Visual Instrumentation Scheme for Airborne Stores Separation Studies

Abstract

The most critical test in the certification of a new weapon on a tactical aircraft is the safe separation test performed to demonstrate that the weapon can be deployed safely and effectively. This differs from other missile releases because this is a manned mission (Aircraft Pilot is involved in the mission). These separation tests are performed at various Airspeeds, Mach No, Angle of Attack, Altitude, and normal acceleration over a defined operational envelope. After the basic simulation tests for finding the potential trouble spots, a deployment envelope for flight tests is made for acceptance. Earlier methods used to have normal airborne video cameras on the test aircraft and chase aircraft to record the separation event. The data was limited by the speed of the cameras (25fps) and provided only qualitative results. Quantitative data is essential to validate the new weapon system designs so that the data can be used to improve the weapon performance. Since weapon systems are becoming smaller, faster and more precise, the data requirements for adequate testing and evaluation have become more stringent. Monitoring the initial phase performance of the missile release from the aircraft requires the Visual Instrumentation that gauges how well the system has operated. Critical imaging and high speed optical data collection are required to extract accurate and precise measurement information. The performance indices are Time taken for the missile to clear the launcher, Velocity profile, Tip-Off after release from launcher, roll/yaw build-up after launch, effect of missile plume on aircraft etc. The above parameters aid in post flight analysis and debriefing mission. Predicted data values are compared with the captured data for design improvements. This paper presents the advanced and optimal Visual Instrumentation Scheme for deployment of digital high speed airborne video system and various constraints/considerations for airborne platforms for different launch configurations of Air-to-Air and Air-to-Ground Missiles. The limitations of implementation are the limited space availability, adverse operational conditions, ambient lighting, provision for real- time video transmission, and mounting problems. Successful deployment of such a scheme for capturing the release of Air- to- Ground Missile from Helicopter and the results obtained, analysis are featured.