Quantitative grading of store separation trajectories

Abstract

When a new store is integrated with an aircraft, it is necessary to verify that it separates safely for all possible release and emergency jettison scenarios. A large number of store separation analyses are required to comply with this requirement. This paper describes the development of an automated analysis process and software that can run a multitude of separation scenarios. A key enabler for this software is the development of a quantitative grading algorithm that scores the outcome of each release against clearly defined criteria. The separation grading algorithm eliminates the need for the analyst to assess each separate store separation scenario manually and subjectively by assigning scores based on a number of specific and measurable criteria. The scores obtained over a range of separation scenarios form a robust and quantitative basis for defining safe release envelopes for an aircraft/store combination and for motivating applicable pilot limitations. The application of this approach to the release/jettison dynamics of a typical aircraft/store configuration is described.