Accuracy improvement capability of advanced projectile based on course correction fuze concept

Area of Science:

• Ballistics and Aerodynamics
• Aerospace Engineering
• Defense Technology

Background:

• Improving artillery projectile terminal accuracy is crucial for modern warfare.
• Existing methods for range and drift correction are often complex or costly.
• Course correction fuzes offer a promising solution for enhanced munitions precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of two novel course correction modules for artillery projectiles.
• To analyze the aerodynamic and flight dynamic impacts of these modules on projectile trajectory.
• To demonstrate improved impact accuracy through simulation.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing aerodynamic computations and flight dynamic simulations.
• Characterizing a drag ring brake module for range correction.
• Characterizing a canard-based correction fuze module for drift correction.
• Analyzing the effects of module deployment on projectile aerodynamic parameters.

Main Results:

• The drag ring brake module demonstrated significant capability for range correction, especially when deployed early in the trajectory.
• The canard-based correction fuze effectively corrected projectile drift by altering the roll rate.
• Simulations confirmed improved impact accuracy for conventional projectiles equipped with these course correction modules.

Conclusions:

• Course correction modules, specifically the drag ring brake and canard-based fuze, offer a cost-effective means to enhance artillery projectile accuracy.
• The timing of drag brake deployment can be precisely controlled for desired range correction.
• Canard-based fuzes provide effective drift correction through modulation of roll dynamics.