CATAPULT RELIABILITY ANALYSES MODELS: TCE1 MOD 3, TCE1-FRG, AND CE1 MOD 3 (SERIAL NO. 7401),
Abstract
Reliability characteristics of the TCE1-FRG, TCE1 Mod 3, and CE1 Mod 3 catapults were determined and are presented as a function of both test program length and mission size. Dolly and cable operations had to be separated from the aircraft operations in order to more accurately determine catapult performance. Expressions are developed which permit the prediction of catapult reliability for any mix ratio of aircraft, cable, and dolly launchings. Valid reliability comparisons between different equipments can be made only if they are compared at the same service life point and at the same launch mix ratio. Significant reliability gains may be achieved by instituting a stringent preventive maintenance policy; however, whenever there is a lapse in this policy, the reliability level will drop to its base or inherent reliability level. Failure analysis indicates that most of the critical failures occurring on the CE catapults can be attributed to three subsystems, namely, the dolly, the arrester rope system, and the control system, all of which require additional development effort. There are strong indications that the dolly and arrester rope system, to which approximately 70% of the critical failures can be attributed, are velocity sensitive; that is, their failure rate increases with launching velocity. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 24, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0476214
Entities
People
- N. P. Ivanovic