Valves for Measurement and Actuation System of Transient Jets (VMAST)

The Air Force has a need to measure short-duration forces and moments generated by impulse control devices, e.g., transient transverse gaseous jets. The measurement of short-duration loads/impulses from pulsating control jets of intercept missiles is important to the missile defense program offices. Testing requires very versatile but precise valves capable of providing simulated jet for control of future weapon systems. Supersonic and hypersonic ballistic missile defense interceptors as well as recently emerging ship-board defense systems, air-to-air missiles and guided rockets concepts require a level of maneuverability available almost exclusively through the use of control jets issuing at large angles relative to the direction of flight. The goal is to develop and demonstrate a valve and associated control and measurement system to generate short-duration gas streams for transient jet interaction measurements during force/moment testing in a continuous-flow wind tunnel or equivalent environment. Since both a valve and measurement system is required, very few companies can provide both solutions. Midé is uniquely positioned to provide both a custom high speed valve and force/moment balance for wind tunnel systems at the Air Force.