M.A.D

cadastral wrote:
Would a flywheel work in space? Or would conservation of angular momentum cause your missile to spin against the flywheel?

I don't think flywheels would have the structural integrity to store the energy required for missile wedges.

However if someone were to try to use them, they would likely use paired counter-spinning flywheels to prevent a 'spin-out' when the missile attempts to 'tap' the flywheels.

BobfromSydney wrote:

cadastral wrote:
Would a flywheel work in space? Or would conservation of angular momentum cause your missile to spin against the flywheel?

I don't think flywheels would have the structural integrity to store the energy required for missile wedges.

However if someone were to try to use them, they would likely use paired counter-spinning flywheels to prevent a 'spin-out' when the missile attempts to 'tap' the flywheels.

The energy density of modern flywheels exceeds the energy density of modern capacitors. Induction coils might be better.

I am not proposing flupywheels to power a missile wedge. Use a standard capacitor for that. Use flywheels to power guidance systems, sensors and RCS for terminal correction maneuvers.

namelessfly wrote:
The energy density of modern flywheels exceeds the energy density of modern capacitors. Induction coils might be better.

I am not proposing flupywheels to power a missile wedge. Use a standard capacitor for that. Use flywheels to power guidance systems, sensors and RCS for terminal correction maneuvers.

Totally agree, flywheels are great for pointing and attitude adjustment tasks. No reaction mass needed.