DEVELOPMENT OF A LOW-COST ROCKET-POWERED TACTICAL VEHICLE
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Authors
Hill, Thomas O.
Subjects
additive manufacturing
rocket
mechanical engineering
supersonic
commercial-off-the-shelf
COTS
expeditionary warfare
communications
denied environment
structural engineering
hardware implementation
solid rocket
flight testing
payload
high-altitude
3D printing
carbon fiber
nylon
materials engineering
rocket
mechanical engineering
supersonic
commercial-off-the-shelf
COTS
expeditionary warfare
communications
denied environment
structural engineering
hardware implementation
solid rocket
flight testing
payload
high-altitude
3D printing
carbon fiber
nylon
materials engineering
Advisors
Brophy, Christopher M.
Pierce, Dillon T.
Date of Issue
2023-12
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The design, development, and flight testing of a low-cost, rocket-powered tactical vehicle was performed utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf components and high-power amateur rocket technology. The research addressed key engineering challenges in stage separation, moveable control surfaces, and recovery systems while introducing innovative subsystems such as servo-controlled moveable fin torque transfer mechanisms and Marman clamp couplers. The technologies utilized offer a comprehensive solution for payload delivery in denied or remote environments. Extensive flight tests were conducted to validate the performance and reliability of the developed subsystems, demonstrating the vehicle's capability to deliver payloads effectively while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency. This research found that spur gear based movable fin control systems and Marman clamp separation systems integrated into a two stage high-powered amateur rocket creates a launch vehicle that rivals some tactical missiles at a far lower price point. These technologies have broad applications in expeditionary warfare, communications, and materials engineering.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Organization
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NPS Report Number
Sponsors
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Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. Distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.