Active attitude control of gun launched projectiles

Abstract

Summary This paper describes a novel technique for controlling the attitude of a projectile launched by a light gas gun operated by the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH). This capability is required to evaluate the effects of the relative attitude orientations of the interceptor and target in hit-to-kill engagements since this affects the footprint of the projected area of the interceptor on the target. In a ground based experiment, the attitude of the target can be readily set at any arbitrary orientation relative to the shot-line by adjusting the target support system. The projectile (Interceptor) attitude at impact without attitude control would normally be at zero pitch and yaw angles except for gun or flight induced variations. Since the interceptor is expected to impact the target at angle of attack at various angles other than zero, there is a need for capability to control the attitude of the projectile after launch to hit the target at specified angles of attack.