SEISMIC LOCATION OF MISSILE IMPACTS AT WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE
Abstract
Field tests were conducted with commercial seismic instruments to determine the feasibility of locating missile impacts on White Sands Missile Range. Results proved seismic refraction techniques reliable and accurate to within + or - 20 ft. for location of missile impacts in a mile square area of the range. Time of impact could be calculated to within a few milliseconds. The most useful signal path for accurate location of missile impacts was via the 7, 300 ft. per sec. refractor. For impacts beyond the critical distance, the first arrivals were via the 14,000 ft./sec refractor layer. The loss of data from many sensors located within 2,000 feet forward of the impact point was caused by air sonic boom noise. A broader and deeper array would have enhanced accuracy in locating missiles impacts several miles from the sensors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0268683