Development of a Low-Cost Rocket-Powered Tactical Vehicle

The design, development, and flight testing of a low-cost, rocket-powered tactical vehicle was performed utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf components and high-power amateur rocket technology. The research addressed key engineering challenges in stage separation, moveable control surfaces, and recovery systems while introducing innovative subsystems such as servo-controlled moveable fin torque transfer mechanisms and Marman clamp couplers. The technologies utilized offer a comprehensive solution for payload delivery in denied or remote environments. Extensive flight tests were conducted to validate the performance and reliability of the developed subsystems, demonstrating the vehicle's capability to deliver payloads effectively while maintaining structural integrity and operational efficiency. This research found that spur gear based movable fin control systems and Marman clamp separation systems integrated into a two stage high-powered amateur rocket creates a launch vehicle that rivals some tactical missiles at a far lower price point. These technologies have broad applications in expeditionary warfare, communications, and materials engineering.