Digital Display Indicators
The digital display indicators (DDIs) (fig. 15-16)
are located on the rear cockpit instrument panel vertical
consoles. The DDIs on aircraft 161354 through 163778
are connected in parallel with the DDIs in the front
cockpit and respond to the last action taken by either
pilot. Rear DDIs on F/A-18D 163986 and up have
independent displays.
Armament Computer
The armament computer (fig. 15-17) is interfaced
with and controlled by the mission computers. The
armament computer is also interfaced with and controls
the weapon station command encoders-decoders. The
armament computer has a weapon insertion panel (fig.
15-18) with code wheels. These code wheels are used
to enter the code into the weapon-type (ARMAMENT’)
and nose or tail fuzes (FUZING). The weapon-type
code must match the weapon loaded, and the nose fuze
or tail fuze code must be compatible with the weapon
or the armament computer won’t allow it to release
normally. For weapons without nose or tail fuzes, the
codes must still match the weapon loaded
Digital Computers
Two digital computers makeup the mission computer
system and control the avionics systems. They interface
with the armament computer and allow the armament
computer to route power to the encoders-decoders for
weapon release. The digital computers are controlled
by the MC switch on the MC/HYD ISOL panel.
Jettison System
The jettison system gives the pilot or crew a way to
jettison weapons, stores, launchers, and fuel tanks. The
Figure 15-17.—Armament computer.
jettison system has three modes of release-emergency
jettison, selective jettison, and auxiliary jettison.
The emergency jettison mode jettisons all weapons
from the five pylon stations.
The selective jettison mode individually jettisons
the left fuselage missile, the right fuselage missile,
racks, launchers, and stores.
The auxiliary jettison mode is a gravity mode to
jettison the five pylon stations when emergency and/or
selective jettison fails.
Bomb Release System
The bomb release system provides the aircraft with
capabilities for release of conventional weapons. The
system uses the BRU-32, BRU-33, BRU-41, and
BRU-42 gas ejector bomb racks for suspension and
release of weapons. Normal release is provided in four
electrically controlled modes of operation. The system
Figure 15-18.—Weapon insertion panel.
15-17
