Chapter 15 Aircraft Weapons Systems

CHAPTER 15 AIRCRAFT WEAPONS SYSTEMS Modern supersonic fighter and attack aircraft attack a target automatically and accurately. These aircraft are designed and built as a completely integrated weapons system. The weapons subsystems are interconnected and dependent on each other or on other aircraft systems. For example, the bomb release system in some modes of operation depends on the aircraft's flight control system; the missile system is interconnected with the aircraft's radar system for missile guidance. In addition to delivering weapons more accurately, computer-controlled weapons systems provide a higher degree of safety by reducing human error. The Navy currently uses the F-14 and F/A-18 fighter aircraft, the P-3 and S-3 aircraft, and the SH-3 and SH-60 helicopter antisubmarine warfare weapons systems. The F/A-18 is a dual-mission aircraft (fighter/attack), and is discussed under fighter aircraft. The weapons systems used in modern aircraft are complex. The information on fighter, attack, and antisubmarine warfare weapons systems in this chapter is basic. As you work in your rating, you will learn more about specific systems, and you will be trained in their operation. FIGHTER AIRCRAFT WEAPONS SYSTEMS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify fighter aircraft weapons systems to include those used in the F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft. The following text discusses the F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft. You will be introduced to information on the available aircraft armament systems and the basic controls and components common to these systems. F-14 AIRCRAFT WEAPONS SYSTEMS The F-14 aircraft is a two-seat (in-line), supersonic, fighter aircraft. It has a servo air fitting and ground cooling air inlet fitting. The servo air fitting provides air to operate servo valves in the environmental control system during built-in-test (BIT) checks and to pressurize the AWG-9 wave guide and gun gas purge valve operation during aircraft ground checks. The ground cooling air inlet fitting provides cooling air to electronic equipment during ground operation. External power can be applied to all F-14 (series) aircraft. You can use mobile ac power plants, carrier, or hangar ac power cables to apply electrical power to the aircraft when the engines are not operating. The aircraft armament system consists of a missile control system, multiple weapons release system, M61A1 20-mm automatic gun fire control system, AN/AWW-4 fuze function control system, AN/ALE-39 decoy dispensing system, and jettison system. The F-14 armament system consists of the following basic controls and components common to all systems: � Air combat maneuver (ACM) panel � Armament control indicator panel � Displays control panel � Control stick � Master light control panel � Landing gear handle � Armament safety override switch 15-1