the nitrogen system supply tube is routed through the
electrical wiring harness to the power supply.
DETENT, DETENT LOCK, DETENT-LOCK
SOLENOID, AND SNUBBERS.— The detent, detent
lock, detent-lock solenoid, and forward snubbers (fig.
3-19) make up an electromechanical system that
restricts longitudinal and lateral motion of the mounted
missile. This system prevents accidental launch or
release during catapult takeoff or arrested landings. A
slotted detent wrench/safety pin is installed through the
mechanism assembly to prevent movement of the aft
detent and to safe the launcher firing circuits. It is also
used to raise the aft detent lug sufficiently to clear the
missile hanger during loading. The slotted detent
wrench/safety pin is removed before flight. When the
detent is down (normal), the striker points make contact
with the buttons (contacts) on the forward hanger of the
missile. The forward striker point does not have a
function for the missile; the aft striker point makes
contact between the missile and the firing safety switch.
NITROGEN CONTROLVALVE.— The nitrogen
control valve is a solenoid-operated shutoff valve that
controls the flow of nitrogen from the receiver assembly
to the missile. Operation of the control valve is
controlled from the cockpit by the pilot.
Power Supply
One power supply is available for use in the
launcher. Power supply PP-2581/A is a single-phase
power supply. It is a self-contained unit with connectors
on each end. The aft connector links the power supply
and the mechanism assembly. The forward connector
provides the connection to the missile’s umbilical cable.
Forward Fairing Assembly
The forward fairing assembly is an aluminum
casting that mounts to the forward end of the outer
housing to provide an aerodynamic nose to the front of
the launcher. It has two doors that are spring-loaded to
open. These doors provide access to the umbilical hook
support assembly.
Umbilical Hook Support Assembly
The umbilical hook support assembly mounts to the
forward housing rails and, during missile loading, is
connected to the missile umbilical shear block. At
missile launch, the mechanism snaps up, retracting the
sheared end of the umbilical cable into the launcher to
prevent interference with the missile hangers.
Fin Retainer Assemblies
Two fin retainer assemblies are mounted to the
forward end of the housing assembly beneath the
forward fairing assembly. The fin retainer is a small,
U-shaped bracket that contains two spring retainers that
Figure 3-19.—Mechanism assembly detent and snubbers.
3-24
