Flight dynamics of a spinning, sequential munition-dispenser

A new concept of sequentially dispensing submunition from a spinning dispenser is described. Flight dynamics of a weapon system based on this concept was simulated to investigate its flight characteristics and its ability to create both linear and curved impact patterns over the target. Performance of such a weapon is illustrated by considering both cruise missile and ballistic-type launch trajectories. Effects of varying launch conditions and ejection strategy as well as flight path disturbances on the weapon performance are presented. It is shown that this dispensing concept has the potential of growing into a versatile weapon system.