A computerized synthesis program has been used to assess the effects of various vehicle and mission parameters on the performance of a highly maneuverable remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) for the air-to-air combat role. The configuration used in the study is a trapezoidal-wing and body concept, with forward-mounted stabilizing and control surfaces. The study mission consists of an outbound cruise, an acceleration phase, a series of subsonic and supersonic turns, and a return cruise. Performance is evaluated in terms of both the required vehicle weight to accomplish this mission and combat effectiveness as measured by turning and acceleration capability. The report describes the synthesis program, the mission, the vehicle, and the results of sensitivity and trade studies.nAn optimization process has been used to establish the nominal RPV configuration, which exhibits relatively high levels of combat maneuvering performance while being relatively light in weight as compared to advanced manned fighters. This nominal configuration is then used as a base point for sensitivity studies to determine the vehicle- and mission-oriented parameters that have the most significant effect on the RPV weight and combat performance.
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