File Number: NPS-PM-06-044

Title: Lessons Learned from Propulsion System Nozzle Failure on Army TACMS

Published: May 1993

Full Text URL: http://www.acquisitionresearch.net/_files/FY2006/NPS-PM-06-044.pdf

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Abstract:

This report finalizes the lessons learned, that was initially reported on in a preliminary report on 29 May 1992, from a propulsion system flight nozzle failure during a flight test at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico on 4 September 1991.

The Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS) propulsion system nozzle assembly included a graphite throat insert, a silica phenolic throat insert (MX-2657), and a throat insert insulator (Fiberite MX-4926), supported with an EA-934 adhesive.

This report contains materials obtained through interviews with current and former Army TACMS, Research, Development and Engineering Center (RDEC), and support personnel associated with the program; reviewing documents generated by the Army TACMS Project Office, LTV and Southern Research Institute (SRI); and open literature regarding the use of graphite.

The objective of this report is to thoroughly delineate the cause of the failure, document the lessons learned and make widespread dissemination of the information in order to help other project offices avoid a similar occurrence.  There is no intention in this document to cast blame on any Government organization or private contractor.

Keywords: Propulsion System Nozzle, White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), Army Tactical Missile System (Army TACMS), Research, Development and Engineering Center (RDEC), Southern Research Institute (SRI)

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The research presented in this report was supported by the Acquisition Chair of the Graduate School of Business & Public Policy at the Naval Postgraduate School.  

To collaborate on Defense Acquisition Research or to become a research sponsor, please contact: 

RADM James B. Greene, USN, (Ret), Acquisition Chair

Tel: (831) 656-2092

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