18. Prepare the electrical control system for no-load launching by turning the main power switch ON and setting the transfer and suspend switches to their NORMAL position. Check that signal lights, push buttons, SUSPEND and TRANSFER switches, and emergency and malfunction panels are operative. With the electrical control system checked out, the catapult is ready for the no-load launching. 19. Once the catapult is in readiness, the console operator receives the all clear from the deckedge operator and has the proper steam pressure. He/she places the catapult in the FIRST READY condition, The exhaust valve closes and the white FIRST READY light comes on at the console operating panel, deckedge panel, and the catapult officer’s repeater panel. NOTE All lights discussed in the remaining sequence of operations, except where stated, appear on the three panels mentioned in step 19. 20. Once the catapult is placed in the FIRST READY condition, the deckedge operator maneuvers the grab and shuttle forward, and the topside crew manually disengage the grab from the shuttle. The deckedge operator then maneuvers the grab back to the BATTERY position and informs the console operator that the grab is broken loose from the shuttle. 21. Upon receiving the standby signal from the catapult captain, the deckedge operator depresses the BRIDLE TENSION and STANDBY push buttons. The green STANDBY light comes on (the bridle tensioning system is energizing electrically but does not actuate due to the low-pressure air being secured to the control valve). 22. Upon receiving the STANDBY light, the console operator makes a final check of all the gauges, lights, and steam pressure and then puts the catapult in Final Ready. The FINAL READY push button energizes the latch lock solenoid; the launch valve clock timers are reset; the lube system actuates; and the red FINAL READY light comes on. The catapult is now ready to be fired. NOTE When any evolution involving the move- ment of the catapult shuttle is undertaken, a qualified catapult officer must be present. 23. Upon receiving the FINAL READY light, the deckedge operator signals that the catapult is in the FINAL READY condition by raising both hands over his or her head with fingers outstretched. The individual in charge, normally the catapult captain, then makes a final check of the topside area, ensuring that it is clear of all unauthorized personnel. Once this has been ascertained and the signal to stand clear of the catapult has been passed, the catapult captain gives the signal to fire the catapult by looking forward and touching the deck with his or her hand. 24. The deckedge operator, after also determining that the deck is clear, depresses the FIRE push button, energizing the fire circuit. The launch valves open, admitting steam pressure into the launching cylinders, accelerating the shuttle and piston assembly the length of the catapult. At approximately two-thirds the distance of the power stroke, the steam-operated pressure switch is actuated. This lights the blue LAUNCH COMPLETE light on the console operating panel. 25. When the grab is fully advanced, the retract buffer is out, the exhaust valve is open, and the deck tensioner is in, the green RETRACT PERMISSIVE light on the deckedge panel comes on. At this time, after checking that the deck is clear, the deckedge operator depresses the RETRACT push button, retract- ing the shuttle and piston assembly back to the BAT- TERY position. When the shuttle and grab are all the way aft, the green RETRACT COMPLETE light on the deckedge panel comes on. The catapult has now completed a full firing cycle and is ready to begin the next cycle. Catapult Launching Log Sheets During and immediately after each catapult shot, all information pertaining to that shot is recorded on a Steam Catapult Log sheet. Each log sheet has space for recording aircraft, catapult, and other pertinent data. Extreme care must be taken to provide complete and accurate information 4-65