I. Introduction

Rocket sled test tracks provide a complementary method to obtain hypersonic ground-test data to support a variety of test needs. The Holloman High-Speed Test Track (HHSTT) has recently increased its capabilities to support hypersonic testing. The Department of Defense (DoD) funded HHSTT upgrade program was specifically conducted to increase hypersonic test capabilities for warhead impact lethality testing. The program also increased capabilities to conduct other types of hypersonic tests. Additionally, the Air Force is developing a hypersonic test-track facility that uses magnetic levitation (MagLev) to guide rocket-propelled sleds as an upgrade to the HHSTT. The goal of the MagLev facility is to achieve hypersonic-test capabilities with payload vibration levels that are flight representative.

High-speed rocket sled test tracks have been in operation for more than half a century. The common feature of these tracks is the use of test vehicles propelled by rocket motors along steel rails (see Fig. 1 for a typical multistage, hypersonic, monorail sled train). The vehicles are guided by a slipper that is constrained by the rail. The slippers wrap around the rail to provide both lateral and vertical restraint (see Fig. 2 for a typical hypersonic rocket sled slipper). Over the years, rocket sled track facilities have...