The Evaluation of Thrust Vector Control Systems for Advanced, Controllable, Solid-propelled Interceptor Motors

A special subscale, pintle-mounted gas generator was developed by the Army Advanced Ballistic Missile Defense Agency. It was used to comparatively evaluate the thrust vector control systems which might be used in conjunction with pintle-controlled interceptor motors. The two thrust vector control systems which have been evaluated to date are: the Gimballed, Supersonic Splitline Thrust Vector Control System and the Techroll Movable Nozzle Thrust Vector Control System. These evaluations were carried out under simulated altitude conditions with the gas generator operating in a boost and a sustain mode as part of the duty cycle.

This paper will discuss the design of this Thrust Vector Control Gas Generator, motor fabrication, its multiple ignition system, the thrust vector control systems, test objectives, test procedures, and test results.