Digital Recovery Sequencer – Advanced Concept Ejection Seats

摘要

The Advanced Concept Ejection Seat (ACES) currently uses the Analog Sequencer, designed in the 1960's and 1970's with analog technology, to control ejection event timing and ejection mode selection. Continued usage of the Analog Sequencer is undesirable due to limitations with respect to its installed life, electronic component obsolescence, flexibility to accommodate seat safety improvements, and mode differentiation capability at the Mode 1 to 2 crossover point. The Digital Recovery Sequencer (DRS) program was undertaken by Goodrich, the seat Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and the Cartridge Actuated Device / Propellant Actuated Device (CAD/PAD) Joint Program Office (JPO) to design and qualify a sequencer based on digital technology as a replacement for the Analog Sequencer. The DRS program was established with three phases: Phase I for requirements definition and supplier selection, Phase II for design and qualification, and Phase III for pre-planned production (P3I) improvements. Phase I was completed in 2003. Phase II is complete through design, firmware verification, component qualification, and sled testing. Phase II is on track to conclude with approval of the Safe-to-Fly certification in October 2005. The DRS is in the early stages of production with deliveries scheduled for the 4th Quarter of 2005 and the 2nd Quarter of 2006. The program progress to-date, the DRS design including its safety related improvements; and results from the DRS firmware verification, component qualification, and sled tests are presented herein.