Acoustically Synchronized Store Ejection/Release Technology (ASSERT)

The Acoustically Synchronized Store Ejection/Release Technology (ASSERT) test process was developed by CRAFT Tech. This research has produced a capability to conduct small scale dynamic drop tests instrumented with stereo-photogrammetry to track store motion and synchronize this with unsteady weapons bay flowfield measurements. An advanced pneumatic ejection system has been developed which supports the telemetry system requirements, and is capable of imparting predetermined pitch and ejection forces, and enables synchronized data collection. This capability can be used to support current and future weapons separation flight test activities for the F-35 Lightning II. In addition, coupling the time of release of the weapon with the dynamic pressure sensors in the bay has led to a"do no harm"control concept that will allow the store release to be synchronized with the unsteady weapons bay flowfield to reduce the risk of the separating weapon contacting the aircraft. The ASSERT test process will produce store separation trajectory data using light Mach scaled store models, although heavy scaling can be used when conditions permit.