A remotely controlled flight termination system was developed to explosively destroy the wing structure of the QT-33A aerial target as an emergency measure to cause rapid descent of the drone in an almost vertical trajectory. Qualification testing has been completed. The system was used on flight operations, with ordnance having been installed and removed safely and easily as a ground operation. Electronic equipment in the aft cockpit originates electrical arm and destruct signals to safing-and-arming devices in left and right wings to terminate unsafe flight. Explosive initiation of a firing train from a safing-and-arming device is directed through a shielded mild detonating cord into an explosive charge fitted into each inboard wing fuel cell. Explosive charge containers replace the twist-lock fuel cell filler caps. Metal anvils at each end of the charge direct the explosive energy wavefront laterally within the wing to destroy spar structure with a minimum of explosive. (Author)
QT-33A Flight Termination System Development
1971
78 pages
Report
No indication
English
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