The AIM-9M Sidewinder Team, with support from the NAWCWD China Lake Weapons Prototype and Airframe Divisions and the Materials Engineering Division, introduced the Captive Air Training Missile (CATM) with MDU-27B/A and CATM-only wing during rollout ceremonies at China Lake on Dec. 19, and Naval Air Station Lemoore on Dec. 20.

The MDU-27B/A is a mass-balanced tube which replaces the inert rocket motor, inert warhead, and fuze on CATM-9M training missiles. The MDU-27B/A is an upgrade of the blue tube (MDU-27A/A), with enhancements to make it capable of meeting the more rigorous dynamics of the F/A-18E/F aircraft. The CATM-only wing is a modification of the tactical wing, which was previously used with all AIM-9M and CATM-9M configurations. The new CATM wing is for captive training use only, and was designed to be more durable and, unlike current tactical wings, repairable by fleet ordnance personnel.

Both initiatives are expected to increase availability of training assets by extending or eliminating inspection and replacement intervals, and making CATM easier and more economical to maintain. Current inert rocket motors have a severe flight time limitation on the F/A-18E/F aircraft and at present usage rates are projected to be fully exhausted by about 2012. The MDU-27B/A is expected to be capable of flying with minor restrictions for the remainder of the AIM-9M service life. There will be no flight restrictions on the CATM wing.

The modified wing and MDU are compatible with all CATM-9M configurations and may be flown on any type/model/series aircraft in Navy and Marine Corps inventory. CATM-9M training missiles logged more than 50,000 flight hours on Navy and Marine Corps aircraft in calendar year 2007.

Combined savings and cost avoidance are expected to exceed $1 million a year, which will pay for both initiatives within two years of fleet release. Fleet introduction is expected to occur during fiscal 2008.

PHOTO CUTLINES

Photo by Dan O’Connor
Capt. Jeffrey Penfield, program manager for NAVAIR’s Air-to-Air Missiles Program, joins the China Lake team responsible for the design, manufacture and deployment of a new Sidewinder training "Blue Tube".

Capt. Hal Murdock, wing commodore, and Capt. Jeffrey Penfield, program manager for NAVAIR’s Air-to-Air Missiles Program, pose with the AIM-9M Team, Wing Ordnance and VFA-2 Ordnance personnel at Naval Air Station Lemoore during the Captive Air Training Missile with MDU-27B/A and CATM-only wing rollout ceremony on Dec. 20.