Guided Weapons

On successful completion of the module the student will be able to:

Knowledge

• describe the elements that make up a guided weapon system
• discuss the principles involved and the design constraints on guided weapon airframe, propulsion, warhead, control and guidance systems and how these subsystems interact with one another
• explain the principles of radar, IR and laser technology and how these technologies are used in guided weapon systems

Skills

• develop a preliminary guided weapon design.

Introduction

• Introduction to the ‘missile’ and the system; constituent parts of the missile and how they integrate into the complete system; the threat and how it can be countered

Guidance

• The need for guidance; types of trajectory; system characteristics and classification; command, homing and navigational guidance systems

Control

• Polar, Cartesian and roll control; aerodynamic and thrust vector control; actuation systems; instrumentation; accelerometers; rate and position gyroscopes; acceleration and velocity control; roll rate and position, latax and altitude autopilots

Aerodynamics and Aerostructures

• Airframe materials and structures; factors affecting aerodynamic lift and drag; aerodynamic stability principles

Electro-optics & Infrared systems

• Introduction to the principles of infra-red and electro-optic detection, surveillance and tracking systems, seeker technology and countermeasures

Radar STA

• Introduction to the principles of surveillance, tracking and acquisition radar systems

mmW seekers

• Introduction to the principles of millimetric wave (mmW) seekers

Propulsion

• Reaction thrust, propellants, jet propulsion, rocket and air-breathing engines

Warheads

• Overview of warheads for guided weapons for attack of armour, airborne targets and ground installations; safety and arming; types of fuze, matching and countermeasures.