EXPANDING TUBE ASSEMBLY
Expanding Tube Assemblies (XTA), also known as Expanding Shielded Mild Detonating Cord (XSMDC), are used to provide explosively driven, contamination-free reliable separation. The expanding tube assembly is a formed stainless steel tube containing a linear Mild Detonating Cord (MDC). The tube is formed into an oval shape and sealed on both ends by welded end fittings which include loaded booster shells. These shells provide means for redundant initiation of the assembly. After initiation, the MDC propagates and the energy expands the tube creating the necessary mechanical impulse to achieve separation of the targeted assembly. Targets for separation include aluminum ligaments, acrylic panels, frangible hooks, or other frangible structures as Expanding-Tube-Assembly-imagedesired by customer specification.
The XTA is used in applications requiring precise separation and containment of combustion products. It is used for low weight applications due to reduced need for reinforcements to support device compared to alternative systems. The attenuating properties of the XTA reduce vehicle and crew exposure not only to combustion products but harmful overpressure in extreme environments while still maintaining the benefits of using an explosive separation system. XTA can be used in applications from the upper atmosphere to underwater conditions.
- Used on Rotor Systems Research Aircraft (RSRA) X-wing
- Used on F-16 canopy emergency jettison system
- Used on Delta III stage separation
- Used on Delta IV stage separation
- Qualified for use on Apache AH-64 canopy fracturing system (CFS).
- Integrating for use on Commercial Crew Transportation System (CCTS) CST-100.
Operating Temperature
-70°F to +180°F
Output
Severance of .075” Aluminum
Severance of .150” Stretched Acrylic
Initiation
Electrical Detonator with typical 1 grain Booster Shell
Energy Transfer Line – SMDC, FCDC
Shock
| Frequency | Spectrum Level |
| (Hz) | (Q=10) |
| 100 | 30 |
| 100-3000 | +5.3dB/Octave |
| 3000+ | 2125G |
TSH & A
28 days per MIL-D-21625
Salt Fog
Mil-D-21625
Sand & Dust
Mil STD 810-G
Icing
Mil STD 810-G
Applicable Specifications
Qualified for
DODE-83578A
ENVELOPE / INTERFACE DIMENSIONS
PacSci EMC’s Expanding Tube Assembly can be customized to fit many customer envelopes.
ENABLING MISSION SUCCESS
Military Aircraft Ejection
When a military aircraft ejection is imminent, removing the canopy by jettison or fracturing is advisable to avoid the elevated levels of head and neck load on the aircrew member ejecting.
Payload Separation
Launch vehicles and missiles contain configurations that need to dispense a payload during the course of their mission.
RESOURCES
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