Air-Launched Missile Structural Failure/Damage Study

Abstract

A study of structural failure/damage data, from various sources, such as inspection reports, fleet unsatisfactory reports and accident/incident reports, for air launched missiles was performed to determine major problem areas and common causes for the failure/damage. Missiles for which failure/ damage data were studied are: SIDEWINDER (AIM-9), SPARROW (AIM-7), SHRIKE (AGM- 45), BULLPUP (AIM-12), PHOENIX (AIM-54), STANDARD ARM (AIM-66, -67) and WALLEYE (AGM-62). The most common causes of structural failure/damage were found to be careless and negligent handling, and captive flight environment overstress caused by excessive motion at moveable control surfaces. Corrosion due to inadequate packaging and storage conditions was also a common cause of damage. Recommendations for investigation and study of these causes of failure/damage are made. (Author)

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA058892

Entities

People

  • C. F. Jawor

Organizations

  • Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Launched
  • Cable Assemblies
  • Captive Flight
  • Connectors
  • Control Surfaces
  • Couplings
  • Flight
  • Guidance
  • Inspection
  • Joints
  • Materials
  • Munitions
  • Packaging
  • Quality Control
  • Target Seekers
  • Visual Inspection
  • Weapons

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Missile Defense Systems.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.