AUTOMATIC MODE

Figure 7-25.-Pylon/rack assembly. circuitry for control and release of search and kill stores from the aircraft. In the P-3C aircraft, system control is con- centrated between the pilot and TACCO, with the copilot and other crew members having minor control functions. In the S-3A aircraft, the control is concentrated between the TACCO and copilot. The pilot and SENSO also have control functions available. In both aircraft, the pilot has final control over the release of stores through the master arm and search power switches. The basic operation of the release and control systems of both aircraft are discussed in the following text. Remember, this information is of a general nature. For more detailed information, refer to the aircraft’s MIMs. Operation The system’s primary mode of operation is the automatic (on-line) mode. This mode uses the computer, logic units, crew member’s keysets, bomb bay rack lock panel (P-3C), multipurpose data displays, pilot’s armament control panel (ACP), and other displays and panels to control and monitor the system. The manual mode uses the same com- ponents, less the computer and logic units, through the TACCO’s manual weapon control box (P-3C) and the main auto key select on the pilot’s ACP (S-3A). AUTOMATIC MODE.— The automatic mode permits a method of search and kill store management that allows maximum flexibility and control of the system while minimizing the amount of necessary manual action required by the aircrew. In the automatic mode, the system is designed to have the computer and its subsystems perform the following functions: 1. Maintain an up-to-date inventory of all stores on the aircraft and provide weapon inventory that can be called up for display on the TACCO’s auxiliary readout (P-3C) or any crew member’s MPD (S-3A). 2. Determine the availability of a selected weapon and select the weapon station from which the weapon is to be released (station priority). 3. Energize the armament system relays at the proper time, in the proper sequence, and for the proper time duration to accomplish a store release under joint computer and operator control. 4. Instruct the operator, by cuing via a light display or readout on the MPD, to perform a manual 7-19