Abstract: The optimization algorithm was developed to calculate the take-off mass more efficiently and accurately, and the missile take-off mass design method based on differential evolution was proposed. The take-off mass of the missile with single-chamber dual-thrust motor was set as the example for optimization design. The design variables and constraints were set up, and the model to optimize take-off mass was established. The parameters of population size and the maximum evolutionary generation were determined according to the optimization model. Finally, the minimum take-off mass was obtained via continuous iterations. Compared with genetic algorithms, differential evolution algorithm demonstrates its faster convergence and more computational accuracy in take-off mass design of missile.