Patent ID: 7500477

Claim:
A combination comprising: (a) a plurality of projectiles; (b) apparatus for successively moving said projectiles from one speed to a higher speed along an arcuate path including (i) means for moving a portion of said arcuate path where each said projectile is located substantially radially along a local radius of curvature, and (ii) an outlet for ejecting said projectiles therefrom; and (c) an article having an opening to receive said projectiles, said article having a surface upon which said projectiles may act to propel said article, said article comprising a space vehicle for orbital or sub-orbital flight, said space vehicle having a passageway for receiving said projectiles, said projectiles having explosive capability upon passing through or entry into said passageway, said passageway having an outwardly flaring surface upon which explosive forces resulting from explosion of said projectiles may act to propel said space vehicle.