Hybrid Micro Missile for Small Aircraft Self Protection

Tanner Research proposes to develop a hit-to-kill micro missile concept, for small UAV self-protection, that adapts micro-scale missile technologies being developed for use in gun-launched autonomous projectiles. A nominal airframe, similar in size and aerodynamic characteristics to a gun-launched 25mm APFSDS-T projectile, will be used as a baseline on which micro miniaturized missile component technology can be integrated for fin stabilized 6-DOF testing. Tanner's airframe integration of micro-scale enabling technologies includes the spectral seeker system, rocket motor propulsion, maneuver control components and lethality enhancing reactive materials. The objective is to demonstrate concept feasibility of integrating micro-scale components developed for a similar use in low-cost format. The micro missile, when alerted by missile warning sensor (MWS), will detect a threat spectrally in the seeker field of view (FOV), execute a launch, and guide autonomously into a hit-to-kill intercept. Missile seeker and GN&C, developed under parallel SBIR, center the threat in the FOV for hit-to-kill intercept using embedded micro thrusters for maneuver control. Projected cost of micro missile: about $1000-to-$10,000 per device.