초록 ▼

A missile is tested by first stimulating the performance of missile built-in tests that are stimulated in service by signals from the launch site, and which tests do not require internal access to the missile. If performance is satisfactory, no further testing is required. If a condition of unsatisf

A missile is tested by first stimulating the performance of missile built-in tests that are stimulated in service by signals from the launch site, and which tests do not require internal access to the missile. If performance is satisfactory, no further testing is required. If a condition of unsatisfactory missile performance is detected, an access cover is removed, connections are made to internal sources of data, and the built-in tests are repeated in order to determine which internal components caused the unsatisfactory missile performance. The component is repaired. The testing with the access cover removed is repeated, and, if the performance is satisfactory, the access cover is replaced and the testing with the access cover present is repeated.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for testing the operability of a missile during service operation, comprising the steps of:providing said missile that, during service operation, is to be launched from a launch site, the missile havingat least two internal component sections and a wiring harness

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A method for testing the operability of a missile during service operation, comprising the steps of:providing said missile that, during service operation, is to be launched from a launch site, the missile havingat least two internal component sections and a wiring harness communicating therebetween, there being at least two cover-off missile connectors, one for each of said at least two internal component sections being accessible only when a missile access cover is removed,an external missile umbilical connector that, during service operation, communicates with the launch site prior to launching of said missile, anda missile data-link receiver that, during service operation, communicates with the launching of said missile site after launch;providing an external test apparatus comprisinga test controller,at least two test cover-off component-level test lines, one for each of the at least two cover-off missile connectors, each of said at least two cover-off component-level test lines having a first end m communication with the test controller and a second end having a cover-off component-level test line connector to mate with a respective one of the at least two cover-off missile connectors,an umbilical line having a first end in communication with the test controller and a second end having a test apparatus umbilical connector to mate with the external missile umbilical connector,a test apparatus data-link transmitter in communication with the test controller,a power supply that provides to the test controller power levels available to the missile from the launch site during service operation, anda pneumatics supply controlled by the test controller, the pneumatics supply being operated to pneumatically unlock and to allow operation of electromechanical components of the missile;performing a cover-on test sequence byan operator connecting the test apparatus umbilical connector to the external missile umbilical connector,the operator positioning the test apparatus data-link transmitter in a position to communicate with the missile data link receiver,the test controller stimulating performance of missile built-in tests through the umbilical line and the missile data-link receiver, andthe test controller evaluating the results of the missile built-in tests to determine the presence of an unsatisfactory missile test performance; and, in the event of the detection of an unsatisfactory missile performance; andperforming a cover-off test sequence bythe operator removing the missile access cover,the operator connecting each cover-off component-level test line connector to the respective cover-off missile connector, andthe test controller stimulating performance of missile built-in tests through the umbilical line and the missile data-link receiver and gathering data through the test apparatus cover-off component-level test lines, andthe test controller evaluating the results of the missile built-in tests to isolate the cause of an unsatisfactory missile performance at a component level.