The Mk 26 GMLS uses a variety of special on-deck handling equipments. They correctly align and position AAW or ASW missiles to the strongback of the strikedown beam.

Mounted flush in the strikedown area deck are two piston assemblies. They are located about 80 on either side of the strikedown beam centerline. One is for A-side operations, and one is for B-side operations. These piston assemblies are known as the receiver or positioner pistons. They also receive hydraulic fluid supply from the selected RSR/hoist accumulator system. The receiver pistons serve to raise and lower the missile between the deck and extended strongback. This operation is controlled by the on-deck strikedown control panel operator.

AAW HANDLING EQUIPMENT.- AAW-type missiles are shipped to a Mk 26 GMLS in the same transfer dolly used by other Tartar systems. But here any similarity ends. To orient an AAW missile to the strikedown beam properly, the Mk 26 GMLS uses two special devices: the AAW dolly deck track and the AAW missile receiver beam. These portable equipments are used to transfer a missile between a transfer dolly and the strikedown mechanism.

AAW Dolly Deck Track.- The AAW dolly deck track is shown in figure 8-10. It serves to guide and secure a transfer dolly over the in-deck receiver piston. When the dolly arrives on deck, it is pushed up the wheel ramps and guided along the long deck track channel. The dolly is locked in place by forward and aft wheel stops (pins).

Two alignment lever handles are used to shift the track and dolly laterally. This action aids in aligning the shoes of the missile to the AAW receiver beam.

AAW Receiver Beam.- The AAW missile receiver beam is shown in figure 8-11. It is used to transfer the missile between the transfer dolly and the strikedown beam. The beam is connected and secured to the receiver piston. It is allowed some "floating" movement to aid in missile alignment.

Figure 8-9.-On-deck strikedown control panel; front panel. 8-12

Figure 8-10.-AAW dolly deck track.

Figure 8-11.-AAW missile receiver beam.

Raising the receiver piston transfers an AAW missile from a dolly to the receiver beam. (Maximum travel is about 5 inches.) The bottom shoes of the missile enter the forward- and aft-shoe receptacles in the beam. The manual lever on the beam is turned to move a "finger" in the aft-shoe receptacle. This finger, in contact with the aft missile shoe, shifts the missile. As the missile shifts, its upper shoes are disengaged from the transfer dolly rail. At the same time, the lower shoes are engaged to the receiver beam. The receiver piston is then lowered, and the transfer dolly is cleared from the area. An offload procedure is just the opposite.

ASW HANDLING EQUIPMENT.- ASW-type missiles are shipped to a Mk 26 GMLS in Mk 183 shipping containers (instead of transfer dollies). A special piece of equipment is used to transfer an ASW missile between its shipping container and the strikedown beam. This device is called the ASW container receiver plate (fig. 8-12). The ASW receiver plate is secured to the receiver piston. It also has some degree of floating movement to aid in missile shoe alignment.

When an ASROC missile arrives on board, special hand trucks are used to position the shipping container over the receiver plate. After the container is secured to the receiver plate, the top lid of the container is removed. The strikedown beam is then depressed to horizontal. The combined acts of extending the strongback and raising the receiver piston cause the upper shoes of the missile to engage the ASW shoe latches of the strongback. When the latches are engaged, the strongback is retracted. This action lifts the missile out of its container, and the receiver piston is then lowered. An offload operation is just the opposite.