Maintenance and Support of Hydraulic Thrust Vector Control Systems for Long-Term Unattended Storage

Second-generation ballistic missiles are being developed for compatibility with the concept of long-term storage in permanent underground housing, with missiles in firing position, and in a condition of full operational readiness. It is intended that operational status be maintainable without major interruption over a three-year storage period. This report investigates the various factors which are considered to significantly influence the capability of hydraulic thrust vector control systems to remain in a state of operational readiness when subjected to such periods of inert storage as components of total missile configurations. The following sections present a detailed outline of technical difficulties which may be encountered, information and data resulting from applicable test programs, and the general nature of solutions to apparent problems. The design concept of a storable hydraulic thrust control system is considered to be feasible, but may be effectively achieved only by fulfillment of certain stringent design requirements and by further development of preservation techniques to preclude the need for in-field maintenance.