Thrust Vector Control Flex Joints-Commercial Applications

The need for high-pressure articulating pipe couplings for advanced shipboard application and for the new deepwater piping systems is being satisfied by an extension of aerospace technology-the flexible elastomeric seal. The flexible elastomeric seal was first developed at Lockheed Propulsion Comp. in 1963 and since that time has seen application on thrust vector control systems of rocket motor systems. Its recent application to commercial products is described in this paper. Other future applications in this area are expanding.