Advanced Propulsion Test Technology
Abstract
High speed and hypersonic weapons are being developed to ensure the continued military air superiority and strike capability of the United States. Current weapon system demonstrations and technology development programs include high speed and hypersonic air breathing missiles, maneuvering reentry and boost/glide weapons, hypersonic gun-launched projectiles, air breathing space access vehicles, and high speed torpedoes. These systems require development of high speed turbine, ramjet, scramjet, and combined cycle engines; high temperature materials; thermal protection systems; and thermal management systems. The Advanced Propulsion Test Technology (APTT) area develops technologies to enable robust, accurate, and timely Test and Evaluation (T&E) of these future weapon systems. DoD acquisition regulations require weapon systems to undergo a thorough T&E process in order to provide early detection of deficiencies and ensure system suitability and survivability. However, these weapons’ extreme operational environments preclude accurate determination of their performance with today’s T&E assets. Current national test capabilities have deficiencies in data accuracy, flight condition duplication and simulation, test methods, materials productivity, modeling and simulation (M&S) fidelity, and range safety. The APTT area is developing advanced T&E technologies in the areas of ground test, flight test, M&S, and instrumentation to fulfill T&E requirements. The APTT mission is to provide T&E technologies that will enable high speed and hypersonic weapon systems to be developed with the same accuracy and robustness as current lower speed systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 1_0603941D8Z_3_0400_PB_2012
Related Documents
- Root: Test and Evaluation/Science and Technology
- Child Accomplishment: Advanced Propulsion Test Technology