PROGRESS REPORT FOR MAY 1955 ON 4- INCH ROCKET

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: C
• Document Page Count: 3
• Document Creation Date: December 23, 2016
• Document Release Date: August 7, 2013
• Sequence Number: 61
• Publication Date: June 16, 1955
• Content Type: REPORT

Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/07: CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4
CONFIDENTIAL
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/07: CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/07: CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4
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Work for the month of May concerned further efforts to
improve the design of the long range model and flight test-
ing of those units.
Three, five tube models were constructed, each weighing
4 lb. 9 oz. and containing 233 grams of propellant powder.
The range of the models, calculated from their mass ratios,
was estimated to be 2,000 yards. Each had nozzles 0.468"
in diameter giving a Eia value of 125 which was considered
to be as low as was permissible.
The first model took off well, rapidly went out of sight
and has not yet been found. The second unit apparently
"tipped off" as it left the launcher, since, upon recovery,
it was found to have three broken tubes. The third unit
took off much like the first unit but was recovered at a
later date about 3,000 feet away. Since this unit was
found with one tube missing, it could not be determined
if this was the cause of failure to achieve the estimated
range or whether the tube broke upon landing. Since the
expected range was not achieved, the tube probably broke
off during flight before all the powder was burned.
The major portion of the month was taken up by the con-
struction of ten flight models, two of which were short
range and eight were long range. All were made as five
tube models and carried in the body cavity a red smoke
candle which had a five-minute burning time. The body
wall had four 1/2" holes through it to permit the smoke
to escape. As was expected, the smoke trail was visible
in flight and also marked the landing spot.
The two short range models performed satisfactorily, go-
ing 460 and 525 yards respectively. Each weighed five p
pounds and had a 118 gram charge of propellant.
Little success can be claimed for the eight long range
models since each failed due to either nozzle or tube
blowout. One model might have flown successfully but
the body and ogive separated from the motor thus increas-
ing the air resistance of the separated parts. Although
a portion of the troubles arose through the heat evolved
from the smoke candle, most of the failures were caused
by weakness of the bond.
Plans for Future Work
At the present time it is felt that the best chance for
success on the long range model lies with redesign of the
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Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/07: CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/07: CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4
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CON 1T'AL
motor section so that the unit can better withstand the
severe strains of both pressure and acceleration. In ad?
dition, a search will be made for a bonding resin having
the highest possible bonding strength.
Work will start on a model whose design is expected to
overcome the defects of the previous units, namely, tube
and nozzle blowout. If possible, this redesigned model
will have no need for the multiple bolting system now
used. Static tests will be made on motor components to
test the utility of the design.
Financial Status
Total Contract Amount (Phase I and II)
Expenditures During May 1955
Total Expenditures to May 31, 1955
Total Unexpended Balance
Expiration Date ? November 1, 1955
CONFIDENTIAL
50X1
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2013/08/07: CIA-RDP78-03624A000900010061-4