Lightweight Detachable Roll Control System

ABSTRACT: The current roll control system for the Minuteman III First Stage motor is heavy. A lightweight, easily detachable system would offer considerable advantages. A solid propellant Roll Control System solution is proposed that uses modern propellants, advanced thrusters, and improved control algorithms to offer a propulsion system that is lower weight and more modular than current Minuteman III RCS solutions. The key to our technology is the use of selective laser melting, an advanced additive manufacturing process, which allows for the creation of incredibly advanced geometries at a reduced cost. BENEFIT: The primary benefit of using selective laser melting to manufacture a solid propellant roll control system such as we propose is a significant decrease in the total weight of the roll control system of 14%. Our approach leverages proven and scalable technologies that allow for use of this solution on modernization efforts for Minuteman III, intercontinental ballistic missile, Trident D5, and other strategic missile booster and reentry vehicle systems.