Cocking and Latching

Before you load a weapon on the Aero 65A bomb rack, cock and latch the bomb rack linkage assembly. To cock the bomb rack, you must insert a cocking lever assembly in the hoist bracket mounting hole (fig. 10-4). Pull the assembly back until the release unit plunger compresses. To latch the linkage assembly, turn the latch knob as far as it will go in the direction away from the arrow. (This ensures the linkage is aligned for latching.) Then, turn the latch knob in the direction of the arrow (fig. 10-5). Press the release bell crank forward until the sear roller rises above the sear. Then, return the release bell crank to its normal position. If the sear roller does not rest on the sear or is not visible above the sear, rotate the latch knob in the direction away from the arrow to force the sear roller down.

The suspension hooks close independently of each other. During loading of a weapon/store, the lugs pivot the hooks on the hook pins to the closed position. You must inspect the hook latch inspection holes to verify that the hook latch pins are securely held in the hook latches. The hook latches and the ends of the hook latch

Figure 10-5.-Latching procedure.

Figure 10-6.\Released, cocked, and latched configuration of the Aero 65A bomb rack.

pins are marked with fluorescent red-orange paint for easy visibility. When the hooks are latched, the painted areas are aligned, as shown in figure 10-6.

Operation

Weapons are armed mechanically and released either electrically or manually.

ELECTRICAL RELEASE.- The electrical release unit is energized through the bomb rack electrical cable assembly by a 28-volt dc power supply, which is located in the aircraft's weapons control system. When power is applied, the release unit plunger strikes the release bell crank Through the connecting link, the sear link rotates to free the lock link As the hook latches move forward, the hook springs and hook-latch springs pull the suspension hooks open. The front hook comes to rest against the hook stop, and the latches are cammed-up out of engagement. The lock link is held against the aft link by the lock link return spring.

MANUAL RELEASE.- The sequence for manual release is the same as for electrical release, except that the release bell crank is actuated by the manual release cable. The manual release cable is routed from the aircraft and connected to the manual-release cable assembly of the bomb rack

ARMING.- A 28-volt dc power supply from the aircraft's weapons control system provides voltage to energize the two arming solenoids. These solenoids electrically control mechanical arming, The arming units

are energized individually or simultaneously. When the arming units are energized, the arming wires remain in place. The store is armed as it falls from the bomb rack, When the solenoids are de-energized the store pulls the wires free of the bomb rack, and it isn't armed.

If you want more information about the Aero 65A series bomb rack, refer to Bomb Rack Models Aero 65A Series, NAVAIR 11-5E-50.