Novel High Control-Authority Impulse Based Micro-Actuation Technologies for Steering Guided Munitions

The primary objective of this project is to study the feasibility of a number of novel high force/torque and high dynamic response actuator technology concepts that are particularly suitable for gun-fired guided and smart munitions. These novel actuator concepts will require minimal electrical power for their operation and they are lightweight and occupy small volumes. The actuator concepts are very simple and modular in design; can provide linear and partial or full rotary actuation; are capable of being integrated into the structure of the projectile, mostly as load bearing structural components; and therefore have the potential of providing a very low cost actuator solution to almost any gun-fired munitions, both subsonic and supersonic, mortars and small missiles. Due to their basic design, the present actuation devices and their related components are well protected against very high firing acceleration loads, vibration, impact loading, repeated loading and acceleration and deceleration cycles that can be experienced during transportation and loading operations. The guidance and control system of a projectile equipped with the proposed actuation devices should be capable of achieving significantly enhanced precision for both stationary and moving targets, thereby achieving significantly greater probability of hit.