Preliminary Design and optimization in-the-loop of a tactical small solid propellant rocket for surface to surface missions

C.G. Ferro
Politecnico di Torino, Piemonte, Italy

Keywords: Thrust Vectoring, Tactical Missile, Additive Manufacturing, Adaptive AI Control, Obstacle Avoidance

This study presents the preliminary design and optimization-in-the-loop process for a solid propellant -rocket designed for surface-to-surface missions with tactical capabilities. Developed and patented by Politecnico di Torino, a novel motor, manufactured with AM, enables the capability of thrust vectored maneuverers even at low speeds. The primary focus of the present work will be on simulating tactical missions maintaining as target high efficiency and high robustness. The optimization approach employed, integrates in a single environment computational modeling, numerical simulation, and experimental data in order to refine iteratively the design parameters minimizing targeting error or mission path error. Key performance metrics is the rendezvous position and time, robustly minimized through this methodology. The results enlightened demonstrate a significant improvement in fast optimization-based design with cost-effectiveness and operation oriented approach, making the proposed rocket a viable option for next generation tactical surface-to-surface missiles. Moreover the study highlights potential areas for future development and refinement, paving the way for advanced, dependable tactical weapons.