Andrew B. Facciano

Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Jet Vane Control System Prototype Hardware Development

Rapid response to a high-speed, low-altitude, incoming missile imposes very stringent design requirements on an air-defense missile, the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile. A successful solution was devised using a jet vane control system for missile maneuvering during the boost phase of the shipboard vertical launch. By the location aft of the rocket motor nozzle, the vanes are inserted into the propellant stream for the purpose of generating maneuvering forces. After rocket motor burn out, the jet vane assembly detaches from the missile and falls away to not degrade the rocket motor specie c impulse during e ight to target. The four vanes are mounted at right angles to each other with each having its own mounting support and geartrain assembly. Each vane is connected through a detachable coupling to the steering control system of the missile, such that actuation of the steering control simultaneously actuates the jet vanes. The Evolved SeaSparrow Missile consortium successfully designed, analyzed, prototype developed, and e ight tested a jet vane control prototype and has implemented the design into the program. Empirical test data were found to correlate well with the analytical techniques used to predict vane performance and resulted in a system capable of meeting the missile operational requirements.