10.1.9 Sonobuoy Launch System Flashcards
What is the function of the gate valve?
Allows SRL reloading at any altitude
What happens when the gate valve opens?
SRL depressurizes
Door locks
(Door cannot be opened)
Note regarding gate valves for removed launchers
If an SRL and/or SSL is removed, the associated gate valve will be inoperable.
SRL UNLOCK/LOCK DOOR switch function
The unlock command closes the gate valve, waits for the pressure to equalize, and unlocks the door.
SSL UNLOCK/LOCK DOOR Switch function
Executes all actions required to lock or unlock the SSL lid including closing the gate valve.
What does GVU stand for?
Gate valve unit
Note regarding gate valve safety margin
The Gate Valve is designed with safety margin to withstand the impact of a sonobuoy launched onto a closed valve. Interlock circuitry should prevent this type of occurrence.
SRL or SSL is empty
Load mode
Buoy move pending
Load mode
Launch mode
No moves pending
Buoys loaded
PSEU AIR
Plus one of the following: Sono Arm On Tactics processing occurring; Allocated, buoys; FMCS in Tactical Mode.
Load mode
No buoys loaded or
Move pending
All of the following are true
SONO arm off
Not in tactical mode
No tactics pending
No buoys allocated
What does APS stand for?
Aft pneumatic source
What is the function of the APS?
Provides air pressure for SLS and five weapon bay stations
The APS changes the weapon bay BRUs and SLS. Which charges first and why?
BRUs first for emergency jettison (safety)
Would you take off with a loaded station at less then 3,800 psi?
No
All store stations loaded with weapons shall be charged to a minimum of 3,800 psi prior to takeoff to ensure emergency jettison is possible.
Note regarding SMS power cycle and its effect on the isolation valves
If SMS power is cycled , the isolation valves will temporarily open and pressure within the lines may bleed to the SLS and BRUs.
What is the free fall chute used for?
Smoke
SUS
Venting buoys
Do you use the FF chute liner when jettisoning buoys?
No
Do you use the FF chute liner with smokes and SUS?
Yes
Note regarding using FF chute for normal buoy operations
Use of the free fall chute for sonobuoy deployment shall be limited to emergency jettison of sonobuoys, without the liner inserted. Operational deployment of sonobuoys via the free fall chute is not authorized.
Note regarding how sonobuoys are loaded in the storage rack
All sonobuoys shall be loaded into the sonobuoy storage rack with the heaviest end (i.e., bottom) facing inboard.
What does PLS stand for?
Pneumatic launch system
How many different compressors are associated with the PLS?
Six total
One for fuselage stations
Four for wing stations
One for SLS and weapon bay
Note regarding use of fuselage stations
Use of fuselage stations is not authorized.
Are there isolation valves associated with the wing compressors? Why or why not?
No
There are no isolation valves in the wings since each wing pylon has its own HPACS.
What is the benefit of using isolation valves when required?
Isolation valves can speed up fill times of associated components (to 5k psi)
E.g. Fill time for SLS and BRUs is 105-120 minutes
Fill time for SRLs alone is 75-90 minutes
Where is the APS located?
The APS is located beneath the floorboards and between SRL Y and SSL 2.
Note regarding APS life extension
The APS life can be substantially extended by operation at pressures less than the 5,000 psi design maximum. When weapon bay stores are not loaded, a single 3,000 psi charge to all three SSL/SRL launchers will permit launch of approximately 60 sonobuoys. When stores loadout and tactical requirements permit, consideration should be given to using the following procedures (FR20 only):
See 10-52 for details
A single _______ psi charge to all three SSL/SRL launchers will permit launch of approximately __ sonobuoys.
3,000 psi
60 buoys
Where are the high pressure tanks for the SLS located?
Located in the top of each rotary launcher
Each high pressure tank holds enough air for __ buoy launches
40 buoys
High pressure tanks at the top of the SRLs are used for which systems?
SRLs and associated SSLs
I.e. X-1, y-2, z-3
Name three of the RIFL solenoid requirements for the SRLs
GMP - SONO ON Weight off wheels (i.e. PSEU- air) Pressure vessel door closed Gate valve open Carousel alighted Launch tank fully-charged Fill valve closed
Lowest pressure that can be in the corresponding SLS main tank and TOMS will still launch a buoy.
860 psi
Buoy launch pressure chart 10-64
3000 psi
5000 psi
3000 psi in high pressure tank = 20 buoys
(Or 3k in 3 tanks = 60 buoys)
5000 psi in high pressure tank = 40 buoys
