Guided Weapon Systems – (M.Sc.)

Contents

The objective of the Guided Weapons Systems course is to bring together the wide variety of disciplines constituting guided weapon systems technology and to present them in an integrated manner.

The course is intended to meet the requirements of all three services. The course is also open to students from NATO countries and Commonwealth forces, selected non-NATO countries, the scientific civil service and industry.

The course structure is in two distinct phases. Each subject is itself conducted at a postgraduate, though not highly specialised, level. Interactions between one field and another are emphasised. Visits consolidate learning.

Modules: Part One is concerned with the teaching of the four main disciplines of guided weapons technology:

* Control and Guidance
* STA, Sensors and Signal Processing
* Aerodynamics and Airframes
* Propulsion

Lectures are also given during this phase on:

* Materials Technology
* Lethality
* Directed Energy Weapons
* Electronic Warfare
* Data Fusion
* Fuzing

The Part One viva examinations in December and written examinations in February complete this phase.
Part Two is concerned with the teaching of the systems aspects of guided weapons. This phase opens with a one week parametric study followed by a one week Operational Assessment and Systems Engineering module. This is followed by three, two-week modules during which lectures, visiting lectures, visits and studies are undertaken in each of the following areas:

* Naval Guided Weapon Systems (above Water and Underwater)
* Land-Based Guided Weapon Systems (for Land Attack and Air Defence)
* Air Launched Guided Weapon Systems (Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground)

During this phase all students participate in a group project feasibility/design study and also undertake an individual research dissertation (submitted in mid July).

The Part Two viva examinations take place in mid May. The course culminates in July in the course project and individual dissertation presentations to senior officers, managers and engineers from the MOD and Industry.