MIT / Draper Technology Development Partnership Project : Systems Analysis and On - Station Propulsion Subsystem Design by Theodore

The objective of this thesis is to describe the process for, and the overall design that resulted from the MIT/Draper Project from August, 1996 to May, 1997, including the specific design of the onstation propulsion subsystem for the Wide Area Surveillance Projectile, WASP. A summary of the technological needs of this nation, as determined by the MIT/Draper Project team begins the thesis. Possible opportunity areas and project topics for the MIT/Draper team are identified, and market assessments for five different possible projects are discussed. Lessons learned during the first semester of project work are then discussed. An explanation of the reasons for selecting a sensor-equipped projectile is provided. A requirements analysis for WASP is performed based on the requirements established by the Draper Laboratory and possible customers for the product. Derived requirements are used to develop three possible WASP flyer concepts, from which one is selected. An analysis of the possible propulsion methods for WASP, resulting in the decision to further examine the two stroke engine option is explained, and the decision to keep the Wankel engine as a backup option in the design process is also discussed. Selection of the Super Shell design concept for WASP is explained, and a possible propulsion system is discussed, with a focus on the two-stroke engine. The remote starter system and propeller design are not discussed in detail due to project time constraints. Lastly, the future outlook for WASP and the on-station propulsion system are discussed. Thesis Supervisor: Charles Boppe Title: Senior Lecturer, Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics Thesis Supervisor: John Deyst Title: Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics