Figure 4-52.—Main hydraulic accumulator.
Volume-Normal Actuator
The volume-normal actuator is located in the top of
the cylinder (see fig. 4-52). When the piston reaches a
position near the top of the cylinder, it actuates a lever
that operates the hydraulic-accumulator-volume-normal
limit switch. This breaks the interlock to prevent firing
of the catapult when there is insufficient hydraulic fluid
in the accumulator to operate the launching valves.
Air Flask
The air flask is a container of compressed air,
which is used to maintain nearly constant hydraulic-
fluid pressure in the accumulator. (See fig. 4-53.) As the
fluid in the accumulator is used, the air pressure forces
the piston upward, displacing the fluid. Because of the
large volume of air in the air flask, the pressure change
in the accumulator is relatively small.
Cable Tensioner Assembly
The advance and retract cable tensioners operate
hydraulically to keep the retraction-engine cables tight
4-42
Figure 4-53.—Air flask.
