and blue. These color codes indicate the explosive
hazard in the missile component. If components are
painted blue on a practice missile and have a yellow or
brown band painted on them, the component has an
explosive component that doesn’t have a comparable
part in a service missile.
Each component of the missile, besides being color
coded, is identifiable by lettering stenciled on the
exterior surface of the component. The lettering on a
component gives information such as the Mark and
Mod, type and weight of explosive filler, loading
activity symbol and date of loading, temperature range
restrictions, and unit serial number.
All missiles used in naval aviation are assigned
missile serial numbers. These numbers are shipped with
the missile’s logbook. The missile serial number is
normally the serial number of the leading component of
the missile, such as the guidance and/or control
components. The serial number is important because it
is the number used to track the missile from assembly
at a weapons station until it is fired or discontinued from
service.
For further information concerning identification of
guided missiles, refer to NAVSEA SW010-AF-ORD-
010/NAVAIR 11-1-117, Identification of Ammunition
(latest revision).
REVIEW NUMBER 1
Q1. The speed of a guided missile is given in terms
of Mach numbers.
If a guided missile is
traveling at Mach 1, how fast is it going ?
Q2. A missile traveling at Mach 3 is traveling at
speeds.
Q3.
Q4.
Q5.
Q6.
Q7.
Q8.
List the two types of guided missiles.
What two types of guided missiles are used in
naval aviation?
The first letter of a missile designation describes
the missile's_________.
Define the missile designation ATM.
Where would you find the serial number in an
assembled missile ?
What do the color codes identify on guided
missiles?
MISSILE COMPONENTS
Guided missiles are made up of a series of
subassemblies (figs. 3-1 and 3-2). The various
subassemblies form a major section of the overall
missile to operate a missile system, such as guidance,
control, armament (warhead and fuzing), and
propulsion. The major sections are carefully joined and
connected to each other. They form the complete
missile assembly. The arrangement of major sections in
the missile assembly varies, depending on the missile
type.
The guidance section is the brain of the missile. It
directs its maneuvers and causes the maneuvers to be
executed by the control section. The armament section
carries the explosive charge of the missile, and the
fuzing and firing system by which the charge is
exploded. The propulsion section provides the force
that propels the missile.
Guidance and Control Section
The complete missile guidance system includes the
electronic sensing systems that initiate the guidance
Figure 3-1.—Typica1 air-to-air guided missile.
3-4
