This study developed a computer program to optimize the various missile parameters available to the missile designer of a short range (one to ten mile radius) air-to-air missile. The missile model used in this study was required to have the capability of intercepting a target with an unspecified heading at an initial range of three miles, and an angle-off- boresight of 45 deg. The missile intercepts the target by flying a hard-over turn initially, followed by a straight-line trajectory until impact. The analysis of this problem revealed that the propellant mass, wing area, and time of powered flight were the controlling parameters. By systematically varying these parameters, several candidate missiles were developed, using minimum weight as the criterion. This study additionally demonstrates the feasibility of using a computer model, similar to the one in this paper, to check out the capabilities claimed by contractors for their missile designs. (RAS).

Project 7904. Work completed in 1970, report published 1972. Also available as AD742998.