A Structured Design and Analysis Methodology for Guided Weapon Concepts

Abstract

Formulating and analyzing guided weapon concepts to meet user needs is both an art and a science. Choices made for certain subsystems impact the selection and design of the other subsystems, dictating the need for an integrated approach. It is clear that the sequence and method used for model development or modification must be carefully chosen to account for subsystem interaction in order to minimize subsystem model redesign. Additionally, optimal choice of simulation runs is important during the concept formulation phase as well as during the final evaluation phase for weapon concept comparisons to best aid the selection and adjustment of design parameters. A methodology has been developed for guided weapon concept formulation, modeling, and analysis. The perspective is from the standpoint of a government laboratory that is developing new guided munitions technology. The focus is not on detailed weapon design, but rather on high-level concept design, that allows comparison and selection of one or more concepts for a more detailed design later. The methodology addresses the functional interaction of all weapon subsystems and follows a sequential design. The result is a non-optimal, but highly useful solution, which looks at concept viability. The methodology also addresses simulation-generated data used in the design process and in the ultimate analysis process to compare performance with user requirements.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 18, 1999
Accession Number
AD1029160

Entities

People

  • Michael R. Vanden-heuvel
  • Rebecca L. Lenz

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acceptance Tests
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Automatic Pilots
  • Costs
  • Environment
  • Guidance
  • Guidance Computers
  • Guided Weapons
  • Models
  • Munitions
  • Precision-Guided Munitions
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Prototypes
  • Simulations
  • Weapon Systems
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Life Cycle Cost Analysis
  • Software Engineering