Search results

To recover the growing deficit between American and near-peer mobile artillery ranges, the US Army is exploring the use of the M982 Excalibur munition, a family of long-range precision projectiles. This paper aims to analyze the effectiveness of the M982 in comparison to the M795 and M549A1 projectiles to further the understanding of what this new asset contributes.

Based upon doctrinal scenarios for target destruction, a statistical analysis is performed using Monte Carlo simulation to identify a likely probability of kill ratio for the M982. A values-based hierarchical modeling approach is then used to differentiate the M982 from similar-type projectiles quantitatively in terms of several different attributes. Finally, sensitivity analyzes are presented for each of the value attributes, to identify areas where measures may lack robustness in precision.

Based upon a set of seven value measures, such as maximum range, effective range, the expected number of rounds to destroy a target, and the unit cost of a munition, the M982 1a-2 was found to be best suited for engaging point and small area targets. It is noted, however, that the M795 and M549A1 projectiles are likely better munition options for large area targets. Hence, an integrated targeting plan may best optimize the force’s weapon systems against a near-peer adversary.

The findings provide initial evidence that doctrinal adjustments in how the Army uses its artillery systems may be beneficial in facing near-peer adversaries. In addition, the values-based modeling approach offered in this research provides a framework for which similar technological advances may be examined.

The present paper deals with weapon aerodynamics and aims to describe preliminary studies that were conducted for developing the next generation of long-range guided ammunition. Over history, ballistic research scientists were constantly investigating new artillery systems capable of overcoming limitations of range, accuracy and manoeuvrability. While futuristic technologies are increasingly under development, numerous issues concerning current powdered systems still need to be addressed. In this context, the present work deals with the design and the optimization of a new concept of long-range projectile with regard to multidisciplinary fields, including flight scenario, steering strategy, mechanical actuators or size of payload.

Investigations are conducted for configurations that combine existing full calibre 155 mm guided artillery shell with a set of lifting surfaces. As the capability of the ammunition highly depends on lifting surfaces in terms of number, shape or position, a parametric study has to be conducted for determining the best aerodynamic architecture. To speed-up this process, initial estimations are conducted thanks to low computational cost methods suitable for preliminary design requirements, in terms of time, accuracy and flexibility. The WASP code (Wing-Aerodynamic-eStimation-for-Projectiles) has been developed for rapidly predicting aerodynamic coefficients (static and dynamic) of a set of lifting surfaces fitted on a projectile fuselage, as a function of geometry and flight conditions, up to transonic velocities.

In the present study, WASP predictions at Mach 0.7 of both normal force and pitching moment coefficients are assessed for two configurations.

Analysis is conducted by gathering results from WASP, computational-fluid-dynamics (CFD) simulations, wind-tunnel experiments and free-flight tests. Obtained results demonstrate the ability of WASP code to be used for preliminary design steps.

The performance of a spinning secant‐ogive‐cylinder‐boattail projectile in the transonic regime in terms of aerodynamic drag has been analyzed numerically in this study. To obtain an accurate prediction of the spinning effect on individual drag components and total drag of a projectile for the shell design, the implicit, diagonalied, symmetric Total Variation Diminishing (TVD) scheme, accompanied by a suitable grid, is employed to solve the thin‐layer axisymmetric Navier‐Stokes equations associated with the Baldwin‐Lomax turbulence model. The computed results show that, in comparison with the non‐spinning case, to increase the spin rate can result in increases in viscous drag and nose pressure drag, but can cause decreases in boattail drag and base drag. The variations of these drag components result in only a small (less than 5%) increase in total drag; thus the performance of the transonic projectiles is found to be insensitive to the spin rate.

The author developed a theory of optimal trajectories for air vehicles with variable wing area and conventional wings. He applied a new theory of singular optimal solutions and obtained the optimal flight in many cases. At first glance, the results may seem strange however, this is correct and this paper will show how this new theory may be used. The main idea of the research is in using the vehicle's kinetic energy for increasing the range of missiles and projectiles. The author shows that the range of a ballistic warhead can be increased 3‐4 times if an optimal wing is added to the ballistic warhead, especially a wing with variable area. If increased range is not needed, the warhead mass can be increased. The range of big gun shells can also be increased 3‐9 times. The range of aircraft may be improved 3‐15 percent and more. The results can be used for the design of aircraft, missiles, flying bombs and shells of big guns.

This book, published under the authority of the Royal Aeronautical Society, contains abundant information on all aspects of current landing gear design. In collecting this information, most of the British, and many foreign, installations have been analysed. Through his considerable experience the author is well qualified to offer much valuable advice, sometimes contentious, on proven solutions and pitfalls to avoid. The substance is presented in an admirably forthright manner and, being well supported by relevant facts, figures and references, cannot fail to recommend itself to the expert and novice alike. In a work of this nature where there is so much ground to be covered, a good balance is achieved and digression is limited by directing the reader to other published information on the appropriate occasions. In his criticism, the reviewer has in mind the requirements of the ‘young engineer or student to whom the book is addressed’.

THE experimental determination of the moment of inertia of a body is frequently required to confirm a calculated value or to eliminate the tedious work involved in the calculation. This is normally done by integrating the body into a vibrating system, such as a pendulum.

This paper aims to provide a case study of complex conflict management within the arms race on the Korean Peninsula. Exploring the complex nexus of nuclear weapons, asymmetry and a qualitative arms race, the study explains how the arms race between Seoul and Pyongyang has promoted stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Presenting the limits of arguments that the US security guarantee is the factor that saved the two Koreas from going to war again, this paper explores the utility of the inter-Korean arms race as a stabilizer that promotes indirect negotiations. While presenting Korean anomalies, this paper analyzes the three stages of the inter-Korean arms race – especially its nuclear weapons, its asymmetry and the nature of arms races – and provides extant explanations on the causes and consequences of the qualitative arms race. These key elements drive the states’ strategic motives.

Using the case of the inter-Korean qualitative arms race and US extended nuclear deterrence on the Korean Peninsula, the study shows the complexities of conflict management today. This paper identifies three contributing factors – US nuclear weapons, asymmetry and the qualitative characteristic of the arms race – to explain the enduring stability on the peninsula despite the arms race’s intensification. The paper finds that although US nuclear-extended deterrence plays a critical role, it does not capture the full context of the ongoing, dynamic inter-Korean arms race; a prolonged arms race between the two Koreas has become a new regularity; the qualitative characteristic of the inter-Korean arms race, which is driven by technological advancement, contributes to stability in the arms race; and as the constant mismatch in priority technologies becomes more severe, the changes to the existing asymmetry could increase instability.

This paper offers a diverse perspective to the literature on conflict management and captures the complexities of 21^st-century conflict management. Through a thorough examination of the inter-Korean arms race, it brings readers’ attention to the nested dynamics within the arms race and shows how an intensifying arms race can promote stability. Furthermore, the paper explains the implications for potential instability – fueled by the comprehensive mix of a dynamic qualitative arms race and the US extended nuclear deterrence – in the Indo-Pacific region.