An Mk 26 GMLS strikedown onload may be studied in three phases: preparations, on-deck operations, and below-deck operations. Many of the equipment actions do overlap. An entire onload sequence can be performed rather rapidly either in step or auto control. In our discussion, we will onload one AAW missile using the A-side of the GMLS.

SYSTEM PREPARATIONS.- The MCC operator performs the initial steps to ready the GMLS. After activating the control system, a missile-type designation is assigned to an empty hanger rail. The A-RSR/hoist motor is started, and the manual transfer valve is shifted to provide hydraulic fluid to the

Figure 8-12.-ASW container receiver plate.

strikedown mechanism. The MCC operator selects either auto or step strikedown loading control and opens the marine hatch.

The deck control operator (DCO) establishes communications with the MCC operator. The strikedown control panel is turned ON. Deck personnel remove the protective cover from a receiver piston assembly (which one depends on the replenishing side of the ship).

The DCO raises the receiver to set up the AAW dolly deck track and receiver beam. After the handling equipment is installed, the receiver and beam are lowered. The system is then ready to receive the first missile.

ON-DECK OPERATIONS.- The transfer dolly arrives on deck and is pushed onto the AAW dolly deck track. The missile is aligned and secured over the receiver beam. The DCO operator raises the carrier from the magazine. After the strikedown beam reaches the strikedown level (raised position), the index drum is rotated 80 from center to the selected receiver position. The strikedown beam is then depressed to its horizontal position over the missile. Identification then takes place. The DCO visually identifies the missile as an AAW or ASW type. A missile identification switch on the panel is placed in the AAW/ASW MISSILE position. The strongback will extend its full distance in this case. The other two switch positions (fig. 8-9), the SSM MISSILE and OFF positions, limit strongback extend-distance to accommodate the larger diameter SSM round. Both positions are inactive at that time.

Ensuring the strongback shoe latches are retracted, the DCO extends the strongback to the missile. The receiver piston is raised to place the upper missile shoes in the shoe recesses of the strongback. Jogging the RAISE switch controls the amount of receiver travel. (About 3 1/2 inches of lift is required to seat the missile shoes.) On-deck personnel make final alignment adjustments using the various lever handles. The missile is shifted from the dolly to the strongback. The DCO closes the strongback shoe latches and retracts the loaded strongback to the strikedown beam.

The second phase of missile identification has just taken place. Proximity switches were activated when the forward and aft missile shoe latches engaged. For an AAW missile, a switch was activated to identify the AAW missile group. The AAW identification probe of the strikedown beam (similar to the identification probe at the RSR hoist station) was extended into the round to identify the AAW missile type. If an ASW missile was

loaded, one switch would identify the round as an ASW type. Another switch would activate if the missile was a depth charge configuration. The purpose of strikedown beam identification (topside) is to generate control system orders. The RSR may then automatically index an empty hanger rail with the same missile type assignment to the strikedown position.

Back on deck, the DCO raises the loaded strikedown beam to vertical. The index drum is rotated to centerline and latched. The carrier is lowered into the magazine and stops at the intertransfer level. While the carrier is lowering, snubber wedges on the selected hanger rail unlatch. The snubbers open to receive the missile from the strikedown beam.

BELOW-DECK OPERATIONS.- When the carrier reaches the intertransfer level, the MCC operator assumes control. The AAW identification probe is retracted, and the index drum is rotated 60$ to the A-RSR hanger rail. The hanger rail load segments open to receive the missile shoes. The strongback and missile then extend outward.

When the missile engages the hanger rail, the load segments close around the missile shoes. The carrier lowers 6 inches to the carrier stowage level. Lowering the carrier and missile engages the missile shoe restraining latches. The strongback shoe latches open, and the strongback retracts to the strikedown beam. The index drum rotates the beam back to centerline. The snubbers close and the snubber wedges engage.

One missile onload has just been completed. If additional rounds are to be onloaded, the process starts over again when the DCO raises the carrier. If the onload is finished, personnel topside disconnect and stow the handling equipment. The MCC operator closes the marine hatch and returns the GMLS to normal.