Aerodynamic Maneuvering and Control Actuation System for a Guided Destructive Expendable

Orbital Research Inc. (ORI) is investigating the use of a rocket-powered, guided destructive expendable (GuiDE) as a next-generation countermeasure for aircraft self-protection from missile attacks. The GuiDE is aimed to provide a low-cost alternative solution to existing airborne or ground-based aircraft countermeasure systems for protecting aircraft from beamriders and shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missiles such as man portable air defense systems (MANPADS). The system can also be integrated as a separate layer (Tier-2 or Tier-3) in a “layered” aircraft countermeasure system for enhanced coverage and padded protection. In this program, Orbital Research will design, build and test an Aerodynamic Maneuvering and Control Actuation System (AMCAS) on a candidate GuiDE airframe design compatible with the AN/ALE-50 Towed Decoy System. During the Phase I, ORI demonstrated the feasibility of multiple steering concepts in a low-speed wind tunnel, and examined the use of a GuiDE to counter hypothetical threat missiles approaching an aircraft from the rear hemisphere using six degree-of-freedom flight trajectory simulations. A study was also conducted to evaluate advanced seeker systems and the effect of seeker variables on the GuiDE design and control performance. During the Phase II, Orbital Research Inc. will advance the design and development of a candidate AMCAS and validate its performance on a candidate GuiDE design via experimental and modeling studies.