Forward Inertial Sensor Package for the Compact Kinetic Energy Missile

This paper provides an overview of the Forward ISP, an integral component of the US Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command´s (RDECOM) in-house Compact Kinetic Energy Missile (CKEM) missile, which was first flight-tested in October 2001. The Forward Inertial Sensor Package (ISP) was introduced on the third flight test in May 2003, and complements an inertial sensor suite in the aft portion of the missile. This paper will focus on the forward sensor suite (the Forward ISP). In addition to providing inertial information to the CKEM´s telemetry and flight computer systems, this unit performs two additional functions. First, it functions as an inertial component technology test bed. Secondly, it provides environmental shock and vibration information for the forward nosecone section that houses the wrap around Attitude Control System (ACS), present in Government and industry designs. The US Army´s pursuit of a missile design parallel to that of industry allows for faster maturation of technology and faster transition of that technology to industry. Further, this sustains a highly technical work force critical to the rapid development and deployment of defense products to the US Army.