Comparative Evaluation of Double-Base and Composite Rocket Propellants in Anti-Aircraft Applications Using Multi-Criteria Decision Making

Abstract. The selection of rocket propellants for anti-aircraft systems requires balancing multiple, often conflicting criteria such as performance, safety, environmental impact, and cost. This study presents a systematic comparison between double-base (DB) and composite propellants (CP) for use in anti-aircraft rockets, employing a multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) framework. Key evaluation parameters include specific impulse, combustion stability, mechanical properties, storability, sensitivity to external stimuli, and environmental footprint. Double-base propellants, primarily nitrocellulose-nitroglycerin formulations, offer simplicity of manufacture, predictable performance, and relatively low production costs. However, they are limited by moderate specific impulse and higher sensitivity to thermal and mechanical stimuli. Composite propellants, typically based on ammonium perchlorate oxidizers with polymeric binders and metallic fuels, provide superior energy density and thrust performance, but introduce challenges in terms of manufacturing complexity, cost, and environmental concerns related to perchlorate residues. The MCDM approach integrates quantitative metrics with expert judgment, applying methods such as Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Results indicate that while composite propellants score higher in performance-related criteria, double-base propellants remain competitive in terms of safety, cost-effectiveness, and ease of deployment. Sensitivity analysis highlights the influence of weighting factors, demonstrating that operational priorities-such as rapid readiness versus long-term sustainability-significantly affect the final ranking. This study underscores the importance of structured decision-making in defense technology selection. By providing a transparent framework, it enables stakeholders to align technical performance with strategic requirements. The findings suggest that hybrid approaches, combining elements of both DB and CP formulations, may offer optimized solutions for future anti-aircraft rocket systems.