Lightning Strike Susceptibility Tests on the AIM-9 Missile

Abstract

Lightning strike susceptibility tests were conducted on AIM-9 missile forward sections to evaluate possible interface problems were the F16 aircraft. High voltage attachment, streamering and high current arc tests were performed using the specialized test facilities and instrumentation of the Air Force Flight Dynamics Laboratory. It was experimentally determined that the optical dome/zinc-coated fiberglass interface at the forward end is the most probable attachment point to the AIM-9 missile. The optical dome was found to be highly vulnerable to direct lightning strikes but there is no evidence that lightning will penetrate the F-16 aircraft via the AIM-9 missiles. The operational status of the AIM-9 missile subsequent to a direct lightning strike is suspect; however, complete evaluation of this subject was beyond the scope of the program.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA060844

Entities

People

  • Christopher L. Blake
  • Lawrence C. Walko
  • Vernon L. Mangold

Organizations

  • Flight Dynamics Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeronautical Laboratories
  • Air Force
  • Air Force Facilities
  • Aircrafts
  • Atmospheric Electricity
  • Control Systems
  • Detectors
  • Electromagnetic Fields
  • Generators
  • Government Procurement
  • Governments
  • High Voltage
  • Lightning
  • Shielding
  • United States Government
  • Vehicle Equipment
  • Waveforms

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology
  • Plasma Physics.