This first periodic report presents the results of the following test programs: NAEL(SI) deadload calibration, preliminary aircraft launchings, and retraction-engine development tests; and NATF(SI) deadload calibration, aircraft compatibility, and effect of cylinder elongation. Events 1 through 4,913 were accomplished (1,205 deadload, 398 aircraft, and 3,310 no-load launchings). An average of 6.5 deadload/aircraft launchings per day was achieved. Four type I failures (must stop to fix) occurred, and yielded a mean-time-between-failures of 909 and a reliability of 95.5 percent with respect to 40 consecutive launchings (nearly 75% of the launchings conducted were no-loads, which accounts for the high reliability index). The evaluation program revealed two major deficiencies resulting from the long stroke of the TC13 Mod 1 steam catapult: (1) the retraction-engine ram can be damaged if a launching occurs with the grab accidentally latched; (2) the service life of the standard piston guides is less than 1,000 launchings. Extended piston guides originally designed for the seven-ft water brakes are being tested as a possible solution to this problem. (Author).

This report presents the maintenance and modification work conducted while the new steam receivers were being installed. During this period, a modified rotary engine was installed and minor work on the catapult control system was accomplished. (Author).

The major programs conducted during the reporting period were: installation and test of prototype low-loss (roto) launching valve; modification and test of the rotary-retraction engine; development testing of above-deck steam-elimination components; and minor component development tests. (Author).

The report presents results of Mark 4 Mod 2 bridle-arrester development support and evaluation tests which consisted of 105 aircraft bridle arrestments, 274 bridle no-load arrestments, and 2 deadload bridle arrestments. Evaluation of the bridle-arrester break-system components, modified bridle-arrester deck hardware, and bridle-arrester retract system components was accomplished. (Author).

The development of an igniter system for the Mk 1 Mod 2 and Mk 3 Mod 1, cartridges which eliminates the pyralin booster cup of the Mk 1 Mod 0 and Mk 3 Mod 0, is described as are the determination of a new propellant charge and trap plate design. The procedures followed in qualification are described and results sumarized. (Author).