An opportunistic array is an integrated ship-wide digital phased-array radar, where antenna elements are placed at available open areas over the entire shipâ s length. Such an array has the potential to fulfill many of the Navyâ s missions, including ballistic missile defence (BMD) where the radar mission encompasses exo-atmospheric surveillance, tracking and preliminary discrimination. Advantages of opportunistic arrays include enhanced stealth â since low-profile antennas reduce the shipâ s RCS; high angular resolution â as the entire shipâ s length forms the â apertureâ and produces a narrow beamwidth; and potentially lower costs â through the use of COTS technology and a flexible digital antenna architecture that reduces the number of distinct radar systems required. This research first investigated the opportunistic array concept in the context of BMD. A system level tradeoff was performed to size the system and verify that detection ranges greater than 1000 km could be achieved. Next, the research focused on designing a low-profile, broad-band U-slot microstrip patch antenna. Theoretical calculations and parametric studies were performed to develop an antenna element that could operate in the upper VHF/lower UHF frequencies. A set of simple design procedures is proposed to provide approximate rules that result in a good â first-passâ design with prescribed characteristics that require minimal tuning.

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This thesis examines the potential destabilizing implications of conventional prompt global strike capabilities that operate from or through space. Existing material on this subject is largely limited to debates over the merits of terrestrial verses space basing and arguments against deployment over perceived increases in the likelihood of inadvertent nuclear war. This thesis addresses these issues, but takes the next step and analyzes the root causes and proposes possible solutions to the "security dilemma" these weapons may create. The central finding is that in order to fully exploit the predicted advantages of conventional prompt global strike capabilities, significant changes to the enduring Cold War nuclear postures of the United States and Russia are necessary.

Thesis (M.S. in Mechanical Engineering)--Naval Postgraduate School, December 2009. / Thesis Advisor(s): Yakimenko, Oleg. Second Reader: Adams, Christopher. "December 2009." Description based on title screen as viewed on January 26, 2010. Author(s) subject terms: missile guidance laws, trajectory shaping guidance, trade-offs, induced drag polar, optimal flight path, cost function, boost phase intercept, intercept geometry, time-to-intercept. Includes bibliographical references (p. 115-116). Also available in print.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--Ohio State University, 1960. / Available online via OhioLINK's ETD Center

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Thesis (M.A.)--Auburn University, 2006. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 259-281). Also available via the Internet.

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Thesis (Ph. D.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1992. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 73-74). Also available via the Internet.