Microadaptive Flow Control Applied to a Spinning Projectile

Abstract : The focus of this report is to provide a technical and programmatic summary of a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency effort to explore the feasibility of producing steering forces on a spinning projectile using microadaptive flow control (MAFC). The report discusses the theoretical foundation for the flow control mechanism, the multidisciplinary modeling technology developed, the flight control technology required to enable the MAFC on spinning projectiles, the design of the flight test and validation hardware, and the results of the open-loop flight test. The open-loop tests clearly indicate that MAFC can be used as a spinning projectile divert technology and extended to other subsonic munitions. Phase I of the program will conclude with a closed-loop test of the technology. A Phase II program has started to extend the technology to smaller diameter and higher velocity projectiles. The Phase II program will also investigate microgas generators as the MAFC actuator technology.