CHrtPTER 2

GENERAL AERODYNAMIC DESIGN

CONSIDERATIONS
2-1. INTRODUCTION
One of the primary goals of the aerodynamics design engineer is to
develop a simple and yet efficient external aerodynamic configuration. As pointed out in Chap. 1, he often has to compromise his
design because of many other important considerations. Consequently many types of design are evolved, each resulting from a
series of design compromises. The purpose of this chapter is to
discuss the various missile configurations together with their associated uses, advantages, and disadvantages.
2-2. CLASSES OF MISSILES
Most missiles may be classified into four general classes: AAM,
SAM, ASM, and SSM.
The air-to-air missile (AAM) is one which is launched from one airplane against another flying aireraft or air target. This type of
missile 1s generally of the smaller variety because of (l) the carrying
capacity of the relatively small fighter aircraft and (2) the relatively
short range requirements. Because of the relatively short range
involved, the AAM s are usually the boost-glide type; i.e., they are
boosted to their maximum speed with their own power plant and
glide (or coast) the rest of the way to the target. A solid-propellant
rocket motor is most frequently used on this type of missile because
of its inherent simplicity, reliability, and attractive handling
features. However, technical advances in prepackaged-liquid
rocket motors have placed these power plants in a competitive position with the solid-propellant units, as will be discussed in Chap. 13.
In some cases a boost-sustainer rocket motor is used to improve the
performance characteristics of the missile. The merit of this type
of rocket motor will be discussed in Chap. 13.