Guidance and Control Section

Each component of the missile, besides being color coded, is identifiable by lettering stenciled on the exterior surface of the component. The lettering on a component gives information such as the Mark and Mod, type and weight of explosive filler, loading activity symbol and date of loading, temperature range restrictions, and unit serial number. All missiles used in naval aviation are assigned missile serial numbers. These numbers are shipped with the missile's logbook. The missile serial number is normally the serial number of the leading component of the missile, such as the guidance and/or control components. The serial number is important because it is the number used to track the missile from assembly at a weapons station until it is fired or discontinued from service. For further information concerning identification of guided missiles, refer to NAVSEA SW010- AF-ORD-010/NAVAIR 11-1-117, Identification of Ammunition (latest revision). REVIEW NUMBER 1 Q1. The speed of a guided missile is given in terms of Mach numbers. If a guided missile is traveling at Mach 1, how fast is it going? Q2. A missile traveling at Mach 3 is traveling at _______ speeds. Q3. List the two types of guided missiles. Q4. What two types of guided missiles are used in naval aviation? Q5. The first letter of a missile designation describes the missile's ________. Q6. Define the missile designation ATM. Q7. Where would you find the serial number in an assembled missile? Q8. What do the color codes identify on guided missiles? MISSILE COMPONENTS Guided missiles are made up of a series of subassemblies (figs. 3-1 and 3-2). The various subassemblies form a major section of the overall missile to operate a missile system, such as guidance, control, armament (warhead and fuzing), and propulsion. The major sections are carefully joined and connected to each other. They form the complete missile assembly. The arrangement of major sections in the missile assembly varies, depending on the missile type. The guidance section is the brain of the missile. It directs its maneuvers and causes the maneuvers to be executed by the control section. The armament section carries the explosive charge of the missile, and the fuzing and firing system by which the charge is exploded. The propulsion section provides the force that propels the missile. Guidance and Control Section The complete missile guidance system includes the electronic sensing systems that initiate the guidance orders and the control system that carries them out. The elements for missile guidance and missile control can be housed in the same section of the missile, or they can be in separate sections. 3-4 Figure 3-1.—Typical air-to-air guided missile.