The NSWC Aeroprediction Code has been extensively applied to the prediction of static and dynamic aerodynamics of missile configurations. Major extensions have recently been made to the code to extend its capability to 0 less than or equal to M sub infinity less than or equal to 8 and 0 deg less than equal to alpha less than equal to 180 deg and also to improve the transonic inviscid body alone static aerodynamic predictions and the dynamic derivative predictions for all Mach numbers. The theoretical basis for the code extensions are outlined and previous methods are briefly reviewed. The code is evaluated through comparisons of computational examples with experiment for body alone, body-tail and body-tail-canard configurations. The speed and accuracy of the code are ideal for use in preliminary design. Examples of design applications to specific tactical weapon configurations as presented.

An existing methodology for predicting static and aerodynamic coefficients was extended to higher angles of attack and Mach numbers. Improvements in existing computational methods were also made. The theory is applicable to bodies of revolution with one or two, piecewise similar-cross section lifting surfaces (2 or 4 number). The original methodology was applicable to a Mach number of 3 and to an angle of attack of 15 deg. The capability for dynamic derivative prediction for small angles was extended and improved to Mach numbers of the order 6, above which real gas effects and much stronger viscous coupling are important. Static aerodynamic prediction capability at small angles of attack was extended and improved to M sub infinity = 6, and empirical code developed for the Army by G. Aiello of the Martin-Marietta Corp. (Orlando) was adapted for prediction of static aerodynamics at higher angles of attack for a limited configurational envelope. The Martin-Marietta code predicts body-tail aerodynamics for arbitrary roll orientation and angles of attack to 45 deg for 0.8

A new version of the aeroprediction code (APC), the AP02, has been developed to address the requirements arising from advanced weapon concepts. The AP02 was formed by adding significant new technology and several productivity improvements to the previous version of the APC, the AP98. New technology added included 6 and 8 fin aerodynamics, improved nonlinear aerodynamics, improved pitch damping predictions, improved power-on base drag estimates, base-bleed effect on base drag estimation, improved axial force of nonaxisymmetric bodies and trailing-edge flap capability. Other improvements and productivity enhancements include an aerodynamic smoother, ballistic and three degree-of-freedom simulation modules as well as refinements for the pre- and post-processor for inputs and outputs of the AP02. Comparison of the predicted aerodynamics of the AP02 to AP98 and experimental data showed the AP02 to be slightly better than the AP98 in most cases that both codes would handle. However, due to the additional new technology incorporated into the AP02, many new options are available in the AP02 that are not available in the AP98. Therefore, the AP02 is more robust and, on average, is slightly more accurate than the AP98 in predicting aerodynamics of weapons.