ADU-488/E Wing, Fin, and Fuze Adapter

The ADU-488/E wing, fin, and fuze adapter (fig. 9-31) is an aluminum container that contains different features to transport a variety of ordnance components. Preformed urethane channels that provide protection for

Figure 9-31.-ADU-488/E wing, fin, and fuze adapter.

wings and fins are installed in the base. Above the base are two hinged plates, which are lowered onto the wings and fins to hold them in place. There are two cushioned plates that are lowered from their stowed position and that provide holes for fuzes.

The ADU-488/E wing, fin, and fuze adapter is used by ordnance personnel to transfer different ordnance and ordnance components from weapons breakout areas to the flight deck/flight line.

AERO 21C WEAPON SKID AND MHK-128/M32K-5(V) MUNITIONS TRANSPORTER

The Aero 21C weapon skid (fig. 9-32) is a welded tubular frame equipped with a box section of drilled

Figure 9-32.-Aero 21C weapon skid.

steel bars, which provide the mounting holes for attaching various adapters. It has two axles and four rubber wheels. The two front wheels are equipped with drum brakes. The brakes are actuated by the brake lever located on the draw bar. The brakes are applied automatically when the spring-loaded brake lever is in the down position. To release the brakes, pull the brake lever upward toward the T on the drawbar. The brakes shoes are actuated through the mechanical linkage located inside the drawbar. The brake lever is continually held in the upward position so the skid can move. Be careful when you release the brake lever; it is spring-loaded and can cause the lever to snap downward. This may result in damage to the mechanical linkage system. The drawbar is attached to the skid by a quick-release pin. This pin also connects the brake linkage between the skid and the brake lever on the drawbar.

Two drawbars are available for use with the Aero 21C weapon skid. Use the short drawbar to transport short weapons or when working in an area where a long handle cannot be used. Use the long drawbar to transport long weapons, such as missiles, flare dispensers, or rocket launchers. The skid has an SWL of 5,000 pounds. It is used with various adapters to transport or load weapons, stores, and equipment.

The MHU-191/M munitions transporter (fig. 9-33) has a tubular frame with four rubber-tired wheels and a telescoping drawbar. The MHU-191/M is essentially the same as the Aero 21C weapon skid, except that the MHU-191/M has an improved braking system. When equipped with various adapters, it is used to transport and load various weapons, stores and equipment.

The MHK-128/M32K-5(V) munitions transporter (fig. 9-34) consists of a frame assembly with 53 pairs of mounting holes, four 14-inch wheels with solid tires, and a retractable or nonretractable drawbar. It has a mechanically actuated deadman and drum brakes on the two front wheels. Release the brake by using the hand lever on the drawbar handle. You steer the transporter by horizontally moving the drawbar.

The MHK-128/M32K-5(V) munitions transporter is used with the ADK-362/M32K-5(V) multiweapons adapter to transport a preconfigured multiweapon or single-weapon load from the stowage area to the aircraft. The transporter has a low-frame structure. It can be positioned under low wing stations of an aircraft. The MHK-128/M32K-5(V) munitions transporter has an SWL of 5,000 pounds. It is used with various adapters.

Aero 58A Skid Adapter

The Aero 58A skid adapter (fig. 9-35) has a front and rear section. These sections are similar in design. The primary difference is the base-the front section has a 10-inch base and the rear section has a 15-inch base, These front and rear sections fit on the rails of the

Figure 9-33.-MHU-191/M munitions transporter.

Figure 9-34.-MHK-128/M32K-5(V) munitions transporter.

skid. Each adapter section has two removable rubber rollers supporting the weapon. These rollers are adjustable from one to six positions to accommodate weapons of different diameters. Nylon straps hold the weapon in place.

One set of Aero 58A skid adapters has an SWL of 5,000 pounds. It holds a single weapon up to 30.5 inches in diameter. This adapter can also be used with the MHU-125/E platform skid, MHU-126/M munitions trailer, and the MHK-128/M32K-5 munitions transporter.

Figure 9-35.-Aero 58A skid adapter mounted on an Aero 21C weapon skid.

ADU-483/E SKID ADAPTER ASSEMBLY.- The ADU-483/E skid adapter assembly (fig. 9-36) consists of one steel upper-frame section with two removable rubber rollers and a nylon tie-down strap with a buckle. A quick-release pin is used to attach and secure the two adapter assemblies together at the top. This forms a complete load-bearing assembly that supports two cylindrical weapons side by side. The position of the outboard roller is fixed. The inboard roller can be positioned in either of two positions to hold weapons of different diameters.

The ADU-483/E skid adapter assembly is used in pairs with the Aero 58A skid adapters. When mounted on the top of two Aero 58A skid adapters (front and rear) and secured with quick-release pins, the ADU-483/E skid adapter assembly supports two weapons from 9 to

16 inches in diameter. Two pairs of the ADU-483/E skid adapters have an SWL of 4,000 pounds. When the skid adapter assemblies are installed, the Aero 58A skid adapter is limited to weapons with a maximum diameter of 16 inches.