Measurements of signal penetration into mock missiles

Abstract

Signal penetration into missiles through nose cone and apertures is critical for electro-optical guidance systems, navigation equipment and control of explosive ordnance. Penetrated signals are relatively small but hard to simulate by known computational methods. To corroborate simulation results, we created a scaled version of a missile and placed wire antennas inside this mock missile. The prototype has openings on the nose cone. Measurements are performed for different antenna sizes placed inside the nose cone. These measurements, then, are compared to numerically calculated simulation results. The extent of corroboration and possible ways to improve correct prediction of signal coupling are discussed.