Addressing the Challenges of a Thruster-Based Precision Guided Mortar Munition With the Use of Embedded Telemetry Instrumentation

摘要

This article describes advancements made with the use of embedded telemetry instrumentation with a digital signal processor and shows the large volume of information that is available during flight tests. Unique measurement capabilities and analytical techniques used to determine and understand the Precision Guided Mortar Munition flight behavior during the thruster-based guided maneuvers will be highlighted. Ways in which these data were used to make key decisions influencing the projectile's aerodynamic design and guidance, navigation, and control algorithms are discussed. These revisions resulted in a more stable airframe and more accurate maneuvers, as evidenced by several successful guide-to-hit demonstrations.