Steerable Extraction Rocket

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Steerable Extraction Rocket

R. B. Dillinger / J. W. Stone

The patent application relates to a steerable rocket motor for towing a load or extracting an aircrew member from a disabled aircraft, regardless of aircraft attitude or altitude. The rocket motor is formed from a hollow cylindrical thin walled casing containing a high burn rate propellant and having a plurality of rocket nozzles at one end. The rocket nozzles are positioned around the circumference of the rocket body and are angled to thrust outward and toward the load or aircrew member being towed. A thrust control proportions thrust among the plurality of nozzles for controlling the pitch and yaw of the rocket. Position and rate sensing apparatus informs the thrust control regarding rocket attitude to enable the rocket to steer a predefined desirable flight trajectory. One or more lines are attached to the rocket and are adapted to be fastened to the load or aircrew member being towed.