SFD-261 Crossed-Field Amplifier Manufacturing Technology Program.
Abstract
The objective of the MT program is to demonstrate improved production techniques by a pilot production run of ten (10) tubes to meet performance specification and system compatibility criteria under production line conditions. The SFD-261 is a microwave amplifier used to increase the power level of pulses of energy by a factor of 20. It is used in the Aegis AN/SPY-1 radar transmitter. A single ship's complement without spares is seventy-six. Its internal parts are made from high purity copper and many are complex and involve high precision. Most of the fabrication is by precious metal brazing in hydrogen or in vacuum. Modest production rates (10 to 30 units per month) presently restrict the amount of automation which can be effectively applied. Nearly 30 design changes were made without altering performance significantly. Self-jigging techniques permitted assembly by lower skill levels. A 'one-shot' vacuum braze for the cathode produced significant cost and equipment reduction. If the selling price of the standard design is normalized at 100, the price of the MT design is now 57.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 28, 1979
- Accession Number
- ADA085043
Entities
People
- F. E. Trojan
- R. A. Laplante