Investigations of Thrust Vector Control for High-Alpha Pitchover,

Abstract : Historically, thrust vector control (TVC) system investigations at the Naval Weapons Center have touched on a wide variety of technologies. Emphasis in this paper is on two technologies, the movable-nozzle and the jet-vane TVC, whose performance capabilities demonstrate the significant maneuvers achievable by thrust vector controlled missiles. Investigations have revealed an especially notable result of testing in the high-alpha vertical-launch pitchover environment; that is, despite high-performance TVC capability, missile subsystems such as seeker, airframe, actuation, autopilot, and rocket motor can limit the potential benefits otherwise offered by thrust vectoring. Some lessons learned in approaching such limits are delineated and referenced to assist systems engineers and designers of tactical missile airframes and control systems. (JES)