Recent advances in thrust vector control for tactical missiles

Extract

In recent years much attention has been given to developing new methods of steering tactical missiles. One method of particular importance is known as thrust vector control (TVC) which allows the missile to be steered by vectoring the efflux from the propulsion engine. In the case of engines powered by liquid fuel the normal TVC technique is to swivel the complete combustion chamber. This method is, however, unsuitable for solid propellant motors and so different techniques have been developed. This present paper makes a comparison of different systems of recent origin developed within the UK which are now available for project application.