A sensor determines the spin rate or rotation frequency of a munition body of a guided projectile relative to precision guidance munition assembly. The spin rate is used to determine launch velocity of the guided projectile early in flight before GPS is operationally active. The launch velocity is used to determine whether a corrective maneuver is needed to change the range of the guided projectile. Logic can control the canards on the canard assembly in response to the determination that a corrective maneuver is needed.

A method of controlling a gyroscopically-stabilized projectile, comprising a control system producing a control signal, a rotating aerodynamic shell, and a reaction mass system responsive to the control signal, the method comprising: imparting rotational and translational kinetic energy to induce gyroscopic stabilization of the projectile about a gyroscopic axis and a movement of the projectile along a flight path; interacting the shell with surrounding air while moving, to induce aerodynamic forces; generating the control signal from the control system; and altering a state of the reaction wheel system selectively in dependence on the control signal, to alter the flight path.

A method of controlling a gyroscopically-stabilized projectile, comprising a control system producing a control signal, a rotating aerodynamic shell, and a reaction mass system responsive to the control signal, the method comprising: imparting rotational and translational kinetic energy to induce gyroscopic stabilization of the projectile about a gyroscopic axis and a movement of the projectile along a flight path; interacting the shell with surrounding air while moving, to induce aerodynamic forces; generating the control signal from the control system; and altering a state of the reaction wheel system selectively in dependence on the control signal, to alter the flight path.

A winged external guidance frame placed on the muzzle that can couple with a projectile while exiting the barrel utilizing the kinetic energy of the projectile to travel to the target while the accuracy is provided by on board electronics and corrected using the wings. Alternately a reusable unmanned aerial system that travels in the speed and direction of the projectile and couples with the projectile as it exits the barrel.

A winged external guidance frame placed on the muzzle that can couple with a projectile while exiting the barrel utilizing the kinetic energy of the projectile to travel to the target while the accuracy is provided by on board electronics and corrected using the wings. Alternately a reusable unmanned aerial system that travels in the speed and direction of the projectile and couples with the projectile as it exits the barrel.

An assembly and method for assembling a projectile with a compact low friction high temperature shaft seal is provided. The assembly includes an outer shell, a rotating shaft inside the outer shell, and a seal attached to the rotating shaft. The rotating shaft can rotate independently of the outer shell. The seal can seal a gap between the outer shell and the rotating shaft.

A closed, self-contained ballistic apogee detection module for use in a projectile, such as a rocket, mortar round, or artillery round, fuses data from multiple built-in sensors, such as an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope, and processes the data using a microprocessor through a custom quaternion extended Kalman filter to provide accurate state and orientation information about the projectile so as to accurately predict apogee. The module outputs a signal indicating apogee detection or prediction which they projectile uses to initiate fuze arming, targeting control, airbody transformation, maneuvering, flow effector deployment or activation, payload exposure or deployment, and/or other mission activity. Because the system and method of the invention does not rely on external environmental data to detect apogee, it need not use a pressure sensor and can be completely sealed in and closed without requiring access to air from outside the projectile for barometric readings.

A closed, self-contained ballistic apogee detection module for use in a projectile, such as a rocket, mortar round, or artillery round, fuses data from multiple built-in sensors, such as an accelerometer, a magnetometer, and a gyroscope, and processes the data using a microprocessor through a custom quaternion extended Kalman filter to provide accurate state and orientation information about the projectile so as to accurately predict apogee. The module outputs a signal indicating apogee detection or prediction which they projectile uses to initiate fuze arming, targeting control, airbody transformation, maneuvering, flow effector deployment or activation, payload exposure or deployment, and/or other mission activity. Because the system and method of the invention does not rely on external environmental data to detect apogee, it need not use a pressure sensor and can be completely sealed in and closed without requiring access to air from outside the projectile for barometric readings.

An ordnance for air-borne delivery to a target under remotely controlled in-flight navigation. In one embodiment, self-powered aerial ordnance includes upper and lower cases. A plurality of co-axial, deployable blades is powered by a motor positioned in the upper case. When deployed, the blades are rotatable about the upper case to impart thrust and bring the vehicle to a first altitude above a target position. An explosive material and a camera are positioned in a lower case which is attached to the upper case. The camera generates a view along the ground plane and above the target when the ordinance is in flight. When the vehicle is deployed it is remotely controllable to deliver the vehicle to the target to detonate the explosive at the target. The ordnance may drop directly on a target as a bomb does.

A sensor determines the spin rate or rotation frequency of a munition body of a guided projectile relative to precision guidance munition assembly. The spin rate is used to determine launch velocity of the guided projectile early in flight before GPS is operationally active. The launch velocity is used to determine whether a corrective maneuver is needed to change the range of the guided projectile. Logic can control the canards on the canard assembly in response to the determination that a corrective maneuver is needed.