Next Big Future:
The US Missile Defense Agency (MDA) will research aerodynamic controls capable of high G maneuvers for hypersonic interceptors.This could also be applied for maneuvers for hypersonic weapons.
Concepts should focus on maximizing maneuverability and minimizing kinetic energy losses to the greatest extent possible while allowing controlled flight in a hypersonic environment. Studies may include various geometries, materials, positioning for control surfaces, or other innovative concepts. Proposers may assume vehicles are simple conical shapes or shapes with greater lift-drag ratios. Proposers may also assume a range of velocities above Mach 5 and a range of altitudes up to 50 kilometers. Solutions could have applicability to small interceptors, such as projectiles shorter than one meter or larger interceptors, such as missiles over 5 meters long. The government has invested extensively in technologies for cruciform divert systems, but those technologies are not desired for this Broad Agency Announcement…
