Performance Prediction Of A Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket Using Datcom, Sens5D, And 6Dof Gem

Abstract

An approach for the performance prediction of a Folding Fin Aircraft Rocket (FFAR) is presented. This prediction was compiled by calculating the gravimetrics, aerodynamics, and trajectory for a FFAR. The trajectory analysis utilized four computer codes: Rogers Aeroscience Rocket Performance Software, NASA Wallops Sens5d Trajectory and Wind-Sensitivity Calculations for Unguided Rockets, the United States Air Force (USAF) Stability and Control DATCOM, and the NASA Langley Research Center LRC-MASS program (GEM). Computations were performed for a rigid body configuration. This analysis was compared to radar data collected during the flight of a FFAR launched in February 1997 at the Poker-Flat Research Range. The comparison shows good agreement between the flight data and the predicted apogee and impact point of the vehicle. In addition, static and dynamic stability analyses were completed for the FFAR. <p>