Design and Development of a Morphing-Fin Hybrid Rocket-Powered Loitering Interceptor

Abstract

The rise of the agile and low-signature aerial threats such as UAVs necessitates the development of advanced and flexible air defence systems. Conventional Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) are often limited by the very low engagement time, while existing loitering munitions are unable to provide the high energy performance needed for intercept. The paper presents the conceptual design and critical analysis of a new type of loitering intercept weapon that combines a throttleable hybrid rocket propulsion system with a mission-adaptive airframe utilizing morphing fins. The methodology for the design consists of the theoretical design of a GOX/HTPB-based hybrid rocket propulsion system capable of high-thrust boost mode (50 N) and low-thrust loiter mode (5 N). The paper also includes the use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to assess the aerodynamic performance of the missile in both stowed and deployed fin configurations, validating the aerodynamic feasibility of the low-speed loiter mode. The paper extends the conceptual design by including a critical analysis of the technical challenges.