UPDATED PHYSICS-BASED SIMULATION MODEL CORRELATION OF A CANNON CONCEPT TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR WITH UNSTABILIZED TEST FIRING

The cannon Concept Technology Demonstrator is a U.S. military proof of concept 155 mm self-propelled howitzer platform. It demonstrated fully automated ammunition handling, weapon stabilization, and mobility in a 24-ton test platform. The next generation Concept Technology Demonstrator served as a transfer mechanism of capabilities from a heavyweight howitzer platform to a notional future lightweight self-propelled howitzer. Simulation model data of the demonstration platform vehicle response during weapon firing was contrasted with the initial notional lightweight system’s firing stability analysis. The results of this comparison stimulated an updated correlation effort. This correlation effort utilized test firings without chassis stabilizing spades to reveal physics-based simulation model fidelity requirements for future programs. Observations of simulation and system performance were used to define a systematic approach to simulation model fidelity improvements and enhancements. The resulting simulation model was shown to correlate strongly and robustly with the Concept Technology Demonstrator across multiple scenarios. The lessons learned from this updated correlation effort established new modeling standards for future cannon firing stability efforts.