Propulsion Systems for Light Missiles and Support Weapons

Solid rocket engines have been, and still remain, the preferred propulsion system for missiles, grenades, rockets and robots. Only during the last decades other types of propulsion systems, such as air breathing engines, have been implemented in larger missile systems. However, the technology used in smaller missile systems still mainly uses solid rocket engines as their main propulsion system. The high risk of explosion, the fact that the engine cannot be turned off after being ignited and the increasing consideration of environmental pollution make it desirable to invest in research of alternatives. The information used for this theoretical investigation were gathered from open sources acquired from reports, books and personal interviews with leading employees in each specific field. A description of the latest achievements is conducted for each of the propulsion systems, leaving legally restricted sectors out. Numerous sources are not disclosed for the public due to their involvement in national security and could therefore not be accessed. In order to acquire sufficient sources nevertheless, specific projects in companies and research organizations were targeted.This report concludes todays’ standpoint for each mentioned propulsion system in respect to trustworthiness, stealth, environmental friendliness and price as well as thrust and performance parameters such as specific impulse, volume specific impulse and specific fuel consumption. The report is also specifically oriented towards the development of subsonic, short range- and man- portable anti-tank missiles.Validerat; 20140125 (global_studentproject_submitter