SOFRAM - Report of completed firing tests during 2000, along with a review of former activities and discussion of the future

Authors:

  • Andersson Kurt

Publish date: 2001-01-01

Report number: FOI-R--0241--SE

Pages: 40

Written in: Swedish

Abstract

During four years, 1995-1999, a co-operation between FOA in Sweden and TNO in the Netherlands took place. The aim of this co-operation was to, theoretically and experimentally, show that it is possible to design a gun launched projectile with a solid fuel ramjet, SFRJ, in a way that the total aerodynamic drag is balanced by the thrust generated by the motor during a certain, predetermined, time. The co-operation was concentrated to show the feasibility of the concept in a gun launching environment. Test firings performed in December 1999 showed that the goal had been reached, but not during as long time as planned. To further support the conclusion a new test series was planned and executed during the year 2000. The initiative came mainly from the Dutch side, TNO, but also FOA managed to receive some funding from FMV, which made it possible for them to participate. This report presents the results of these tests and, as a background these tests, gives a review of SFRJ activities together with a review of the activities and results from the earlier co-operation. Finally, a brief overview of recent activities outside Sweden is given.