Complementary Roles of Spark Range and Onboard Free-Flight Measurements for Projectile Development

Abstract

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory maintains capabilities for both external (ground-based, i.e., spark range) and onboard sensor system (telemetry- and recorder-based) methodologies for obtaining free-flight motion measurements of projectiles. These two methodologies were developed independently and until recently had been applied in projectile development programs without a thorough consideration of their synergistic interrelationship. Such a consideration is presented herein as a means for appropriating the benefits of each in a unified manner, thus making better use of available time and resources. A brief description of the two methodologies, their development histories, and their strengths and limitations is made. Complementary aspects are identified that can contribute to projectile development by accelerating progress, mitigating risks, and reducing costs. Future areas of instrumentation and technique advancement are cited that will positively impact the evolution of the complementary roles of ground- and telemetry-based methodologies.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 2009
Accession Number
ADA508143

Entities

People

  • Bernard J. Guidos
  • Bradford S. Davis
  • Thomas E. Harkins

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aerodynamic Characteristics
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics
  • Detection
  • Detectors
  • Exterior Ballistics
  • Fluid Dynamics
  • Free Flight
  • Ground Based
  • Infrared Detectors
  • Instrumentation
  • Measurement
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Munitions
  • Optical Detectors
  • Projectiles
  • Research Facilities
  • Test And Evaluation

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design