Fast-acting, Compact, Piezoelectric Actuator for Control of Mini-Interceptor

To perform the rapid maneuvers and precise trajectory control required for the MKV mission, it is desirable that thruster valve throttling actuators be able to respond with authority in less than 10 milliseconds. An innovative compact piezoelectric actuator and control system has been developed to control the main divert and attitude control thrusters with controlled response times in the sub-5 millisecond range. The Phase I demonstrated the feasibility of the novel actuators to perform the MKV valve control functions with a substantial weight, volume, cost and energy savings, and higher bandwidth than conventional electromagnetic technologies. DSM developed this steering actuator system for mini-interceptor platforms while working with Lockheed Martin/ATK (Alliant Techsystems). The actuator configuration consists of a novel amplified piezoelectric actuator and compact power electronics. Able to fully open and close at over 500 Hz, the fast moving actuator enables rapid throttle control of the thruster valves to control the interceptor trajectory. In the Phase II program, DSM proposes to fully develop the actuator system and demonstrate the system's dynamic and transient impulse response using refined prototypes tested in a defense contractors full scale testbed under medium fidelity operating conditions.