Chaff Module

You load the chaff module (item 7) with chaff, decoy flares, jammers, or a mixture of these payloads and a squib board (item 6). Then, insert it into the module cavity (item 5). Secure the chaff module in the cavity by locking the four positive locking latches (item 9). The 120 chaff tubes (item 10) contain the payloads. Each pod houses two separate modules.

Squib Board

The squib board (item 6) has four layers fastened and bonded together. The top layer is a thin sheet metal cover. The second layer is composed of edge spacers to provide a wire cavity for squib circuits. The remaining layers are composed of electrical insulating and fire-retardant materials. Two 61-pin electrical connectors connect the squib board harness (item 13) to the intervalometer circuitry. Place the squib board, with 120 Mk 131 impulse cartridges inserted, on top of the chaff module and secure it with eight captive attachment screws.

Intervalometer

The intervalometer (item 2) is used to control the burst rate. The intervalometer circuitry responds to the settings on the pod control indicator or the cockpit control indicator. The intervalometer contains a solid-state component electronic timing pulser to switch the two automatic stepping switches. The stepping switches will operate individually for singles firing or in parallel for doubles firing.

Figure 10-42.-Pod control indicator.

Lanyard Disconnect Switch

The lanyard disconnect switch (item 11) is the main safety feature preventing cartridge detonation during chaff loading and ground maintenance. The switch is normally in the closed position. It is deactivated (opened) by inserting the lanyard pin in the switch socket. With the pin inserted, the lanyard disconnect switch opens the intervalometer circuitry and removes the electrical path to the squib board circuits.

Access Plates

The two access plates (item 12) provide access to the pod electrical connectors.

Pod Control Indicator

The pod control indicator (fig. 10-42) is located on the bottom center of the pod. It provides a means of selecting the burst rate and firing sequence. The controls are preset before flight to meet expected mission requirements. Table 10-1 lists the eight combinations of firing that can be obtained by

Table 10-1.-Firing Time and Sequence

positioning of the two rotary selector switches (BURST RATE and SINGLE/DOUBLE) on the pod control indicator. There is also a reset switch and reset light indicator on the pod control indicator so the intervalometer can be recycled to the starting position.

Cockpit Control Indicator

The cockpit control indicator (fig. 10-43) is an optional feature of the dispensing set. The controls on the cockpit control indicator override those on the pod control indicator, letting the operator select the burst rate and dispensing pattern after the aircraft is airborne.

In addition to the burst rate and single or double rotary switches, the cockpit control indicator has four pod select switches, a power ON switch, and four chaff remaining counters. This gives the pilot individual or simultaneous control of four separate dispensing sets while airborne. The cockpit control indicator has no reset feature. When the aircraft doesn't use the cockpit control indicator, any 28-volt dc power source having a cockpit control switch may be used for operation. When the system is used, the burst rate and dispensing pattern are controlled by the preset controls on the pod control indicator.

For further information on the AN/ALE-37A chaff dispensing set, you should refer to Countermeasures Chaff Dispensing Set, AN/ALE-37A, NAVAIR 16-30ALE37-1.

Figure 10-43.-Cockpit control indicator. 10-38

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize safety precautions to follow when handling suspension, arming, and releasing equipment.

As an AO, you need to be concerned with safety when working with suspension, arming, and releasing systems. It is doubtful there is a petty officer in the Navy who has not witnessed a minor mishap with suspension, arming, and releasing equipment. Accidents can be prevented if safety precautions and maintenance instructions are followed. Accidents can be prevented if personnel are trained and educated to work on the equipment. As a petty officer, it is part of your job to follow safety precautions and maintenance instructions and train new personnel. A few safety precautions that you need to follow, and train your subordinates to follow, are shown below.

Keep all components of the various systems clean, well adjusted, and lubricated as prescribed.

Make operational checks or periodic inspections of the system under the direct supervision of fully qualified personnel.

Never insert your fingers or tools into a rack when the rack is cocked.

Check wiring and electrical fittings regularly. Replace frayed or broken wiring. Check plugs for condition and proper installation.

Never bypass safety circuits or devices or make them inoperative. Don't use any safety pin other than the prescribed one. When stores are loaded, install safety pins or other safety devices as prescribed while the aircraft is on the ground.

Never install or arm an ejector rack unless the safety pin(s) and flag(s) are in place.

Don't use an ohmmeter to check electrical continuity of an electrically primed cartridge.

Remove or electrically disconnect all cartridges from the rack firing circuits before removing any component.

Install only the prescribed cartridges in ejector devices.

Never allow a dual breech ejector unit to be fired without two cartridges or a cartridge and authorized filler plug in the breeches.

Never allow an ejector unit to be fired without a store latched in place.

When loading stores, inspect all handling gear carefully. Don't use doubtful gear.

When loading stores, make sure that the store is in position and the rack is securely locked before removing hoists.

Don't place any part of your body under stores being loaded or unloaded if it is possible to accomplish the job without doing so. When installing suspension equipment, torque all installation bolts or screws to the prescribed torque value. Make sure all final work performed on the armament system is inspected by quality assurance personnel familiar with the system. Operational tests should be made on repaired systems where necessary.