuel tank;
      • (b) a mounting and operation interface section; and
      • (c) one or more engines;
  • When the engines are activated, a significant extension of the length of the flight path of the bomb is achieved.
  • The engines of the kit of the invention are air-breathing engines, preferably jet engines.
  • The propulsion kit of the invention can be designed to be able to be retrofitted to any existing gliding bomb. The principal components of the mounting and operation interface section are: a power supply unit; an engine control unit; and an electric cable, which provides a link between the mission computer of the bomb and the operation interface of the kit.
  • The use of the propulsion kit of the invention allows the original bomb to function in either an improved gliding ratio mode or a cruise trajectory mode.
  • All the above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be further understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a gliding bomb and the principal components of the kit of the invention; and
  • FIG. 2 schematically shows the three modes of operation of the gliding air to surface bomb according to the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
  • The present invention is a propulsion kit that is attached to a gliding air to surface bomb. The kit of the invention is based on the use of one or more engines and, when activated, allows a significant extension of the length of the flight path of the bomb. The engines can be any type air-breathing engine for example jet engines. The kit can be designed to be retrofitted to an existing gliding bomb. The kit of the invention allows the original bomb to function in one of the three following modes, depending on the bomb size and the aerodynamic characteristics:
      • (a) original operation mode—the kit of the invention is not attached;
      • (b) improved gliding ratio mode—the kit of the invention is attached and activated but the thrust of the engine/s is less than the drag of the bomb; and
      • (c) cruise trajectory mode—the kit of the invention is attached and the thrust of the engine/s balances the drag of the bomb.
  • In FIG. 1 is schematically shown the main components of the kit of the invention. At the center of the figure is a conventional gliding air to surface bomb 10, shown attached to the fuselage 12 of an airplane (gliding wings folded) Above and below bomb 10 are shown the main components of the kit 20 of the invention. The kit is comprised of three main components. Fuel tank 22, mounting and operation interface section 24, and one or more engines 26 (two engines are shown in FIG. 1). Principal components (not shown in the figure) of mounting and operation interface section 24 are a power supply unit, an engine control unit, and an electric cable that provides the link between the mission computer of the bomb and the operation interface of the kit.
  • The kit 20 is attached to bomb 20 by means of the mounting interface in section 24. The mounting is done by conventional methods well known in the art and does not require any structural changes to bomb 20. If the kit is later removed, bomb 20 is returned to its original form and can be used as originally designed, i.e. in mode (a) above.
  • The activation of the kit is coordinated with the operation of the bomb and the kit's operation is implemented by the mission computer of the bomb to which additional flight control code relating to the properties and operation of the kit, e.g. number and type of engines present and required mode of operation, has been added. When activated by supplying voltage from the plane to the bomb, the mission computer checks, among other things, for the presence of a kit of the invention. If the presence of a kit is established, then the systems are operated according to the mission plan of the bomb, which takes into account the additional capability supplied by the kit. Either before release of the bomb or during the free flight period after release the starting routine will activate a series of activities in the engine control unit of the kit that will culminate in engine start and stabilization of the thrust provided by the engine, or engines if more than one is present, to operate the bomb in either mode (b) or mode (c).
  • FIG. 2 shows schematically a graph of altitude A vs. range R for each of the three modes of flight of the air to surface bomb. For the graph depicting mode (b), point x signifies the release of the bomb from the airplane and point y, the ignition of the engine of the kit. For the graph depicting mode (c), point z represents the location at which the bomb is released and simultaneously (or slightly before release) the engine is ignited. The distances in FIG. 2 are not meant to be anything other than schematic; but, as shown, the use of the kit of the invention has significantly extended the range of the bomb, i.e. has increased the stand-off distance and safety of the air crew. In practice in mode b (improved gliding ratio) the stand-off range may be doubled or more while in mode c (cruising mode) the increase in the stand-off range depends on the amount of fuel in the fuel tanks of the bomb.
  • Although embodiments of the invention have been described by way of illustration, it will be understood that the invention may be carried out with many variations, modifications, and adaptations, without exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims (7)

