Low-Drag Jet Vane-Thrust Vector Control for Exo-atmospheric Propulsion Systems

A new type of missile defense thrust vector control system is proposed to enable a high-performance, low cost defense against ballistic and hypersonic threats. This innovative TVC system features ceramic matrix composite jet vanes and a drivetrain that varies the jet vane insertion to trim drag losses. During extended fly out the vanes can be retracted to minimize losses and during the end game they can be rapidly reinserted to provide full command authority for lateral divert. This new type of TVC system also provides axial divert which is a true enabler for hypersonic applications when compared with cruciform divert systems. The CMC jet vanes also allow the use of Aluminized high flame temperature propellants exceeding 6000F which allows an increase of specific impulse over current systems. Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9710 (6 Jul 18)