Mechanism Assembly
The mechanism assembly is an electromechanical
device that holds the missile for takeoffs and landings
and releases the missile for launching. It mounts in the
center of the housing assembly forward of the receiver
assembly. The subassemblies of the mechanism
assembly are discussed in the following paragraphs.
ELECTRICAL HARNESS ASSEMBLY.—The
electrical harness assembly consists of the appropriate
connectors and wiring to interconnect between the
aircraft power and firing circuits and the launcher. Also,
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.
3-18) 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
CONTROL
VALVE.—The
nitrogen control valve is a solenoid-operated shutoff
valve that controls the flow of nitrogen from the
receiver assembly to the missile. The pilot controls
operation of the control valve from the cockpit.
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
3-22
AFT DETENT LUG
AFT STRIKER POINT
STRIKER POINT BUSHINGS
FORWARD
STRIKER POINT
FORWARD
DETENT LUG
FORWARD
SNUBBERS
DETENT LOCKING BAR
NOTE: 1. MECHANISM ASSEMBLY SHOWN REMOVED
FROM LAUNCHER AND COMPRESSED FOR CLARITY.
AOf0318
Figure 3-18.—Mechanism assembly detent and snubbers.
