Our Contribution
We improved on training aids by rapidly and cost-effectively prototyping an interactive pressurization valve for missile tube launcher training. The actual valve is expensive, pneumatically actuated cast iron and stainless steel; ours was modeled with computer-aided-design tools and 3D printed in plastic. We then equipped it with motors and sensors and linked the valve to an existing computer simulation of the launch system. This device demonstrated APL’s ability to provide effective, low-cost alternatives to traditional trainer mock-ups.