One often wonders how it is possible to find different weapon configuration solutions to meet an identical mission requirement. Since, information in this field is generally classified, one does not find literature pertaining to the systematic design of guided weapons in the open literature. The book, therefore, attempts to find the key for configuration design -the technique of systems study. It is emphasized that the technique of systems study is not exclusive to guided weapons design, but has universal application. It is hoped that the method of system study presented here, will have wide application in finding indigenous design solutions pertaining to all fields of technology.

Dr R Balakrishnan obtained his masters degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the IISc in 1970 and PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from IIT, Chennai in 1985. He is a recipient of the Sir Biren Roy Trust Award of the Aeronautical Society of India for the year (1991) and Shri Om Prakash Bhashin Foundation Award for Science and Technology 1992. He served as a scientist in DRDO for nearly 34 years.