AERO 83A TRANSPORT ADAPTER- The Aero 83A transport adapter (fig. 9-41) consists of a

Figure 9-40.-Aero 64A soft-belt adapter mounted to Aero 58A skid adapters/Aero 21C weapon skid,

Figure 9-41.-Aero 83A transport adapter.

tubular aluminum frame with a system of movable suspension assemblies. The adapter is equipped with four rack-attachment hooks adjusted to accept 14- or 30-inch suspension lugs. The adapter is equipped with two tie-down straps to secure the load against the rubber bumpers.

The Aero 83A transport adapter is used with the Aero 58A skid adapter on the Aero 21C weapon skid for transporting empty multiple ejector racks (MERs) and triple ejector racks (TERs). One adapter can handle two

Figure 9-42.-MXU-661/E skid platform adapter assembly.

MERs or two TERs. The adapters can be stacked two high so four racks can be transported. Stack the adapters by inserting the support pins of the upper adapter into the stacking sockets of the lower adapter. Then mount the adapter on the skid by inserting the Aero 83A transport adapter support pins into the front and rear sockets of the Aero 58A. The Aero 83A has an SWL of 5,000 pounds.

MXU-661/E SKID PLATFORM ADAPTER ASSEMBLY.- The MXU-661/E skid platform adapter assembly (fig. 9-42) consists of an aluminum platform weldment, two side brackets with straps and buckles, and four stud assemblies. Two skid platform adapter assemblies are fastened to the side frames of the Aero 71A skid adapter. One MXU-661/E skid platform adapter assembly is located at each end of the Aero 71A skid adapter and attached by means of a platform stud assembly.

The MXU-661/E adapter is used on the Aero 71A. It is mounted on the front and rear parts of the Aero 58A skid adapter. This forms a flatbed on the Aero 21C weapon skid capable of holding and transporting up to 32 sonobuoys in containers.

ADU-514A/E Small Missile Adapter

The ADU-514A/E small missile adapter (fig. 9-43) is an aluminum weldment that consists of upper and lower frames with support pads, two side blocks, and buckle and strap. The adapter is used in pairs and features a three-tier design. The missile support pads are gel filled to provide contoured cradling of missiles and weapons.

The ADU-514A/E small missile adapter is used on a variety of weapon skids, transporters, and trailers for transporting up to six each of the following missiles: AIM-7 series, AIM-120 series, AMRAAM, AIM-9 series, and AGM-114B.

ADU-567/E Wing/Fin Guard Adapter

The ADU-567/E adapter (fig. 9-44) consists of a tube extension, pivot tube, two guards, main tube

_{Figure 9-43.-ADU514A/E small missile adapter.}

Figure 9-44.-ADU-567/E wing/fin guard adapter.

weldment, and retractable spring-locking plungers. The tube extension can be retracted and locked into the main tube weldment, and the two guards can be pivoted and locked in a flat position to create a compact shipping and stowage package.

The ADU-567/E adapter provides protection for

Sidewinder AIM-9 wings and fins when attached to the ADU-514/E small missile adapter during transporting and handling.