SUMMARY OF REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR DATA SENSORS ON LIFTING RE-ENTRY AND GLIDE RETURN SYSTEMS.

Abstract

A summary of the requirements for use of air data for re-entry and glide return weapon systems is presented. The systems functions of control, display, prediction, protection, guidance and back up are dealt with and the nature of several proposed re-entry systems examined. An analysis is made of obtainable accuracy in the prediction of aerodynamic and air data parameters pertinent to re-entry systems. Results of numerical multi-degree of freedom simulations of an arbitrary re-entry vehicle and the now defunct X-20A weapons system are provided to establish the effects of parameter variations on re-entry paths. Feasibility of a non-gyro, nonstructural mode couupling, three axis air data based re-entry control system is established within the restriction that proper air data sensors are available. It is concluded that re-entry and glide return systems, other than unmanned or purely experimental equipment, require a basic minimum amount of air data for reliable mission performance. This minimum amount of data consists of air density, total pressure, angle of attack and angle of sideslip. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1964
Accession Number
AD0607210

Entities

People

  • Daniel O. Dommasch

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Control Systems
  • Entry Control Systems
  • Guidance
  • Sideslip
  • Simulations
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Aerodynamics/Aeronautics.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Autonomy