High Maneuverability Airframe: Investigation of Fin and Canard Sizing for Optimum Maneuverability

The next generation of precision munitions is likely to use a non-rolling airframe with 4 independent canards to increase maneuverability of the munition such that it can engage moving as well as stationary targets. The design of such a precision munition requires increased understanding of the airframe, of maneuver technology, and of guidance and flight control. Prior to engaging in the research on the high maneuverability airframe and maneuver system, a demonstration platform needed to be selected. The focus of this study was to design an airframe that would meet stability, range, and maneuverability requirements, while remaining simple enough so that quality research in other areas could be engaged. Advanced computational aerodynamic techniques found that the initial airframe design did not meet stability requirements as a consequence of excluding the canard-fin interaction effects. Using an updated aerodynamic coefficient database, an airframe was designed using optimization parameters and realistic mass properties. An aerodynamic coefficient database and the associated flight dynamics were derived on the second configuration to enable flight simulation. Maneuvering flight simulations demonstrated that this airframe design will meet the stability, range, and maneuverability requirements.