Guided Weapons

What you will learn

On successful completion of the course you will be able to:

Knowledge

• describe the elements that make up a guided weapon system,
• discuss the principles involved and the design constraints on guided weapon airframe, propulsion, warhead, control and guidance systems and how these subsystems interact with one another,
• explain the principles of radar, IR and laser technology and how these technologies are used in guided weapon systems.

Skills

• develop a preliminary guided weapon design.

Core content

Introduction

• introduction to the ‘missile’ and the system; constituent parts of the missile and how they integrate into the complete system; the threat and how it can be countered.

Guidance

• the need for guidance; types of trajectory; system characteristics and classification; command, homing and navigational guidance systems.

Control

• polar, Cartesian and roll control; aerodynamic and thrust vector control; actuation systems; instrumentation; accelerometers; rate and position gyroscopes; acceleration and velocity control; roll rate and position, latax and altitude autopilots.

Aerodynamics and aerostructures

• airframe materials and structures; factors affecting aerodynamic lift and drag; aerodynamic stability principles.

Electro-optics and infrared systems

• introduction to the principles of infra-red and electro-optic detection, surveillance and tracking systems, seeker technology and countermeasures.

Radar STA

• introduction to the principles of surveillance, tracking and acquisition radar systems.

mmW seekers

• introduction to the principles of millimetric wave (mmW) seekers.

Propulsion

• reaction thrust, propellants, jet propulsion, rocket and air-breathing engines.

Warheads

• overview of warheads for guided weapons for attack of armour, airborne targets and ground installations; safety and arming; types of fuze, matching and countermeasures.

Upgrade to a professional qualification

When taken as a Short Course for Credit, 10 credit points can be put towards either the Gun Systems Design MSc, Military Aerospace and Airworthiness MSc orMilitary Vehicle Technology MSc.

Find out more about short course credit points.

Who should attend

Speakers

• Dr Derek Bray - (Module Leader)
• Dr Alessio Balleri (Radar STA)
• Dr Stephen Champion (SC and EFP Warheads)
• Dr Christopher Couldrick (Blast/Fragmentation Warheads)
• Mr David Diskett (Guidance)
• Dr John Economou (Control)
• Professor Mark Richardson (EO/IR Systems and Countermeasures)

Concessions

A limited number of MOD sponsored places are available and must complete the course for credits only. 

Location and travel