The Mk 26 GMLS strikedown/intertransfer system is used for strikedown onloads and offloads. It is also used for intertransfer movement of missiles between RSRs. The Mk 26 GMLS is adaptable to all standard replenishment methods.

The strikedown/intertransfer system can be divided into two primary equipment areas. The strikedown/ intertransfer mechanism is the main component of the system. It functions above and below deck. Components on the strikedown end of the RSRs work with this mechanism in transferring missiles. The other equipment area involves the portable, on-deck handling equipments. Different equipments are used for AAW and ASW rounds.

Strikedown/Intertransfer Mechanism

The strikedown/intertransfer mechanism moves the missiles between the deck and magazine and from RSR to RSR. The mechanism consists of six major assemblies, as shown in figure 8-7.

Figure 8-7.-Mk 26 GMLS strikedown/intertransfer mechanism.

The strikedown support structure mounts the equipment used to raise and lower the carrier assembly. The carrier assembly rides up and down on guide rails, and it is moved by a threaded screw shaft. The shaft is rotated by a small hydraulic motor.

The index drum is a major subassembly of the carrier. It is mounted on top of the carrier and supports the strikedown beam assembly. Hydraulic components of the index drum serve to position the strikedown beam. When the carrier assembly is in the magazine, the index drum can be rotated 60 on either side of the centerline. This rotation aligns the strikedown be am to the A-RSR or the B-RSR. When the carrier assembly is raised to deck level, the index drum can be rotated 80 on either side of the centerline. This rotation aligns the strikedown beam to the A-receiver or B-receiver positions on deck. At all five positions, the index drum is latched in place.

Components within the index drum also elevate and depress the strikedown beam. The strikedown beam is hinged to the index drum. The beam is depressed to horizontal to pickup a missile from or deliver it to the on-deck handling equipment. It is elevated to vertical and latched to ride up and down the support structure.

A strongback assembly (fig. 8-8) hangs from the strikedown beam. It is used to secure a missile to or

Figure 8-8.-Strikedown beam and strongback assemblies.

release it from the beam. The strongback is capable of extending and retracting at both the vertical and _{horizontal positions.} Four separate openings in the strongback accept the forward and aft shoes of the AAW and ASW missiles. Shoe latches within these openings secure the missile to the strongback.

When the strikedown beam is horizontal, the extended strongback is capable of some small vertical and lateral movements. The mobility of the extended strongback enables it to align itself to the missile shoes. When the strikedown beam is vertical, the extended strongback is only allowed a small lateral movement. When the strongback is fully retracted to the beam, it is latched securely in place.

The strikedown beam also serves to identify the missiles to the control system. The identification takes place through various proximity switches and an AAW identification probe. Missile group and type information is sent to the ICS even before the missile is lowered to the magazine.

The strikedown marine hatch (refer to fig. 8-7) is the last major component of the strikedown/ intertransfer mechanism. The hatch is hydraulically opened and closed by the MCC operator. A strikedown control panel is mounted to the underside of the hatch. When the hatch is opened for strikedown operations, the panel is exposed. This panel permits local control of the strikedown operations performed on deck. Note the functions of the switches and lamps of the panel, as shown in figure 8-9.

The strikedown/intertransfer mechanism receives its hydraulic fluid supply from either the A- or B-RSR/hoist power-drive accumulator system. A manual transfer valve is positioned to select A-side or B-side supplies. The fluid from one system is not allowed to intermix with the other.