Missile propulsion cost modeling

Abstract

An approach for parametric propulsion system cost modeling is presented and is illustrated by Cost Estimating Relationships (CERs) for unit production costs of solid propellant booster stages. Due to their relative simplicity, the costs obtained from the CERs represent only first order approximations of booster stage costs. They were developed from cost and technical data of historical propulsion systems available in the open literature. The approach for developing the CERs is outlined and the rationale for the selection of independent parameters is presented. The analysis of the cost data revealed several generic observations and “rules of thumb”. These are given in this paper, since they might prove useful for “back of the envelope” type cost predictions.