Ballistic re-entry vehicle flight dynamics

A historical summary is presented of ballistic reentry vehicle flight dynamics. The derivation of the symmetric-missile equations of motion is considered along with the relations between the classical Euler angle equations, and the equations of motion in the more familiar body-fixed and aeroballistic coordinates. Subsequent topics include applications to key issues in the past 15-year development of small, high-performance ballistic missiles. Attention is given to angle-of-attack convergence, dynamic instabilities, roll dynamics, dispersion from lift nonaveraging, and control considerations. It is pointed out that present-day ballistic reentry vehicle technology reflects advances in a number of technical disciplines because of the complex interdependence of configuration, materials behavior, flowfields, and flight dynamic response.