Insensitive Munitions Technology Transition Program Composite Case Captive Carry Qualification (C4Q)

摘要

The Composite Case Captive Carry Qualification (C4Q) Program was conceived to reduce the risk of employing composite materials on air-launched missiles by demonstrating that the resultant case technology is robust enough to withstand a tactical aircraft flight. This effort entails the design, the fabrication, and the ground and flight testing of a captive air training missile (CATM) with a composite primary structure. This configuration, which is commonly referred to as the composite 'blue tube,' maintains the form, fit, and function of the CATM-9M with the MDU-27A/A hardware and is designed to withstand the induced load and vibration environments of the F/A-18C/D. This program substantiates that a high degree of confidence can be placed in the composite material's intrinsic properties and provides confidence that a timely flight clearance can be obtained for a weapon that incorporates composite technology.