and launching system for the AIM-7 Sparrow missile.
The launchers are mounted internally in the fuselage
structure.
They are self-contained, gas-operated
mechanisms, capable of suspending and ejecting the
AIM-7 Sparrow missile. Ejection force is supplied by
two CCU-45 impulse cartridges ignited by an electrical
impulse applied by the missile firing switch. The
rapidly expanding gases actuate the ejector pistons and
release the missile from the launcher. Power is applied
to the missile guidance control system through the
umbilical plug.
An actuator-operated safety device
prevents inadvertent firing of launcher cartridges.
LAU-117/A GUIDED MISSILE
LAUNCHER
The LAU-117/A guided missile launcher (fig. 3-24)
is a reusable launcher that completes the F/A-18 aircraft
suspension and launching system for the Maverick,
AGM-65, air-to-ground missile. The mechanical
structure of the launcher is built around a box-section
channel or rail, which supports the missile. The missile
hooks contact the rail surfaces or tracks, which are hard,
anodized metal treated with a dry lubricant. Two lug
fittings and lugs provide mechanical interface with the
bomb rack. The two lug fittings provide smooth
surfaces for the bomb rack sway braces. The missile
restraint device is recessed into the rail channel between
the lug fittings. A stop on one side of the rail track
engages the missile aft hook to prevent damage to the
umbilical connector during loading. The rear of the rail
channel provides mounting for the launcher electronic
assembly and the umbilical engaging assembly. The
launcher electronic assembly houses all electronic
circuitry. Fairings at the front of the rail, the front of the
front lug fitting, and the rear of the launcher electronic
assembly provide aerodynamic surfaces. Special
brackets and bushings are provided for the Navy’s single
hoist ordnance loading system. The launcher can be
suspended from the BRU-32 bomb rack on the inboard
and outboard pylons. An electrically operated safety
device prevents inadvertent loss of the missile.
LAU-118/A GUIDED MISSILE
LAUNCHER
The LAU-118/A guided missile launcher (fig. 3-25)
is a reusable launcher that completes the F/A-18 and
EA6B aircraft suspension and launching system for the
HARM, AGM-88, air-to-ground guided missile. The
launcher consists of the launcher housing, forward and
aft fairing assemblies, forward and aft launcher tracks,
suspension lugs, insert plugs, and internal electrical
components. The launcher is a structurally modified
Aero 5B-1. The LAU-118/A is suspended from the
BRU-32 bomb rack (Aero 7 on A-6 aircraft) on the
inboard and outboard pylons. An electrically operated
retention mechanism prevents inadvertent loss of the
missile.
LAU-92/A GUIDED MISSILE
LAUNCHER
The LAU-92/A guided missile launcher (fig. 3-26)
carries and launches the AIM-7 (series) Sparrow guided
missile on the F- 14 aircraft. The launcher is installed in
semisubmerged fuselage stations 3, 4, 5, and 6. It is
Figure 3-24.—LAU-117/A guided missile launcher.
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