SOLVED IT

Changing The Rules To Change The Scale Of FMS

Testing missile avionics via flight motion simulation (FMS) is a big job, especially with payloads that are extra long and heavy.

How we solved it.

the challenge

When one of Ideal Aerosmith’s customers needed to test a number of massive RF (radio frequency) seeker missile guidance assemblies, our team of engineers were up to the task. Even though Ideal Aerosmith had designed and manufactured similar, smaller systems in the past, the sheer scale of these new assemblies presented a unique set of challenges. Not only would this three-axis FMS table need to accommodate extra large payloads, it would need to provide a wide range of angular travel in both the yaw and pitch axes. Additionally, due to the repetitive nature of the task and sheer size of the payloads, the installation and removal process would need to be simplified.

the solution

FMS systems that interface to an RF chamber are typically configured using a vertical outermost axis to provide yaw motion. In this particular assembly, however, this would have placed the payload high off the floor, making loading and unloading the assemblies very challenging.

In order to minimize the height differential, the new FMS system was configured so that its horizontal outermost axis would instead provide the pitch motions. This inversion of pitch and yaw significantly reduced the height from the center line of the payload to the floor, making it much easier to load and unload the assemblies onto the table. In addition, a portion of the FMS system’s base was recessed, creating extra clearance for the rear section of the assembly where cabling would create even more space constraints.

the outcome

The final three-axis FMS configuration weighed more than 35,000 pounds and was approximately 12 feet high. The table – officially named the Model 2443HV-HR-1
– was completed on time and met or exceeded every performance specification required by the customer.

See The Capabilities Of The Model 2443HV-HR-1 For Yourself

Solve My Problem

  • The more details, the better.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.