Guided Weapons - Propulsion and Aerodynamics Applications

This short course is a module from the Guided Weapons System (GWS) MSc course. It is delivered by Cranfield University on behalf of the Defence College for Military Capability Integration, Defence Academy.

This course will give you the grounding and understanding of the fundamental theory of aerodynamics and propulsion to guided weapon systems including detailed worked examples.

On successful completion of the module you will be able to:

• comprehend the underlying principles of thermodynamics and gas dynamics, as applied to thermomechanical jet propulsion for rockets and air-breathers
• understand the operating features of military rocket systems and the parameters used to assess their performance
• appreciate the trade-offs involved between missile aerodynamic and propulsion design
• comprehend the aerodynamic design features adopted on modern missile designs
• apply the fundamental laws of fluid mechanics and aerodynamics to subsonic and supersonic missile systems
• analyse, using thermodynamics and gas dynamics theory, the performance of a GW powerplant (rocket motor, turbojet, turbofan, ramjet or scramjet)
• calculate the necessary parameters of propulsion system individual components to meet given overall design requirements
• calculate the aerodynamic characteristics of typical missile systems, as needed for subsequent stability and control analysis

This course covers the application of all the fundamental theory of aerodynamics and propulsion to guided weapon systems including detailed worked examples and class-based tutorial exercises.