The development of higher performance and reliability in aircraft weapon systems depends to a large extent upon the environmental limits within which this performance and reliability must be obtained. It is the intent of this presentation to show the need for and importance of accurate and realistic environmental design and test criteria, for each weapon system. Further, that existing Military environmental procedures and Specifications are incompatible with requirements for non-piloted weapon systems; not by intent, but by content, and the manner in which they are used by Contractor and Customer alike.
A concrete approach to solution of this problem is proposed. One that would define environmental criteria for an individual weapon system by comparing its mission and performance requirements with known global climatic environment, and with the environment created within the system.
The Military are asked to provide the means by which that proposed can be accomplished. Current procurement specification policy must be modified, and global environmental data collected and distributed to Industry. Further there must be a coordinated effort by the Military and Industry in establishing realistic goals for development of equipments toward future requirements.