(41C) … Grain Misalignment …

[rprosperi]

(05-18-2019 05:52 PM)SlideRule Wrote:  For those interested, a reasonable description / illustration of the F-111 Crew Module Escape and Survival Systems w/ detailed description & illustration {fig. 4} of the 'rocket motor' component of the crew capsule. Lots of flexible linear shape charges, pyrotechnic guillotines etc associated with separating the crew capsule from the air-frame, a very capable airframe, ahead of its' time (BOAC Lightning?): another blast from the past.

Excellent resource, thanks for sharing this!

"The rocket motor lower nozzle provides 27,000 pounds of thrust..." serious thrust for a grain propellant motor! Would love to have witnessed one of the test firings (on the ground) when developing this. Solid fuel like this kept it pretty much maintenance-free (well, low-maintenance) but with all the steps and technology required in the launch sequence, it's a wonder it worked, but I don't recall ever hearing of problems when they were needed (except for having to depart the airframe, I guess that has to be considered a problem...).