초록 ▼

In a first aspect, the invention uses the thrust and axial aerodynamic forces of and on the missile system as the primary mechanism for altering the missile system's flight path as opposed to the missile system's aerodynamic normal force. In accordance with this first aspect, a first embodiment is a

In a first aspect, the invention uses the thrust and axial aerodynamic forces of and on the missile system as the primary mechanism for altering the missile system's flight path as opposed to the missile system's aerodynamic normal force. In accordance with this first aspect, a first embodiment is a method for changing the direction of travel of a vehicle moving through a fluid medium to a desired direction of travel measured in the vehicle's inertial frame of reference, the vehicle comprising a body including a nose, a moment generating control device, and an axial propulsive device. The method comprises actuating the moment generating control device to align the nose substantially with the desired direction of travel, and applying the axial propulsive device as the primary mechanism to redirect the vehicle's velocity to the desired direction of travel. In a second aspect, the invention provides a missile control system implementing the first aspect of the invention. In a third aspect, the invention simulates in software a missile control system implementing the first aspect of the invention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed:] [81.]81. A vehicle adapted for rapid redirection of the flight path and velocity as the vehicle is moving through a fluid medium at a velocity adequate for producing flight sustaining aerodynamic forces on the vehicle, said vehicle comprising:a body including a nose;a plurality o

[ What is claimed:] [81.]81. A vehicle adapted for rapid redirection of the flight path and velocity as the vehicle is moving through a fluid medium at a velocity adequate for producing flight sustaining aerodynamic forces on the vehicle, said vehicle comprising:a body including a nose;a plurality of control devices, said control devices being-adapted to impart either a moment or a force to the vehicle in a manner such that the flight path and the velocity of the vehicle are rapidly redirected, said plurality of control devices comprising at least:a forward thruster control device,an axial propulsive device, anda plurality of control surfaces positioned on the body between the forward thruster control device and the axial propulsive device; anda vehicle control unit adapted to control the control devices in a manner such that the forward thruster control device is used as a primary mechanism to align the nose with the desired direction of travel;the forward thruster control device is used as a primary mechanism to maintain the alignment of the nose with the desired direction of travel until the velocity of the vehicle is substantially aligned with the desired direction of travel of the vehicle; andthe axial propulsive device is used as a primary mechanism to redirect the vehicle's velocity to the desired direction of travel.