Whelan, A.J.; (2011) The development of a warhead into an integrated weapon system to provide an advanced battlefield capability. Doctoral thesis , UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis addresses the topic of integration of weapons systems into communication networks to provide an advanced battlefield capability, with particular application to air launched and long range crew served weapon systems which may also be vehicle mounted. It considers the use of 'Military off-the-shelf' seeker, navigation and communication systems coupled with a novel tandem warhead system. This combination of 'low risk' technologies and a novel warhead system is intended to demonstrate a greater flexibility in weapon systems which could be exploited to reduce development risk, integration risk, qualification costs and increase target defeat capability across the wider more current target set. The use of a suitable communication and navigation system enabling integration of such a weapon system into a networked force was also investigated. This thesis is based on one area of research; Multiple Effects Weapons. Research is being undertaken by several nations on Multiple Effects Weapons. The aim of this research is not to provide a one weapon fits all solution, a panacea, the aim is to widen the utility of one system which could be employed in many roles. As yet no warhead system has achieved the types of effects that are being sought, although research and product development – particularly in the United States of America - continues. Therefore the United Kingdom government has sought to understand what technologies would be required to achieve a truly flexible warhead system which would enable defeat of large Main Battle Tanks, heavily armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicles, Soft Skinned Vehicles, infantry and urban structures. To this end numerical modelling, design and a demonstration programme of a MEW warhead system was performed. MEW systems are not only reliant on 'Smart' warhead systems, the application of sensors, fuzing and communication systems are crucial to enable suitable employment of a 'one size fits most' approach. The other important sub-systems which provide the link to the battlefield network are also discussed in this thesis, the inclusion of these well developed low risk technologies make it is possible to bring such systems into service in the near term with increased system flexibility. The integration of such a system relies on the current United States Department of Defense procurement strategy which includes development of the Joint Tactical Radio System radio system which will allow Ad-Hoc networking between platforms, weapons systems and commanders. Airframe and propulsion technologies are not discussed; they are outside of the scope of this thesis. The use of proprietary data from suppliers other than QinetiQ has been avoided as suitable permissions are not in place, this has limited the systems engineering aspects of this thesis to high level block diagrams which provide guidance on integration issues.

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