Advanced High-G Propulsion Controls Technology

TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Weapons OBJECTIVE: Identify, evaluate, develop, and demonstrate innovative propulsion control system technology that advances the State-of-the-Art (SOTA). DESCRIPTION: Missile defense interceptors employ various propulsion control systems maintain flight stability or provide trajectory corrections during various stages of flight and under a wide range of aerodynamic loads. This topic seeks technology improvements to propulsion control systems that could provide increased mission flexibility. Desire technology that reduces size, weight and power and increases agility by enabling higher delta velocity, improved acceleration rates and/or faster response times. Technological improvements are sought that are flexible and operate over a wide range of aerodynamic and aerothermal loading conditions. Technology that may be compatible with existing propulsion systems and/or is modular across multiple propulsion platforms is desired. PHASE I: Develop and conduct feasibility/proof of concept study to identify candidate technology and/or components. Complete preliminary evaluation of the technology, showing the assessment of improvement across the battlespace. At completion of this program, the preliminary design will be documented for Phase II. PHASE II: Expand on Phase I results by producing components and demonstrating technology through prototype testing. Test demonstrations will provide the required data to support and/or validate the improvements identified in Phase I. PHASE III: Expand on Phase II results by optimizing designs as necessary for integration into a future system. Conduct integration and system level demonstration. Demonstration could include, but is not limited to testing in a real system or a system level test-bed with plans for insertion into an interceptor. REFERENCES: 1: Sutton, George P. Rocket Propulsion Elements, 8th Edition. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.; 2010.2: Siouris, George M. Missile Guidance and Control Systems. Springer-Verlag New York; 2004. KEYWORDS: Missile, Interceptor, Propulsion, Rocket Propulsion, Propulsion Control System, Interceptor Control System, Advanced Propulsion Technology, Thrust Vector Control, Thrust Control, Maneuverability, Aerodynamic Steering, Aerodynamic Control, Control Surfaces