Double-Pulse Solid Rocket Motor Technology - Applications and Technical Solutions

Abstract

SUMMARY This paper outlines the benefits and the limitation s of double- and multi-pulse solid rocket motor tec hnology and gives an overview on the state of the art. The intr oduction gives a brief principal description of dou ble- and multipulse solid rocket motor technology. The first part of this paper shows how and to what extent double- and multi pulse motors can be used * to fly mission-adapted trajectories, and how they p erform in comparison to mono-pulse and constant variable thrust rocket motors. While t he adaptability of the thrust profile of a double p ulse motor is limited by nature, the high total impulse and the l imited degree of complexity of a double-pulse motor make it a good choice for short range anti-air missiles, whic h have to engage highly manoeuvrable targets. The s econd part of the paper gives an overview on the state of the art of double- and multi-pulse solid rocket motor tech nology with a specific focus on developments during the last deca de up to the most recent flight demonstration of a highperformance double pulse solid rocket motor at Baye rn-Chemie in October 2009. The paper also serves as an