MK 2 NOSE-GEAR-LAUNCH SYSTEM
The nose-gear-launch (NGL) equipment
designed to assist in the launching of aircraft
providing a positive and automatic means
is
by
of
attaching the aircraft launch bar to the catapult
shuttle and spreader.
This means of aircraft
“hookup” enhances flight deck safety by minimizing
the number of catapult personnel required to be
near the aircraft during launching operations. The
major components of the Mk 2 NGL system include
the flush-deck guide track, slide assembly, actuator
reset assembly, shuttle spreader, and buffer cylinder
assembly. These components and their operation
arc discussed in the following paragraphs.
NOSE-GEAR-LAUNCH GUIDE TRACK
The flush-deck track (fig. 5-10), which guides the
aircraft launch bar into engagement with the
catapult shuttle spreader assembly, has an approach
track, buffer-cylinder track, aft slide-access track,
forward slide-access track, and a forward track. The
approach track contains a V-shaped mouth to ease
engagement of the launch bar and guide it into the
track.
As the aircraft moves forward, the launch bar
slides in grooves constructed in each track. Inserts,
to provide a caroming surface, are installed in both
the forward slide-access track and the forward track.
These inserts ensure that the aircraft launch bar
makes positive contact with the buffer hook actuator
roller and that the launch bar is guided properly
into the spreader assembly. A track seal is installed
during bridle-launch operations and when the
catapult is not operating.
NOSE-GEAR-LAUNCH SLIDE
The slide assembly (fig. 5-11) consists of a body
to which are mounted rollers, which reduce friction
during forward and aft movement of the assembly;
the buffer hook, which engages the aircraft
hold-back bar; and the buffer-hook actuator
assembly.
The slide assembly is mechanically
connected to the buffer-cylinder piston rods by three
links.
During operation, as the aircraft moves fomward,
the launch bar, sliding in the track-guide grooves,
contacts the buffer-hook-actuator-assembly roller,
forcing it to rotate forward and down. The
buffer-hook actuator lever, on which the roller is
assembled, is forced against the underside of the
buffer hook. This action raises the buffer hook into
Figure 5-10.—Nose-gear-launch guide track.
5-12
