A Kinematic Upgrade to an Infrared Air-to-Air Missile Using Dual- Interrupted-Thrust Technology and its Effect on Lethality

Abstract

This study determines the increase in the kinematic performance and lethality of a generic Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile (SRAAM) due to the introduction of Dual-Interrupted-Thrust (DIT) technology to the missile motor. Data for this study was collected using-.the U.S. Air Force Trajectory Analysis Program (TRAP). The SRAAM modelled was similar in capability to the AIM-9 Sidewinder currently in U.S. and Canadian Forces (CF) inventories. Quantification of kinematic performance was based on Performance Indices (PIs) which took into account range and time of flight constrained by a maximum miss distance (the lethal radius of the warhead) for seven selected scenarios. Comparison of missile lethality was based on the ratios of the distances between the outer and inner launch boundaries for the generic and modified SRAAMs. The results showed that DIT technology improves the kinematic performance and lethality of a SRAAM, provided the missile is not seeker limited , i.e. the lethality benefits are greatest for rear aspect and shoot-up engagements. Dual- interrupted-thrust, Missile lethality, SRAAM, Infrared Air-to-Air missile, Missile kinematic upgrade.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1993
Accession Number
ADA272984

Entities

People

  • Andrew J. Dobrei

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Air Force
  • Composite Propellants
  • Control Systems
  • Enthalpy
  • Guidance
  • Guided Missiles
  • Hydroxyl Terminated Polybutadiene
  • Mach Number
  • Miss Distance
  • Navigation
  • Payload
  • Rocket Engines
  • Solid Propellants
  • Trajectories
  • Turbines
  • Weapons

Readers

  • Canadian European Scientific Immigration and Epilepsy Clearance Studies
  • Missile Defense Systems.