Lessons Learned in Vibro-Thermal Acoustic Tests

An environmental test technique developed to test air-to-air missiles at the Pacific Missile Test Center at Point Mugu, California, has been implemented for the past 15 years. This technique recreates a captive flight environment in which the missile is simultaneously subjected to thermal, vibration, and functional testing. This article describes this technique, Flight Test Simulation, the facilities utilized, and lessons learned as they have been applied in recent tests.