Parameter identification for free flight rockets

The accuracy of a rocket weapon system is largely determined by the accuracy with which the mean impact point can be predicted. The prediction procedure involves a preflight trajectory computation, which is based on the values of the measured meteorological variables, the physical characteristics of the system (launcher and rocket), and the location of the target. Granot and Sylman (1981) have discussed the advantages of using for the computation an optimization technique which deals with device-measured quantities. The present investigation considers the feasibility of a conduction of direct measurements about the burnout velocity region as a means for parameter reduction in a free flight rocket model. Attention is given to a mathematical model, effective forces, aspects of instrumentation, the calibration procedure, a calibration algorithm, and a data reduction method.