DEVELOPMENT OF THE FRANGIBLE ARCAS METEOROLOGICAL ROCKET VEHICLE
Abstract
Development of the Frangible ARCAS vehicle was successfully completed and demonstrated during this program. Two of seven static tests completed during this program, designated Phase II, included successful fragmentation of the spent rocket motor assembly to particle sizes yielding kinetic impact energy levels less than 3.0 ft-lbs. Further analysis showed that maximum energy levels of 1,5 ft-lbs. could be achieved with the existing configuration with only minor modification of the nozzle section. Four flight tests were conducted during the program, two of which included all systems. The initial tests established the flight temperature environment experienced by the explosive fragmentation system. The first systems flight was considered a 'No Test' because of a malfunction induced by the government modified launcher. The final flight test successfully demonstrated vehicle performance, payload ejection at apogee and subsequent vehicle fragmentation as programmed. This flight test fulfilled the primary objective of the program by demonstrating the feasibility of a frangible meteorological rocket system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 15, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0630932
Entities
People
- George K. Oss
Organizations
- ARCO