Analysis of Range Extension Process for Outdated Ballistic Munitions Ejected from an Accelerator Launcher Concept

Abstract

In this study, the feasibility of a new launcher concept that provides range extension for outdated ballistic munitions by speeding up them before their ignition is examined in detail. To analyze the efficiency of the new concept, multi-variable and single-variable optimization processes are conducted using the Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm Method in the ModeFrontier environment. Launch angle, ejection velocity of the munition from the launcher, and ignition delay of the rocket motor after the ejection process are determined as design variables. An in-house MATLAB script is prepared and validated to perform numerical solutions of the munition’s two-dimensional trajectory. As a result of the optimization processes, graphical results are prepared to examine the effects of each design variable on munition’s range and to make a comparison between the flight trajectories of the munitions which are launched from classical and accelerator launchers. It is concluded that usage of the accelerator launcher concept provides approximately 20% range extension for the generic munition examined in this research when compared to the classical launcher. Since this new concept can easily be adapted to different types of outdated ballistic munitions and the cost of the accelerator launcher development process will probably less than the cost required to develop new munitions, it will be reasonable to develop accelerator launchers such as electromagnetic accelerators or catapult launchers in near future.