Novel Actuators for Active Aerodynamic Control of Gun Fired Munitions

Orbital Research Inc. proposes to develop a Low-Cost Miniature Control Actuator System (MCAS) for active aerodynamic control of gun-fired munitions. The proposed MCAS will employ active flow-control actuators to decrease dispersion and enhance end-game maneuverability of Army's current projectile systems. In recent years, Orbital Research has developed state-of-the-art actuators such as deployable control devices (miniature strakes/spoilers/flaps), plasma actuators, and active-vents for innovative flow-control applications. In this program, we propose to leverage our AFC actuator technologies and use an innovative flow tailoring approach to demonstrate the feasibility of a low-cost MCAS on a representative projectile using a combination of CFD and wind tunnel experiments, and 6-DOF flight simulations. Phase II will include high-speed wind tunnel tests, advanced flight simulations, g-hardening, and rail/air-gun tests of the most promising actuator design, leading to a full-scale prototype design of a fully-functional MCAS.