Bomb Bay System

The bomb bay system consists of the units and components needed to carry, arm, and release stores. The bomb racks are attached to brackets mounted to the aircraft in a cruciform pattern. Each of these basic installations is assigned a station number. Numbers followed by a letter (such as A or B) designate these stations for special capacities or types of stores. These stations are arranged in pairs, such as stations 1 and 2, 3 and 4, etc.

For ground maintenance without power on the S-3, you need to use a 3/8-inch drive crank to open or close the doors. Both aircraft have a ground safety pin to disable the door mechanism in the open position. The door safety pin must be inserted when you are working in the bomb bays.

The release of bomb bay stores is normally accomplished by the computer, as programmed by the TACO and controlled by the TACO with copilot backup. The pilots have final control because they must activate the master arm switch.

S-3 Configurations

The S-3 bomb bay suspension has two BRU-14/A bomb racks. The racks are suspended from the bomb bay overhead support braces. Different configurations are made by arranging the racks in various locations on the support braces. Figure 15-34 shows the configurations available for each bomb bay.

The basic configuration of the S-3 consists of dual stations-stations 1 and 2 and stations 3 and 4 across the bays. The station A configuration consists of dual tandem stations in each bay-1A and 2A, 3A and 4A. These two configurations are used, as necessary, to provide store clearance, depending on the shape and size of the store. The single store configuration consists of one station per bay-1B and 4B. This configuration is used for special purposes, such as special weapons.

The BRU-14/A rack is held in position by two mounting bolts through the forward mount. Mounting pins secured to the aircraft braces restrain the rear of the rack assembly. Electrical receptacles at each mounting position provide connection for the rack to the aircraft circuits.

Foldable scrub rails, or guides, secured to the bomb

bay centerline bulkhead, are used with some stores to prevent damage to the aircraft structure as the store falls away.

Figure 15-33.-S-3 sonobuoy launch tube arrangement.

The distribution box provides the necessary interface between the decoder and the bomb racks in both auto (computer) and manual modes. The decoder contains the necessary electronics for receiving commands from the armament control panel for arming and releasing bomb bay stations and transmitting station status information.

Wing Store System

The wing store system consists of the units and components necessary for carrying, arming, and releasing external stores. The stores are suspended from two wing stations (fig. 15-35)-W5 (left) and W6 (right).

S-3 Pylon and Rack Assembly

The S-3 pylon and rack assembly consists of a pylon supporting a BRU-11A/A ejector rack The rack is a

self-contained unit that performs all the functions of carrying, arming, and releasing the stores. It is controlled by the aircraft armament circuits. The pylon provides structural attachment between the aircraft wing and the rack. It also contains the necessary wiring and components to connect the rack to release and status indicating circuits.