Tests were performed on the Peacekeeper Rail Garrison Missile Launch Car (MLC), EMS-1 according to specifications in Chapter XI of the AAR's, Manual of Standards and Recommended Practices. The tests included vehicle characterization, service worthiness, and track worthiness. These tests address vehicle safety performance for freight equipment. The primary measurement of safety as described in Chapter XI is the ratio of lateral to vertical wheel force (L/V ratio). No examination of ride comfort is addressed. The loaded MLC performed satisfactorily in the Ptch and Bounce Test, the Twist and Roll Test, and the Yaw and Sway Test. The loaded MLC also negotiated 7.5- and 12-degree curves and spirals within Chapter XI guidelines. The Dynamic Curving Test was not performed per Chapter XI specifications at the request of Westinghouse Electric and the United States Air Force. Dynamic curving was investigated with the MLC coupled to 400,000 pound span bolster cars at each end. The MLC performed within Chapter XI guidelines during that test. The Loaded MLC also negotiated turnouts and crossovers within Chapter XI guidelines. The loaded MLC was impacted into three loaded 100-ton hopper cars at speeds up to 6.75 mph. The draft gear became stuck in the housing. The problem was corrected nd testing was completed. The unloaded MLC exceeded Chapter XI guidelines in the Spiral Negotiation Test but fell within the guidelines during the Constant Curving Test. The unloaded MLC showed no signs of lateral instability during the Hunting Test. No suspension separation, wheel lift, or permanent deformation of the car body was seen during the Curve Stability Test or the Compressive End Load Test.
Peacekeeper Rail Garrison Test of Missile Launch Car EMS-1
1991
206 pages
Report
No indication
English
Missile Launching & Support Systems , Railroad Transportation , Railroad cars , Suspension systems(Vehicles) , Missile launchers , Stability , Test facilities , Roll , Displacement , Brake tests , Bending , Yaw , Railroad tracks , Dynamic response , Safety engineering , Stiffness , Test methods , Dampling , Peacekeeper Rail Garrison