GUIDED MISSILE LAUNCHERS LEARNING  OBJECTIVE: Describe  the purpose and use of guided missile launchers. Identify the components of the LAU-7/A (series) guided missile launcher. Guided missile launchers provide the mechanical and electrical means of suspending and air-launching a guided missile from an aircraft. Because the physical, mechanical, and functional requirements vary for each particular missile-to-aircraft configuration (table 3-2), a brief description of each type of missile launcher is discussed in the following paragraphs. LAU-7/A (SERIES) GUIDED MISSILE LAUNCHER The LAU-7/A (series) guided missile launcher (fig. 3-17)  is  a  reusable  launcher  that  provides  a  complete launching  system  for  use  with  the  AIM-9  Sidewinder (series)  missiles.  The  launcher  (fig.  3-17)  has  four major   assemblies—the   housing   assembly,   nitrogen receiver  assembly,  mechanism  assembly,  and  power supply. Housing Assembly The   housing   assembly   is   the   main   structural member  of  the  launcher.  It  is  an  extruded,  machined aluminum  member  that  provides  structural  rigidity  to the  launcher  and  includes  provisions  for  mounting  all other   assemblies.   It   also   includes   provisions   for mounting the launcher to the aircraft. Nitrogen Receiver Assembly The nitrogen receiver assembly stores the high-pressure  nitrogen  (3,200  psig)  used  to  cool  the missile's   IR   detector   in   the   guidance   system.   Two nitrogen receiver assemblies are available for use with the launcher. One is a cylindrical fiber glass container with a corrosion-resistant metal liner, and the other is a plain cylindrical steel container. The receiver mounts in the aft section of the housing assembly and screws into the  aft  end  of  the  mechanism  assembly.  All  receivers contain a charging valve (for refilling), relief valve, and a  pressure  indicator  mounted  in  the  aft  end  of  the cylinder. The pressure indicator is color coded to ensure correct readings as follows:   Red 0 to 2.2 psi   Yellow 2.2 to 2.8 psi   Green 2.8 to 3.5 psi   White 3.5 to 5 psi All readings listed must be multiplied by 1,000 psi. 3-20 LAU-7/A AIM-9 SIDEWINDER RAIL F-14, F/A-18 LAU-92 AIM-7 SPARROW EJECTOR F-14 LAU-93 AIM-54A/C PHOENIX EJECTOR F-14 LAU-132 AIM-54C PHOENIX EJECTOR F-14D LAU-115/A AIM-7 SPARROW RAIL F/A-18 LAU-115A/A AIM-120 AMRAAM RAIL F/A-18 LAU-116/A AIM-7 SPARROW EJECTOR F/A-18 LAU-116A/A AIM-120 AMRAAM EJECTOR F/A-18 LAU-117/A(V)2/A AGM-65 MAVERICK RAIL F/A-18 LAU-118/A AGM-88 HARM RAIL EA-6B, F/A-18 LAU-127 AIM-120 AMRAAM AIM-9 SIDEWINDER RAIL F/A-18 LAU-138 AIM-9 BOL CHAFF RAIL F-14D Table 3-2.—Missile Launcher Application