1. A propulsion kit that can be attached to a gliding air to surface bomb, said kit comprising:
(a) a fuel tank;
(b) a mounting and operation interface section; and
(c) one or more engines;
wherein, when said one or more engines are activated, a significant extension of the length of the flight path of said bomb is achieved.
2. A propulsion kit according to claim 1, wherein the engines are air-breathing engines.
3. A propulsion kit according to claim 1, wherein the engines are jet engines.
4. A propulsion kit according to claim 1, wherein said kit can be designed to be able to be retrofitted to any existing gliding bomb.
5. A propulsion kit according to claim 1, wherein principal components of the mounting and operation interface section are: a power supply unit; an engine control unit; and an electric cable.
6. A propulsion kit according to claim 5, wherein the electric cable provides a link between the mission computer of the bomb and the operation interface of said kit.
7. A propulsion kit according to claim 1, wherein use of said kit allows the original bomb to function in one of the following two modes:
(a) improved gliding ratio mode; and
(b) cruise trajectory mode.
US11/693,387 2006-04-03 2007-03-29 Propulsion kit Abandoned US20070256587A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IL174733 2006-04-03
IL174733A IL174733A0 (en) 2006-04-03 2006-04-03 Propulsion kit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20070256587A1 true US20070256587A1 (en) 2007-11-08

Family

ID=38660049

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US11/693,387 Abandoned US20070256587A1 (en) 2006-04-03 2007-03-29 Propulsion kit

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US20070256587A1 (en)
IL (1) IL174733A0 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100044495A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2010-02-25 Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Airborne guided shell
US20180273193A1 (en) * 2017-03-24 2018-09-27 Raytheon Company Electrically operated propellant thrust assist for supplementing airplane takeoff, landing or in-flight maneuverability

Citations (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2423090A (en) * 1943-08-25 1947-07-01 Fink Rudolph Controllable gliding attachment for bombs
US2580484A (en) * 1948-12-23 1952-01-01 Glenn H Temte Jet-propelled airplane
US2992794A (en) * 1950-12-13 1961-07-18 William H A Boyd Guided missile
US3535881A (en) * 1967-10-18 1970-10-27 Bolkow Gmbh Combination rocket and ram jet engine
US4447025A (en) * 1981-08-14 1984-05-08 Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft Mit Beschraenkter Haftung Carrier for a dropload to be dropped from an aircraft
US4756252A (en) * 1980-10-28 1988-07-12 Aktiebolaget Bofors Device for reducing the base resistance of airborne projectiles
US4896845A (en) * 1988-08-05 1990-01-30 A.R.I.S.S.P.A. Air supported structure equipment particularly suitable for ballistic type munitions supply container
US5141175A (en) * 1991-03-22 1992-08-25 Harris Gordon L Air launched munition range extension system and method
US5271330A (en) * 1991-09-27 1993-12-21 General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division Oxygen enhanced cruise missile weapon system
US5615846A (en) * 1994-11-04 1997-04-01 Gec Marconi Dynamics Inc. Extendable wing for guided missles and munitions
US5615847A (en) * 1995-09-11 1997-04-01 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Submarine launched unmanned aerial vehicle
US5853143A (en) * 1996-12-23 1998-12-29 Boeing North American, Inc. Airbreathing propulsion assisted flight vehicle
US6152041A (en) * 1998-05-29 2000-11-28 Leigh Aerosystems Corporation Device for extending the range of guided bombs
US6227096B1 (en) * 1999-06-22 2001-05-08 The Boeing Company Universal warhead adapter, and missile and method incorporating same
US6494140B1 (en) * 1999-04-22 2002-12-17 Lockheed Martin Corporation Modular rocket boosted penetrating warhead
US6571715B1 (en) * 2002-03-11 2003-06-03 Raytheon Company Boot mechanism for complex projectile base survival
US20050230517A1 (en) * 2004-04-19 2005-10-20 Teledyne Solutions, Inc. Payload delivery vehicle and method
US7150429B2 (en) * 2002-06-28 2006-12-19 Tom Kusic Tandem powered power tilting aircraft
US7262395B2 (en) * 2004-05-19 2007-08-28 Derek Bilyk Expendable sonobuoy flight kit with aerodynamically assisted sonobuoy separation
US7360355B1 (en) * 1996-06-07 2008-04-22 Qinetiq Limited Long range artillery shell

