Laboratory Component Test Results and Analysis of the AGM22B Missile (Fourth Cycle)

• Main Author: Kowalczyk, Benedict C.
• Other Authors: ARMY MATERIEL SYSTEMS ANALYSIS ACTIVITY ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: 1974
• Subjects: Air- and Space-launched Guided Missiles; *ENVIRONMENTAL TESTS; *GUIDED MISSILE COMPONENTS; *AIR TO SURFACE MISSILES; TROPICAL REGIONS; FAILURE(MECHANICS); WIRE GUIDANCE; GYROSCOPES; TRANSISTORS; ARCTIC REGIONS; IGNITION CIRCUITS; EXPOSURE(GENERAL); DEGRADATION; CORROSION; ROCKET ENGINES; AGM-22 MISSILES; AGM-22B MISSILES; Arctic
• Online Access: http://www.dtic.mil/docs/citations/AD0781953; http://oai.dtic.mil/oai/oai?&verb=getRecord&metadataPrefix=html&identifier=AD0781953

The reliability of AGM22B missiles, after extended environmental exposure, was investigated. Fourth cycle test results and engineering analysis of component degradation, failures and other shortcomings of the missile are discussed in great detail. Failures and problems that resulted from corrosive actions and which were detected in the previous (third) cycle occurred in greater frequency and severity as a result of their additional year of environmental exposure. These defects are still restricted only to the missiles which are stored in the Panama Canal Zone area. One electronic guidance decoder, from an Arctic Test missile, was found to contain a defective transistor which would have seriously affected the pitch command and guidance channel of the missile. Two missiles which had been stored in the Canal Zone were found to have open gyro and rocket motor igniter circuits. Neither of these two missiles would have launched if an attempt was made to fire them at a tactical target.