First Article Inspection of BSU-33B/B Bomb Fins

A thorough examination of the manufacturing sequences involved in the fabrication of the BSU-33B/B bomb fins was performed by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Weapons and Materials Research Directorate (WMRD). The welding, zinc phosphate, and powder coating processes were evaluated with respect to the governing specifications, as was the finished product. With respect to the welding, the apparatus, procedures, and personnel all conformed to the governing requirements. The zinc phosphate process appeared suitable, as evidenced by the uniform coating on the First Article (FA) bomb fins. Also, coating weights of panels, which were run in the same process as the FA bomb fins, met the governing requirement. The powder coating was applied according to the governing specification, and the physical attributes of the coating conformed to the requirements of this specification, with the exception of the fin wedges, which were slightly below the required thickness. Recommendations were offered as a result of this inspection. Personally Identifiable Information (PII) was redacted.