System Level Optimization in the Integrated Hypersonic Aeromechanics Tool (IHAT)

The IHAT System is a tool suite for configuration optimization of high speed airb reathing flight vehicles currently under development. The focus of the System is on high speed tactical weapons (Mach 4 -8 regime) with relatively long range. The hypersonic flight regime of the weapons results in unique requirements for the analysis, des ign, and optimization tool suite. For highly integrated hypersonic configurations, the interaction between disciplines becomes more important as, for example, the structure becomes more tightly integrated with the propulsion system. Due to the highly int egrated nature of the configurations, traditional "stovepipe" design methods have not been successful in defining a viable configuration for this type of mission. It is expected that an integrated system -level approach to the analysis and optimization of the entire vehicle will allow interactions between the disciplines to be understood and exploited. This will allow for the development of viable long range hypersonic vehicles. The IHAT System is an effort to provide such an integrated analysis/optimizat ion toolset. IHAT is being developed by a government/ industry team using multiple, incremental builds. This paper describes the capabilities of Build 3 of the IHAT System, which includes Modules for addressing the disciplines of Aerodynamics, Propulsion , Trajectory, Thermal, Structural, Stability & Control, Sensors, Lethality, and Cost Index. A sample optimization of a high speed weapon system is also presented.