Flywheel ACS Integrated KV

The Missile Defense Agency is seeking concepts and associated technologies for the next generation multi use kinetic kill vehicle that will allow effective vehicle attitude and divert control in both exo- and endo-atmospheric flight regimes. In addition, they seek new concepts for internal vehicle control that do not rely on side thrusters and ejection of propellant products. They require a kinetic kill vehicle capable of seamless operation in both endo-atmospheric and exo-atmospheric flight regimes from low to high supersonic speeds, with the kill vehicle attitude control mechanism entirely contained within the vehicle body. Quoin, working with University of North Texas and Aerojet, will develop an integrated kinetic kill vehicle design that incorporates flywheels to provide active attitude control for endo- and exo-atmospheric flight. The studies will include a means of active trim control for endo operation and a mass translation for unloading the flywheels during thruster operation. Preliminary simulations coupled with hardware demonstrations will demonstrate that an integrated Kinetic Kill Vehicle can be can be developed that meets desired performance requirements. A streamlined multi-use vehicle will greatly reduce the overall cost of missile defense.