Conceptual design of a stand-off weapon for maritime patrol aircraft

Abstract

A conceptual design of a stand-off weapon to be launched from maritime patrol aircraft for use against hostile surface combatants was performed at the request of the Naval Air Test Center. The purpose of this thesis was to study the feasibility of developing a low-cost, anti-ship missile for air ASW platforms. A mission threat analysis was conducted to determine the lethality of probable targets and to determine required missile performance characteristics. Current design methods and techniques were used to calculate the necessary missile geometry to meet the derived performance characteristics. An evaluation of navigation laws was conducted to determine the most appropriate flight profile for the missile. The control system was tailored to meet the specifications of the selected navigation law. An investigation of passive and active homing devices was conducted. A low cost seeker to adequately locate and track targets of interest was examined. A target engagement model was used to verify the missile's maneuverability. This model demonstrated that the missile could intercept highly maneuvering craft when launched from a desirable stand-off distance.