Preliminary Evaluation of the F/A-18 Quantity/Multiple Envelope Expansion

摘要

Currently the F/A-18 Hornet has restrictions on performing ripple salvo (quantity> multiple, multiple >1) releases when Vertical Ejection Racks (VER) or Canted Vertical Ejection Racks (CVER) are loaded on (the inboard) wing stations 3 and 7 due to bomb to bomb collisions upon release. Hornet test pilots assigned to the Ordnance System Department of the Flight Test and Evaluation Group (NAWCAD) located at Patuxent River MD, sought to remedy this restriction. As Strike Leaders in the fleet, we recognized the need to eliminate these release restrictions. By testing a representative sample of weapons loadouts, we sought to increase the Hornet's weapon delivery options.