Abstract: An attachment assembly includes a conically tapered missile body interface surface of a missile body attachment interface wedged against a conically tapered missile component interface surface of a missile body attachment interface. The missile body attachment interface also includes an engagement rod for locked engagement by a hook of the missile component attachment interface. Specifically, the missile component attachment interface includes an auto-adjusting assembly having a series of pivoting arms connected to a rotatable engagement drive at a first end thereof and a hook at a second end thereof. The auto-adjusting assembly is moveable between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and a third position. The missile component attachment interface includes a pre-loaded over-center mechanism operably coupled to the auto-adjusting assembly and configured to lock the hook in engagement with the engagement rod in the third position.

Abstract: An attachment assembly a conically tapered missile body interface surface of a missile body attachment interface wedged against a conically tapered missile component interface surface of a missile body attachment interface. The missile body attachment interface also includes an engagement rod for locked engagement by a hook of the missile component attachment interface. Specifically, the missile component attachment interface includes an auto-adjusting assembly having a series of pivoting arms connected to a rotatable engagement drive at a first end thereof and a hook at a second end thereof. The auto-adjusting assembly is moveable between a first position and a second position, and between the second position and a third position. The missile component attachment interface includes a pre-loaded over-center mechanism operably coupled to the auto-adjusting assembly and configured to lock the hook in engagement with the engagement rod in the third position.

Abstract: Electromagnetic attenuation of an object is accomplished by attaching a boot to a surface of an operational part of the object. The boot includes a thermoplastic material, such as in a thermoplastic layer, and an electromagnetic attenuation material, such as in an electromagnetic attenuation layer that overlies at least part of the thermoplastic layer. The attaching is accomplished by placing the boot onto the operational part, and then heat shrinking the boot to attach the boot to the operational part. The electromagnetic attenuation layer may have gaps in it prior to the heat shrinking, gaps that are closed during the heat shrinking, to the greater contraction of the thermoplastic layer. The boot and method may be used to advantageously provide electromagnetic attenuation without a need for spraying processes. The method may be used to retrofit and/or repair an object, without needed to remove it from the field.