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Subject: 
Re: Theoretical Question: Missile Design
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.space
Date: 
Sun, 31 Aug 2003 23:42:01 GMT
Viewed: 
545 times
  
In lugnet.space, Jordan D. Greer wrote:
  
   i’ve got one big missile and several smaller ones that feature fins. fins, of course, help control direction in an atmosphere. but would they be useful in space?

i ask because on my fighters i often use “wings” which i call stabilizers. The idea is that having engines farther away from the central axis would make the fighter more maneuverable and stable. “wings” also work well in mounting
Placing the engines far from the central axis wouldn’t do anything, but placing them far from the center of mass would give them some mechanical advantage.


Placing the thrusters far from center of mass makes it easier to introduce angluar momentum into the system; i.e., the missile cartwheels out of control. Ideally, center of mass and point of thrust would be same point.

James Wilson
Dallas, TX



Message has 2 Replies:
  Re: Theoretical Question: Missile Design
 
(...) I was referring to a fighter, where being able to quickly rotate would be an advantage. Thrusters appropriately placed could be used to stop the rotation at the optimal time. (21 years ago, 1-Sep-03, to lugnet.space, FTX)
  Re: Theoretical Question: Missile Design
 
(...) That's what computerized control systems are for. I'm sure that's the idea behind the Babylon 5 Starfuries. Remember, physics works a bit differently in a vacuum than it does in a thick atmosphere. In an atmosphere you can use steering fins to (...) (21 years ago, 1-Sep-03, to lugnet.space, FTX)

Message is in Reply To:
  Re: Theoretical Question: Missile Design
 
(...) Placing the engines far from the central axis wouldn't do anything, but placing them far from the center of mass would give them some mechanical advantage. (...) As others have said, a sphere would be the ideal, though in practice probably (...) (21 years ago, 12-Aug-03, to lugnet.space, FTX)

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