Section III. MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES
3-2. Introduction. The following paragraphs give an overview of the batteries used
with the ARABS.
a.
AGU Batteries. The AGU is powered by maintenance-free lead acid
batteries. These batteries use a unique gelled electrolyte which allows
them to be used while oriented in any position. With proper care, the
batteries will provide two years of useful life under the light to moderate
load requirements imposed by this homing guidance system. The AGU
uses two 12-volt, 6 ampere-hour batteries for primary power. Fully
charged batteries at a temperature of -40F will power the AGU for 30
minutes of normal flight time. At battery temperatures of +60F,
approximately 2 hours of operation can be expected before recharging is
required. The actual battery life prior to recharging will be a function of
the number of steering maneuvers required during an individual flight.
Automatic radial homing at the longer ranges where steering requirements
are moderate will extend useful battery life. Excessive manual steering
will reduce the time required before the batteries must he recharged.
Using brakes in either Manual or Auto mode drains the batteries twice as
fast as manual steering.
3-4
