Reverse Velocity Test Vehicle

ABSTRACT: Next-generation weapons require a test platform that can achieve forward and reverse accelerations without refueling or resetting to test and calibrate their inertial navigation systems (IMU).This test bed would operate on the Holloman High Speed Test Track (HHSTT), which already performs such calibrations but uses legacy rocket sled technology.SDC is proposing the development of a next-generation Reverse Velocity Test Vehicle (RVTV) that will be reusable, reliable, provide precise acceleration and deceleration profiling, and will significantly reduce the cost and time associated with these calibration tests.The RVTV will be used on strategic nuclear missiles, global strike missiles, and aircraft guidance systems that have more sensitive IMUs than previous applications and therefore require more repeated and precise tuning of their equipment.The development of the RVTV is a critical capability for the United States that SDC and its team will develop for next generation IMUs.The RVTV will provide significant commercialization opportunities outside of IMU testing for potential use by the automotive, commercial aircraft, and precision instrument industries.; BENEFIT:Low recurring cost test track vehicle for testing and calibration of IMUs compared to the cost associated with traditional rocket sled tests.ROI on the investment cost is less than a year and long term ROI is over 22X.Significant reduction in the time to turn around test, allowing for up to 10+ tests in a single day or on a single electrical chargeVariable acceleration and deceleration profiles compared to rocket sled testingAll propulsion technologies are considered reliable and in commercial use todayOff-the-shelf hardwarehigh TRLFacilitates the development of the RVTV by downselecting a propulsion system, such that full development can occur in less than 3-4 yearsRVTV development is mission enabling tech for strategic nuclear missiles, global strike missiles, and aircraft guidance systems