ASHORE

Guided missile handling functions for naval air stations or shore-based squadrons are the same as shipboard functions except for the obvious difference in working environments. Space limitations are not as critical ashore and allow for an increase in handling capability.

Other details of missile handling, such as MOAT (missile on aircraft test), supply procedures, missiles firing reports, quality deficiency reports, and loading procedures, are discussed in the appropriate chapters throughout this manual.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the safety precautions to follow when working with guided missiles.

Safety precautions have been established for each particular type of missile. All missile handling must be carried out according to the approved local safety regulations of the ship, depot, or wherever the work is being done. All of the safety precautions cannot be discussed in this chapter. However, some of the general safety precautions are as follows:

Observe detailed precautions. Follow specific instructions for each type of guided missile. You will find the specific instructions in the manual issued for each particular type of aircraft.

Keep work areas clear of obstructions, loose cables, hoses, and any unneeded equipment during missile assembly and testing. Permit only assigned personnel engaged in the work in the area or vicinity of the missile.

Use only the authorized handling equipment with any missile, or any missile section, component, or related parts, including shipping crates and containers.

Make sure that all electrical equipment used in missile handling operations is adequately shielded and grounded. Also, avoid injury from sharp edges often present on nose assemblies, wings, and fins. After assembly, cover all sharp edges with protective covers.

Use tools specified in the missile manual when uncrating missile components and for assembling missiles. Do not force any unit. If it does not fit or function properly, determine the cause and correct it before proceeding.

Before connecting igniters in missile motors, check the firing leads for stray or induced voltages and for static charges.

Before handling any piece of ordnance material, inspect the safety device to be sure that it is in a SAFE position. If not, the unit must be made safe by experienced personnel before further work is performed.

The wing servo units in many missiles are supplied with primary power by means of an accumulator charged from gas bottles (or cylinders) containing compressed air or nitrogen; both of which contain pressure. Use extreme caution when charging accumulators and when handling the gas bottles or containers in which the gases are stowed. When testing for leaks in a gas container, use soapy water. When cleaning hydraulic units, use only the cleaning solvents or other materials specified in the particular missile publication. Keep your hands and other parts of your body clear of exhaust vents when working with test equipment that uses high pneumatic pressure. When any hydraulic unit is disassembled for inspection or repair, make sure that the workbench is thoroughly cleaned of dirt and metal filings. Missile ordnance materials, including rocket motors, igniters, fuzes, warheads, and in some cases boosters or auxiliary rockets, are potentially dangerous. Handle each unit according to the specific procedures authorized in the appropriate publication,

Load forward-firing ordnance in authorized loading areas only, with aircraft facing uninhabited areas. When leading/handling forward-firing ordnance, you should avoid working in front or behind the ordnance.