Patent Citations (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2423090A (en) * 1943-08-25 1947-07-01 Fink Rudolph Controllable gliding attachment for bombs
US2580484A (en) * 1948-12-23 1952-01-01 Glenn H Temte Jet-propelled airplane
US2992794A (en) * 1950-12-13 1961-07-18 William H A Boyd Guided missile
US3535881A (en) * 1967-10-18 1970-10-27 Bolkow Gmbh Combination rocket and ram jet engine
US4756252A (en) * 1980-10-28 1988-07-12 Aktiebolaget Bofors Device for reducing the base resistance of airborne projectiles
US4447025A (en) * 1981-08-14 1984-05-08 Messerschmitt-Boelkow-Blohm Gesellschaft Mit Beschraenkter Haftung Carrier for a dropload to be dropped from an aircraft
US4896845A (en) * 1988-08-05 1990-01-30 A.R.I.S.S.P.A. Air supported structure equipment particularly suitable for ballistic type munitions supply container
US5141175A (en) * 1991-03-22 1992-08-25 Harris Gordon L Air launched munition range extension system and method
US5271330A (en) * 1991-09-27 1993-12-21 General Dynamics Corporation, Convair Division Oxygen enhanced cruise missile weapon system
US5615846A (en) * 1994-11-04 1997-04-01 Gec Marconi Dynamics Inc. Extendable wing for guided missles and munitions
US5615847A (en) * 1995-09-11 1997-04-01 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy Submarine launched unmanned aerial vehicle
US7360355B1 (en) * 1996-06-07 2008-04-22 Qinetiq Limited Long range artillery shell
US5853143A (en) * 1996-12-23 1998-12-29 Boeing North American, Inc. Airbreathing propulsion assisted flight vehicle
US6152041A (en) * 1998-05-29 2000-11-28 Leigh Aerosystems Corporation Device for extending the range of guided bombs
US6494140B1 (en) * 1999-04-22 2002-12-17 Lockheed Martin Corporation Modular rocket boosted penetrating warhead
US6227096B1 (en) * 1999-06-22 2001-05-08 The Boeing Company Universal warhead adapter, and missile and method incorporating same
US6571715B1 (en) * 2002-03-11 2003-06-03 Raytheon Company Boot mechanism for complex projectile base survival
US7150429B2 (en) * 2002-06-28 2006-12-19 Tom Kusic Tandem powered power tilting aircraft
US20050230517A1 (en) * 2004-04-19 2005-10-20 Teledyne Solutions, Inc. Payload delivery vehicle and method
US7262395B2 (en) * 2004-05-19 2007-08-28 Derek Bilyk Expendable sonobuoy flight kit with aerodynamically assisted sonobuoy separation

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20100044495A1 (en) * 2006-10-24 2010-02-25 Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Airborne guided shell
US8278611B2 (en) * 2006-10-24 2012-10-02 Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Airborne guided shell
US20180273193A1 (en) * 2017-03-24 2018-09-27 Raytheon Company Electrically operated propellant thrust assist for supplementing airplane takeoff, landing or in-flight maneuverability

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
IL174733A0 (en) 2007-05-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6260797B1 (en) Transformable gun launched aero vehicle
US6142421A (en) Vehicle refueling system
US7753315B2 (en) Payload delivery vehicle and method
RU2609539C1 (en) Rocket vehicle, return stage of rocket vehicle and method of its launch upon return and system of helicopter pick-up of return stage
US20070256587A1 (en) Propulsion kit
Taylor GALLERY OF SOVIET
Lee Military Technologies of the World [2 volumes]:[2 volumes]
RU2327949C1 (en) Missile
US20200047894A1 (en) Extended Drone Range
Hallion Science, technology and air warfare
RU2005102906A (en) HORIZONTAL TAKE-OFF Rocket Launcher WITHOUT ANTIME WITH LOW-TEMPERATURE PLANNING IN THE ATMOSPHERE WITH SOFT GROUNDING OF THE VITYAZ RGV
Chambers Wings of the Rising Sun: Uncovering the Secrets of Japanese Fighters and Bombers of World War II
August et al. Ring wing missile for compressed carriage on an aircraft
Davies Republic F-105 Thunderchief
Kopp Soviet/Russian cruise missiles
GB2377683A (en) Composite of unmanned aerial vehicles
Norton American Aircraft Development Second World War Legacy: 1945-1953 and the Korean Conflict
Anderson Breaking the Sound Barrier
Pace X-planes: Pushing the Envelope of Flight
RU2359870C2 (en) Aviation rocket complex
RU2359873C2 (en) Aviation rocket complex
RU2323855C2 (en) Aircraft missile system
RU2359872C2 (en) Aviation rocket complex
RU2359881C2 (en) Aviation rocket complex
Hirschberg American Attack Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs): A Century of Progress

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: RAFAEL-ARMAMENT DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY LTD., ISRAEL

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:SHPUND, ZALMAN;REEL/FRAME:019559/0719

Effective date: 20070709

STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION