Virtual Prototype Manufacturing of a Miniature Munition System

Abstract : Warfighters are in need of precision strike and/or small payload type weapons commonly referred to as miniature munitions in order to fill a current gap with respect to surface to surface missiles. Manufacturing of miniature munitions is difficult due to the small size or miniaturization of missile components. Servos, electric motors, electronic boards, metallic/non-metallic components. energetics, etc. can be challenging in order to manufacture prototypes let alone significant quantities required to perform operational/demonstrational tests. In order to mitigate risk, understand the manufacturing process\201es\202, and optimize assembly procedures, a virtual prototype modeling tool and methodology is in development for manufacturing and assembly of miniature munitions. Figure 1. is an illustrative example of a process model that depicts the inputs/outputs and the assembly line in a pictorial fashion. Low cost manufacturing, automation processes, and streamlining assembly procedures/manufacturing cells are targeted in this virtual prototype development. Scenario based planning and predictive analysis can be achieved in order to evaluate critical paths, bottlenecks, and production volumes can be directly derived as outputs from this virtual prototype. In order to reduce cycle times and ensure that product can be quickly and efficiently produced. it is important to analyze the assembly procedures of the individual systems within the overall munitions \201seeker, warhead, rocket motor. servos, etc.\202 as well as the munitions as a whole. Process optimization \201manufacturing line/assembly procedures\202 can identify processes that are complex or that require significant times which can then be evaluated for cycle time reduction. When drawing conclusions from this modeling tool one should proceed with caution and verify assumptions and constraints. One can imagine that the tool will provide perfect optimization and that the tool rules when it comes to understanding