Skyhawk External Stores Stations: Centerline Aero 7A (two sets of suspension lugs with a spacing of 14 inches and 30 inches.) This rack receives a safety pin to "safe" the rack by opening the firing circuit, grounding the ejector pyrotechnics, and mechanically blocking the ejector hooks from opening. Small inspection windows facilitate verification of a positive hook lock. Centerline w LB-18A Camera POD for in-flight still and movie film recording. Wings Aero 20A (suspension lug spacing of 14 inches). This rack has the same safety feature as the Aero 7A rack. [Ejector Pyrotechnics are small explosive cartridges that push the weapon away from the rack ensuring that the weapon safely clears the aircraft.] MCBs, MBRs, MERs and TERs: Lt.Gen. William H. Fitch FEB 1958 - Patuxent River U.S. Navy Test Pilot School graduate. 1958 and 1959 - NAS China Lake's VX-5 Test Pilot. MAY 1959 - Fitch conceived the idea of bomb racks that could carry multiple bombs on the limited number of weapons stations of the A-4C Skyhawk. 19 NOV 1959 - Fitch flew the first flight of an A-4 Skyhawk carrying a load of 16 Mark 81 inert bombs on what became known as a Multiple Carriage Bomb Rack. For his efforts he was awarded the Navy Commendation Medal. Early 1960 - Douglas Aircraft Company utilizes the MCBR development for a production version of the MCBR that is designated the Multiple Bomb Rack (MBR). JUN 1960 Fitch conducts the first test flights with the MBR where live bombs (eighteen Mark 81 High Explosive) were released. 25 FEB 1964 - Fitch receives U.S. Patent Number 3,122,056 for the development of the MCBR. Today's Multiple Ejector Rack (MER) and Triple Ejector Rack (TER) evolved from the MCBR and MBR, and attach to an aircraft's main pylons (racks). MER: BRU-41 Multiple Ejector Rack is a weapon suspension unit capable of carrying up to six weapons of 1,000lbs each. Each of the six weapons ejector unit has four adjustable sway braces and two mechanically locking suspension hooks spaced 14 inches apart. Bombs are hung by two suspension lugs 14 inches apart, 30 inches for the Mark 84, and release is achieved by the firing of a pyrotechnic charge that actuates a piston pushing the weapon away from the rack. Each ejector unit is equipped with a safety stop lever that can be rotated to prevent accidental release. BRU-41/A MER improved reliability and incorporated an electronic control unit. Weapons release can be controlled on an individual basis TER: BRU-42 Triple Ejector Rack can carry up to three 1,000lb weapons that can be dropped individually or "rippled". "Slick" Bombs for the MERs and TERs: Circa 1950 - The U.S. Navy and Douglas Aircraft develop new bombs for A-4 Skyhawk. Mark 80 series of "Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP)" bombs. Low drag as opposed to the old style fat bombs resulting in a more aerodynamic shape for carrying on external stores racks. Mark 81 = 250lb (113 Kilogram) Mark 82 = 500lb (225 Kilogram) Mark 83 = 1,000lb (450 Kilogram) Mark 84 = 2,000lb (900 Kilogram) U.S. Air Force bombs sometimes used by the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War: M-117 - 750lb (340 Kilogram) M-118: 3,000lb (1,360 Kilogram) The standard smooth four fin tail configuration for these bombs are often replaced with a popout-fin tail to slow, or retard, the weapons speed when dropped allowing the aircraft to exit the area without being struck by it's own weapon's explosion during low altitude drops. These "retarded bombs" were called "Snakeyes", and were widely used in the Vietnam war. Multiple bomb rack release settings: Single, dual and train release. The Train release settings were .015, .030 and .060 seconds. The sequence for weapons released off of a TER are 1. Aft Center, 2. Forward Center, 3. Aft Left, 4. Forward Left, 5. Aft Right, and 6. Forward Right. NOTE: The total weapons load capability on the Skyhawk is determined by the total allowed maximum weight per stores station, not total weight capability of a MER or TER. Also, a TER placed on the Skyhawk's inboard wing stations could not utilize the inboard side of the rack because of the close proximity of the Main Landing Gear doors.