resulting from water or other fluids leaking past the
FDNGL cover.
Intermediate Tough Covers
The intermediate trough covers bridge the catapult
trough to provide a smooth continuous flight deck and
are manufactured with a track section (channel) which
supports and guides the shuttle and grab during catapult
operations. All trough covers are designed to withstand
a vertical rolling load of 264,000 pounds total (132,000
pounds to each cover) in upward directional force and
100,000 pounds wheel-load in downward directional
force. The standard trough covers are made in various
lengths.
Forward Trough Covers
The forward trough covers are nothing more than
intermediate covers, machined to receive a splash bar to
prevent water from splashing up out of the water brake
tank when the spears enters the water brakes
Forward Portable Trough Covers
The forward portable trough cover is commonly
known as the water brake cover plate. In covers the
water brake area and contains access plates to allow for
sealing strip tensioner inspection. Slots and attached
scales are provided for cylinder expansion indicators.
Upper and Lower Support Bars
The upper and lower support bars are bolted to the
catapult trough wall and serve to support and align the
trough covers. In addition, the upper support bars
provide a means of securing the trough covers in place
Retainer Bars
The retainer bars bolt to and secure the trough
covers to the upper support bars
Slots Seals
The slots seals are “T” shaped rubber seals that are
installed
in
the
trough
cover
slots
during
all
non-operation periods. The slot seals aid in maintaining
proper catapult cylinder elongation, as well as
preventing deck wash, fuel and debris from entering the
catapult trough.
Track Slot ButtonS
Track slot buttons (fig. 4-32) are provided to
prevent the arresting gear purchase cables from falling
into catapult number three’s trough cover slot during
recovery operations. Track slot buttons must be
removed prior to any catapult operations
Track Slot Button Installation
1.
Removed the button from the designated ready
storage area and install 12 buttons at 12 feet
intervals beginning with the first button 12 feet
forward of catapult position.
2.
Insert speed wrench in each button latch
capscrew and turn one full turn counter-
clockwise. This will align the latches with the
button.
3.
Place the button in the track slot and turn each
latch capscrew clockwise until it is fully
tightened. Insure each latch turns to a position
perpendicular to the track slot.
4-24
3
1. COTTER PIN
2. NUT
3. CAPSCREW
4. LATCH
5. SPRING PIN
5
4
1
2
ABEf0433
Figure 4-32.—Track slot button.
