Date of Award

12-1992

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Christopher D. Hall, PhD

Abstract

Realities of recent changes in the fiscal environment and the international domestic security structure have caused the strategic community to make some difficult decisions to preserve the capability of the current ICBM force. One of these decisions is to view Minuteman Ill as the centerpiece of the strategic force well into the next century. Extending the life of the 24-year- old Minuteman III system requires system solutions that provide required performance at an affordable life cycle cost. The intent of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of designing a 2-stage ICBM to perform the Minuteman III mission. The main area of research is to take advantage of recent developments in missile technology and materials, including Integrated Stage Concept and more conventional technologies. It is believed that such a system could prove more affordable to build, maintain and support while providing the required system performance. Five final missile designs are developed and presented. A recommendation is made to pursue an Integrated Stage second stage design based on mission performance, system readiness and cost decision criteria.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GSE-ENY-92D-1

DTIC Accession Number

ADA258926

Comments

The authors' Vita pages are omitted.

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