10.1.9 Sonobuoy Launch System

Question 1

What is the function of the gate valve?

Answer 1

Allows SRL reloading at any altitude

Question 2

What happens when the gate valve opens?

Answer 2

SRL depressurizes
Door locks
(Door cannot be opened)

Question 3

Note regarding gate valves for removed launchers

Answer 3

If an SRL and/or SSL is removed, the associated gate valve will be inoperable.

Question 4

SRL UNLOCK/LOCK DOOR switch function

Answer 4

The unlock command closes the gate valve, waits for the pressure to equalize, and unlocks the door.

Question 5

SSL UNLOCK/LOCK DOOR Switch function

Answer 5

Executes all actions required to lock or unlock the SSL lid including closing the gate valve.

Question 6

What does GVU stand for?

Answer 6

Gate valve unit

Question 7

Note regarding gate valve safety margin

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

SRL or SSL is empty

Answer 8

Load mode

Question 9

Buoy move pending

Answer 9

Load mode

Question 10

Launch mode

Answer 10

No moves pending
Buoys loaded
PSEU AIR

Plus one of the following:
Sono Arm On
Tactics processing occurring;
Allocated, buoys;
FMCS in Tactical Mode.

Question 11

Load mode

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What does APS stand for?

Answer 12

Aft pneumatic source

Question 13

What is the function of the APS?

Answer 13

Provides air pressure for SLS and five weapon bay stations

Question 14

The APS changes the weapon bay BRUs and SLS. Which charges first and why?

Answer 14

BRUs first for emergency jettison (safety)

Question 15

Would you take off with a loaded station at less then 3,800 psi?

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Note regarding SMS power cycle and its effect on the isolation valves

Answer 16

If SMS power is cycled , the isolation valves will temporarily open and pressure within the lines may bleed to the SLS and BRUs.

Question 17

What is the free fall chute used for?

Answer 17

Smoke
SUS
Venting buoys

Question 18

Do you use the FF chute liner when jettisoning buoys?

Answer 18

No

Question 19

Do you use the FF chute liner with smokes and SUS?

Answer 19

Yes

Question 20

Note regarding using FF chute for normal buoy operations

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Note regarding how sonobuoys are loaded in the storage rack

Answer 21

All sonobuoys shall be loaded into the sonobuoy storage rack with the heaviest end (i.e., bottom) facing inboard.

Question 22

What does PLS stand for?

Answer 22

Pneumatic launch system

Question 23

How many different compressors are associated with the PLS?

Answer 23

Six total

One for fuselage stations
Four for wing stations
One for SLS and weapon bay

Question 24

Note regarding use of fuselage stations

Answer 24

Use of fuselage stations is not authorized.

Question 25

Are there isolation valves associated with the wing compressors? Why or why not?

Answer 25

No

There are no isolation valves in the wings since each wing pylon has its own HPACS.

Question 26

What is the benefit of using isolation valves when required?

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Where is the APS located?

Answer 27

The APS is located beneath the floorboards and between SRL Y and SSL 2.

Question 28

Note regarding APS life extension

Answer 28

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

Question 29

A single _______ psi charge to all three SSL/SRL launchers will permit launch of approximately __ sonobuoys.

Answer 29

3,000 psi

60 buoys

Question 30

Where are the high pressure tanks for the SLS located?

Answer 30

Located in the top of each rotary launcher

Question 31

Each high pressure tank holds enough air for __ buoy launches

Answer 31

40 buoys

Question 32

High pressure tanks at the top of the SRLs are used for which systems?

Answer 32

SRLs and associated SSLs

I.e. X-1, y-2, z-3

Question 33

Name three of the RIFL solenoid requirements for the SRLs

Answer 33

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

Question 34

Lowest pressure that can be in the corresponding SLS main tank and TOMS will still launch a buoy.

Answer 34

860 psi

Question 35

Buoy launch pressure chart 10-64

3000 psi
5000 psi

Answer 35

3000 psi in high pressure tank = 20 buoys
(Or 3k in 3 tanks = 60 buoys)

5000 psi in high pressure tank = 40 buoys