Masters Theses

Date of Award

5-1994

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Aviation Systems

Major Professor

Ralph Kimberlin

Committee Members

Robert Richards

Abstract

This study was an in-depth look at the U. S. Navy's weapon modification and certification process of a United States Air Force weapon, namely the GBU-24A/B Low Level Laser Guided Bomb, for use on the F/A-18 and A-6E aircraft. The modified version of the weapon was designated GBU-24B/B. The major portion of this study concentrated on the scope and methodology of the flight test portion of the modified weapon's certification process. The examination also included a review of the analysis and ground tests performed in order to correctly modify the weapon. Finally, results of the certification process were presented.

It was concluded that the modified GBU-24B/B was compatible with both the F/A-18 and A-6E aircraft throughout the required flight envelope and that the modular design of the GBU-24A/B lent itself well to modification. Recommendations for improved compatibility between USAF and Navy aircraft in the area of weapon system design were presented. Finally, methods by which to reduce the amount of redundant testing between the services were suggested.

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