Team 98.02 Rocket Sled
Team: Tom Bartoski Brian Bitter Brian DearolfRobert Gifford Tom Koehler
Customers: Dave Scott Advisor: Dr. Len Schwartz Jack Armstrong Aberdeen Test Center
Mission Statement: To design and build a rocket sled for testing a warhead’s effectiveness on light aircraft armor.
Approach: By gaining an understanding of missile testing and technology, we
will evaluate current techniques and apply our knowledge and creativity to design and manufacture a working prototype.
Why Rocket Sled Testing?
• A low cost method to test warhead effectiveness
• A more repeatable and controlled testing method
• A safer alternative to live fire testing
Problem Statement
• Attain speed of 800 m/s
• Release warhead from sled
• Strip sled away
Customers and Wants
Customers• Jack Armstrong• Dave Scott• ATC Testing Crew
Wants• Simulate speed• Simulate flight• Strip away sled• Simple test setup
Project Constraints
• Sled must fit L-field rails
• Use Zuni rocket motors for propulsion
• Sled must not impact target
• Cannot modify warhead
Benchmarking
Testing Facilities
• Aberdeen (APG)
• Holloman AFB
• Eglin AFB
Key Points
• Sled shoe design• High velocity• Explosive charge
for separation• Rocket motor
mounting
Quality Metrics
Velocity
Total test time
Missile impact
Sled shrapnel impact
– 800 m/s minimum
– One work day
– 90° to target
– 0% area
Concept Generation
• Pusher Sled– Two sled scheme
• Sidewinder– Side-mounted warhead
• Cannon– Explosive release
• Slingshot– Inertial release
Concept Selection
S id ewind er P usher S ledwith Exp lo s ive
P usher S led withLAW imp ulse
mo to r
Analysis
• PATRAN analysis
• Railshot FORTRAN program
• Drag coefficients from past results
• Check for fit
Prototype Components
• Launch Sled
• Powered Sled
• Zuni Rocket
• Missile & Warhead
Order of Events
• Rockets ignite
• Powered sled collides with barriers
• Electrical contact triggers LAW motor
• Missile separates from sled
• Sled collides with second set of barriers
• Missile impacts target
Budget
• Material Cost– Launch Sled.........................
– Powered Sled.......................
• Labor Costs– Machining
• Professional time............
• Student time....................
– Welding................................
• Total Cost...........................
$175
$165
$442 (15 hrs)
$500 (100 hrs)
$70 (2 hrs)
$1352
Recommendations
• Simplify front launch rod support
• Welds as opposed to bolts
• Improve aerodynamics