ADS-45-HDBK

Abstract

This handbook establishes guidelines for data and test procedures, that should be completed prior to the issuance of a Contractor Flight Release (CFR) or Airworthiness Release (AWR) to conduct flight testing of armament on U.S. Amy aircraft. A CFR/AWR is required for aircraft ground firing tests with the rotors turning, and for aircraft flight tests, both non-fuing (captive carriage) and firing. The guidelines include documentation on armament configuration/design, analyses, component tests and aircraft ground tests. The documentation is required so the Government can conduct an airworthiness assessment in order to ensure that U.S. Amy aircraft are safe to flight test. The requirements should be tailored based on the nature, magnitude, complexity and integration risk associated with the new or modified armament system. The difference between an "airworthy" system and a "qualified" system is the degree to which the system meets specification requirements and provides the system "performance" expected by the user. For a tutorial on the overall helicopter airworthiness qualification process, including flight releases, see ADS-51- HDBK. For purposes of this handbook, the terms "armament" and "weapon" are interchangeable.<b><u>Intended Use:</u></b> This ADS is used to obtain required data, analyses and test documentation to substantiate the safety of a new or modified armament system prior to flight test on an Army aircraft. The documentation is used to support the preparation and staffing of an AWR or CFR for airborne test of armament. The focus of this ADS is on guns, missiles and rockets for manned aircraft. It does not contain any special provisions for "non-lethal weapons" and contains limited provisions for UAV and directed energy weapons. As these armament technologies become more mature, there might have to be additional provisions to insure safety and performance on Army aircraft. However, the AWR process will likely be quite similar. This ADS can also be used for the aircraft integration of other armament and related systems such as mine-dispensing systems, weapon carriage/release equipment, and weapon control systems.&#160;<br>