Course description
The aim of this course is to provide a general overview of guided weapon systems and technology.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
This course is suitable for those individuals who require a general overview of guided weapon technology and design.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What you will learn
On successful completion of the module 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.
Training Course Content
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.
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Cranfield University
Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university that is a global leader for education and transformational research in technology and management. We have many world-class, large-scale facilities, including our own global research airport, which offers a unique environment for transformational education...