to control the pattern of store releases. Other units
preselect the desired arming of bomb fuzes. Each
serves a definite purpose in accurately delivering
weapons against the enemy.
The Navy uses a wide variety of suspension
equipment. Suspension equipment is designed to
accommodate
a
certain
maximum
weight.
The
structural strength of the aircraft determines the
maximum weight that may be suspended. The aircraft
weight capacity per rack is usually less than rack design
capability.
Several representative types of suspension and
releasing equipment are discussed briefly in the
following text.
BOMB RACKS
Aircraft bombs, torpedoes, mines, and other stores
are suspended either internally or externally by bomb
racks. Bomb racks carry, arm, and release these stores.
The BRU-14 (series) bomb rack (fig. 8-31)
suspends and releases conventional and nuclear
weapons/stores weighing up to 2,200 pounds with a
14-inch suspension. In certain applications, adapter
assemblies are added to increase the suspension
capacity to 30 inches.
When a weapon/store is loaded onto the bomb rack,
the suspension lugs on the weapon/store engage the
heel of the bomb rack suspension hooks. This causes
the hooks to pivot up and engage the suspension lugs.
The hooks are held in the closed position by sears.
When the pilot initiates bomb release, an electrical
signal is routed through the weapon system circuits to
the bomb rack. This signal activates a solenoid that
activates the release linkage in the bomb rack. This
causes the suspension hooks to open, letting the
weapon/store fall away from the aircraft. The BRU-14
has a CAD backup release method if the primary
method fails. When the CAD is fired, the release
linkage frees the weapon/store.
BOMB EJECTOR RACKS
Bomb ejector racks differ from standard bomb
racks. Ejection racks use electrically fired impulse
cartridges to open the suspension hook linkage and
eject the weapon/store. When in flight, a vacuum can be
created under the fuselage and wings of the aircraft. In
some cases, this vacuum will prevent the released
weapon/store from entering the airstream and falling to
the target. Physical contact between the weapon/store
and the aircraft structure may result. This could cause
damage to or loss of the aircraft. Bomb ejector racks
eject the weapon/store from the bomb rack with
sufficient force to overcome this vacuum and ensure a
safe release.
8-25
ARMING UNITS
BELLCRANK
LINEAR ELECTRO-MECHNICAL
ACTUATOR (LEMA)
COCKING
KNOB
AUXILIARY UNLOCK
ASSEMBLY (IFOBRL)
IN-FLIGHT OPERABLE BOMB RACK LOCK (IFOBRL)
ELECTROMECHANICAL
ACTUATOR (IFOBRL)
MANUAL ACTIVATION
KNOB (IFOBRL)
LOCKBAR
(IFOBRL)
SECONDARY RELEASE
ASSEMBLY
STORE SUSPENSION HOOKS
ANF0831
Figure 8-31.—BRU-14 (series) aircraft bomb rack.
