The importance of maintaining all training missiles in peak condition cannot be stressed enough. If these devices are allowed to deteriorate, the operational readiness of the entire weapons system is in jeopardy. Gunner's Mates are responsible for the proper maintenance and care of the GMTRs. A majority of these maintenance actions come under the headings of inspecting and servicing.

Maintenance requirement cards (MRCs) provide the guidance necessary to maintain the training missiles. The MRCs describe the required periodic and unscheduled maintenance actions applicable to the round. In case of fictional problems or equipment failure, be sure to consult these MRCs.

Inspections

Inspections include the preventive maintenance procedures required to detect problem areas before they cause equipment failures. Listed below are a few examples of what to look for during a training missile inspection.

1. Examine all painted surfaces for chipping and scratches.

2. Inspect tail control surfaces for hard or rough movement as they are folded/unfolded.

3. Inspect the S&A levers/arming tool socket. Ensure they are in the SAFE position and they offer some tension or resistance to being turned. Also inspect the firing contact buttons or points for wear and cleanliness.

4. Examine all plastic covers/windows for cracks and chips.

5. Examine the front panel items of the simulator. Check for damaged lamp lenses, broken or loose switches, and so forth.

6. Inspect the launching shoes for excessive or uneven wear by using a micrometer or special GO/NO-GO gage tool. Consult the applicable training missile OP or MRC for maximum/minimum wear tolerances.

If possible, correct any deficiencies noted at the time of inspection. If an immediate repair cannot be made, report the problem to proper authority.

Servicing

Servicing a training missile prevents corrosion and deterioration of the round. While in stowage, training missiles require no external care other than routine cleaning. Gross accumulations of oil, grease, and dirt must not be permitted to remain on the surface of the round. If you are cleaning the sockets, apply the compound liberally to the socket area. Then carefully clean the socket with an LP air supply. Reapply the compound but do not wipe it dry. This point applies to any application of corrosion-preventive compound. If you wipe it dry, you wipe away the effectiveness of the compound

Training missiles are NOT sealed, watertight devices. Excessive exposure to moisture not only affects the external surfaces of the missile but can cause serious internal damage. This problem is particularly acute in the area of the simulator. Remember, a simulator is a very sensitive electronic test instrument.

Training missiles will corrode-that's a fact of life. Therefore, an effective maintenance program is mandatory. Also, DO NOT LET THE GMTR GET WET. If it begins to rain, immediately unload the round to the magazine. If taking this action means interrupting a DSOT, so be it. The DSOT can be setup and rerun in a matter of minutes after the storm passes. It may take you days to thoroughly dry a "soaked training missile and its simulator. In the long run, it is better to keep the round dry.

SUMMARY

In this chapter we covered the weapons system processes of detection and control. We described how raw data is gathered by the various types of sensors, then processed by the NTDS for use by the WDS. You saw how the WDS functions as an information gatherer and engagement controller. We then examined some of the compensations in the fire control problem required to deliver accurate fire. We then looked at the three most modern fire control systems currently in the fleet. Finally, we described system testing and the characteristics/uses of a guided missile training round (GMTR). Remember to refer to the within text References for more specific information about these subject areas.