Table VI. Comparative Data for Removers
Stroke
Weight
Peak
Stroke
Method
Weight of
(in.)
propelled
thrust
time
of
device
(lb)
(lb)
(sec)
initiation
(lb)
T18† ................................................................
12
320
6,000
------
Gas
19.0
M4 ...................................................................
19
300
4,100
0.1
Gas
3.8
M5 ...................................................................
19
1,000
8,100
0.15
Gas
3.9
M1A1 ...............................................................
23
311
3,040
0.13
Mechanical
2.1
T13E1 ..............................................................
23
1,000
5,500
0.2
Gas
------
T19† ................................................................
24
230
6,000
------
Gas
25.5
M3 ...................................................................
26
311
3,145
0.15
Gas
4.4
T8 ....................................................................
26
300
3,100
0.15
Gas
4.3
M2A1 ...............................................................
28
311
3,145
0.15
Gas
4.4
† Electromechanical-ballistic canopy remover-actuator.
flexible hose or tubing to initiate other
human physiological limitations are not a
propellant actuated devices.
In this
factor. The only limit on acceleration and
application, the thruster ensures the
rate of change of acceleration is the
proper sequencing of operations.
An
strength of the aircraft structure.
example is one of the T25 thrusters used
(2) Electro-mechanical
removers,
not
in the F-106B aircraft escape system.
illustrated, utilize an aircraft's electrical
This thruster unlocks the canopy and, at
power system to allow operation of the
the completion of stroke (after the canopy
canopy in normal use. In emergencies,
is unlocked), bypasses gas to fire the
jettisoning of the canopy is accomplished
canopy remover (fig. 6). Each thruster is
by means of a ballistic system initiated by
designed to operate against specific
the pilot or other crew member.
constant or varying forces.
d. Thrusters.
(1) The thruster was developed to exert a
body, an outside tube (slug), a firing mechanism, and a
thrust, through a short stroke, to move a
cartridge. When the cartridge fires, the expanding
weight or to oppose a force. The device
propellant gas ejects the slug and extracts the load to
consists of a chamber, piston, firing
which it is attached. A series of electrically and gas
mechanism, and a cartridge. Thrusters
initiated ejectors has been developed to eject drag
have been used for operations such as
parachutes. Table VII presents comparative data on the
seat positioning, stowing of equipment,
size and performance of existing ejectors. This table
hatch or canopy unlock, and canopy
like all of the others, is presented merely to show the
ejection. Thrusters are closed devices;
range of devices already developed as a guide for
that is, the main piston does not separate
determining the feasibility of proposed devices.
from the device under any operating
Ejectors are applicable to many missile and drone
condition including "locked-shut" and "no-
recovery systems and have potential Use as automatic
load" firings.
mortar, grenade, or rocket launchers and for chest type
(2) Buffer or damper mechanisms (fig. 5) are
reserve parachute deployment.
used occasionally in conjunction with
thrusters and, in some cases, are made
9. Special Purpose Devices. a. General. A number
an integral part of the thruster. They are
of propellant actuated devices have been developed for
used to restrict the velocity and
"special" applications. Included in this category are
acceleration of the propelled load
cutters, releases, and electric ignition elements.
because
of
structural
or
human
b. Cutter. Cable cutters have been developed that
physiological limitations. Thrusters have
sever cables (such as electrical cables) prior to the
been developed that function in their
removal or ejection of a canopy or seat, or the firing of a
usual manner, but also at the end of a
missile. Although most cable cutters were developed to
stroke, bypass gas through high-pressure
sever a single cable, a cutter (T3) was designed to sever
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