Modular rocket system
In one aspect, a modular rocket system comprises a guidance module defining a nose, the guidance module including a guidance system for guiding the modular rocket system toward a target. A flight control module is removably attachable to the guidance module and includes a plurality of airfoils, the airfoils being moveable between a retracted state and an extended state. A munition module is removably attached to the flight control module and includes a hollow interior configured to carry a payload material. A rocket module is attached to the munition module and includes a rocket motor configured to propel the modular rocket system. In a further aspect, a modular rocket system having a plurality of interchangeable modules is provided.
1. A modular rocket system, comprising:
a guidance module defining a nose, said guidance module including a guidance system for guiding said modular rocket system toward a target;
a flight control module removably attachable to the guidance module, said flight control module including a plurality of airfoils, said airfoils being moveable between a retracted state and an extended state;
a munition module removably attached to the flight control module, said munition module including a hollow interior configured to carry a payload material; and
a rocket module attached to the munition module, said rocket module including a rocket motor configured to propel the modular rocket system.
2. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a wireless interface for communication with a weapon mounted fire control system.
3. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a memory storing a program of instructions for execution by the guidance system.
4. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising a data bus for communication a sensed configuration of attached modules.
5. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
said flight control module including a safety interlock for preventing movement of said wings to the extended state when the modular rocket system is received in a launch platform.
6. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a payload material received within to hollow interior of the munition module.
7. The modular rocket system of claim 6 , wherein said payload material includes an explosive material.
8. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
said rocket module including a plurality of vanes for providing stability during flight.
9. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further wherein said rocket motor is powered by a rocket fuel material in a form selected from a solid, liquid, gel, or combination thereof.
10. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , wherein the rocket module is removably attached to the munition module.
11. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a shell casing attached to the rearward end of the rocket module, said shell casing including a charge of explosive material configured to propel the modular rocket system a distance prior to said rocket motor being fired.
12. The modular rocket system of claim 11 , wherein said shell casing is a 40 mm shell casing.
13. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a blank shell casing attached to the rearward end of the rocket module.
14. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , further comprising:
an indicator for providing a visual indication of a status of the modular rocket system.
15. The modular rocket system of claim 1 , wherein the modular rocket system is configured to fit into a conventional launch platform from which the modular rocket system can be launched.
16. A modular rocket system, comprising:
a guidance module defining a nose, said guidance module including a guidance system for guiding said modular rocket system toward a target;
a flight control module removably attachable to the guidance module, said flight control module including a plurality of airfoils, said airfoils being moveable between a retracted state and an extended state;
a plurality of interchangeable munition modules, each of said interchangeable munition modules configured for removable attachment to the flight control module, each of said interchangeable munition modules including a hollow interior configured to carry a payload material; and
a plurality of interchangeable rocket modules, each of said interchangeable rocket modules configured for removable attachment to at least one of said interchangeable munition modules, each of said interchangeable rocket modules including a rocket motor configured to propel the modular rocket system.
17. The modular rocket system of claim 16 , wherein said plurality of interchangeable munition modules includes munition modules of different caliber.
18. The modular rocket system of claim 16 , further comprising a launch platform.
19. The modular rocket system of claim 18 , wherein said launch platform is selected from a grenade launcher and an unmanned aerial vehicle.
20. The modular rocket system of claim 16 , further comprising:
a fire control system configured to determine a target location and calculate a flight path to said target, said fire control system configured to communicate with said guidance system.