Patent ID: 6085516
Filing Date: 2000-07-11
Classification: F02K

Abstract:
A solid/fluid hybrid propulsion system, comprising:a) a launch platform; andb) a projectile positioned on the launch platform and launchable therefrom, the projectile includinga container having a fluid reactant therein,a combustion chamber containing a solid reactant therein and having a thrust nozzle at one end thereof,a fluid-flow pathway between said fluid reactant container and said combustion chamber, anda flow control member comprising a valve actuatable between opened and closed positions in said flow control pathway, said valve obstructing flow through said flow pathway when the valve is in the closed position and when said projectile is in a prelaunch configuration, said valve being actuatable into the open position in response to movement of the projectile relative to the launch platform from a prelaunch first position to a partially launched second position, such that fluid reactant from said container is admitted into said chamber for reaction with said solid reactant to produce thrust for propelling the projectile.