CHAPTER 5
ASSOCIATED LAUNCHING EQUIPMENT
The associated launching equipment discussed in
this chapter is used in conjunction with catapults
and arresting gear. This equipment includes the jet
blast deflectors and nose gear launch equipment.
Upon completing this chapter you should be
able to do the following:
Identify procedures for operating jet blast
deflectors (JBDs) for normal and for emergency
operations.
Describe the bulletins used in launching
operations.
• Describe the operation and function of the
Mk 2 nose gear launch system.
JET BLAST DEFLECTORS
There are two basic types of jet blast deflectors
(JBDs) in use in the fleet. They are the Mk 6 and
the newer Mk 7. See table 5-1. The purpose of all
JBDs is to protect personnel, equipment, and other
aircraft from the hot exhaust gases coming from the
aircraft that is about to be launched from a catapult
(see fig. 5-1).
Table 5-1.—Mk 6 Mod 2 and Mk 7 Mod 0 Comparison Chart
5-1
