Introduction to Astronautics

by Roelof Vos (Author), Saeed Farokhi (Author)
Written to teach students the nature of transonic flow and its mathematical foundation, this book offers a much-needed introduction to transonic aerodynamics.

Now in a revised fourth edition, this course-tested textbook explains the basic principles and underlying theory of the core avionic systems in modern civil and military aircraft. The new edition includes extensive revisions on the latest developments in helmet-mounted displays (HMDs), the use of helmet-mounted rate gyros for helmet tracking, HUD/HMD optical waveguide system technology, and the latest advances on replacing CRTs with solid state displays in HUDs. Updates on controls and fly-by-wire include a section on civil aircraft to cover the Airbus A350 and the advances in its flight control system over the Airbus A380. A new section on automatic flight control of vectored thrust aircraft covers the BAE Systems Harrier and the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning 2 Joint Strike Fighter. Detailed coverage is provided for F-35B flight control systems for vertical landing.

This book was designed to serve as a basic guide on the uses and characteristics of space systems, including astronautics and its applications, technology in the space environment, rocket vehicles, propulsion systems, propellants, internal power sources, structures and materials, flight path and orientation control, guidance, communication, observation and tracking, and atmospheric flight.

This book provides an in-depth look into tactical and strategic missile guidance, considering proven guidance methods from various points of view. The sixth edition includes six new chapters on topics related to improving missile guidance system performance and understanding key design concepts and tradeoffs. The book aims to lay the foundation for meeting today's new challenges facing guidance engineers. The book is an indispensable guide for both the expert and the novice.