WEAPONS LOADING

The method you use to load retard or nonretard bombs depends on the weight and configuration of the

bombs and the operational commitments. For example, you can load a 500-pound bomb onto the parent rack of an IMER/ITER by using the HLU-196/E bomb hoisting unit. But remember, you are authorized to manually load most weapons or stores weighing 1,000 pounds or less with manual hoisting bars. To meet rearming requirements of high-tempo cyclic operations, you would normally use manual hoisting bars to load individual retard or nonretard bombs that weigh 1,000 pounds or less. Weapons weighing over 1,000 pounds are normally loaded with the HLU-196/E bomb hoisting unit.

Figure 14-4.-IMER/ITER sway brace preset adjustment. 14-10

When the parent rack is ready to be loaded, position the weapon and the handling and loading equipment under the loading station. If applicable, prepare the weapon for bomb hoist loading by installing a hoisting sling on the bomb for single store hoisting. Then, you can install the bomb hoist on the parent rack and attach the hoist cable to the hoisting sling. Remove slack from the cable by operating the hoist. (Remember, one person is positioned at the front and one at the tail of the weapon to steady it while it is being hoisted.) Remove the tie-down straps that secure the weapon to the handling equipment.

If applicable, install a manual hoisting bar for manual loading by installing the HLU-256/E manual hoisting bar in the fuze well. Then, remove the weapon tie-down straps that secure the weapon to the handling equipment.

Now, the bomb hoist can be used to load the weapon,

If you use an electric fuze, hoist the weapon to about 10 inches below the rack connect the Mk 122 arming safety switch quick-disconnect connector (fig. 14-5) to the parent rack arming receptacle. Then, continue to hoist the weapon until both suspension lugs enter the suspension hooks, and the hooks latch. Visually inspect the hook lock indicators on parent racks for a hook locked indication on each set of hooks being used. Slack the hoist cable and shake the weapon gently to make sure it is supported by the suspension hooks on the IMER/ITERs lock safety stop levers.

Figure 14-5.-Mk 122 arming safety switch.

When you have finished loading the weapon on the parent rack, remove the manual hoisting bar or the bomb hoisting unit. Then you can adjust the sway braces by taking the following actions:

NOTE: Unused sway braces should remain in the full up position with the jam nuts tightened.

Adjust the sway brace adjusting screws until the sway brace pads contact the weapon.

Simultaneously tighten the forward right and aft left sway brace screws one-quarter turn with a suitable wrench.

Simultaneously tighten the forward left and aft right sway brace screws one-quarter turn. NOTE: If all sway brace screws cannot be tightened one-quarter turn on final tightening, ensure the same amount of turn is applied to each sway brace screw. The total tightening of each sway brace screw should not exceed one-half turn.

Tighten the jam nuts with a suitable wrench.

Next, you should adjust the ejector foot down until it makes contact with the weapon. Then back off to the first detent.

Then, if applicable, install the nose fuze or TDD.

Once fuzes are installed, you can install cartridges in all loaded IMER/ITER breech chambers. Screw the breech caps on all IMER/ITER breech chambers and hand tighten the breech caps. Then, install cartridges and tighten breech caps on parent rack. Verify that unloaded IMER/ITER suspension hooks are open. Place a WEAPON LOADED sign in the cockpit. Remove tools and handling or loading equipment from the area.

Weapons are loaded on an IMER/ITER in much the same way as on a parent station. The major differences are as follows:

After the weapon lugs have engaged the rack suspension hooks, the safety stop lever must be locked.

The ejector foot must be positioned down against the weapon.