Inventors:
Gary R. Lighton - Nedrow NY
Michael S. Lighton - Jamesville NY
International Classification:
F41F 306
F41F 502
Abstract:
An existing, conventional fighter aircraft equipped with an air-to-ground weapons system is provided, through the present invention, with means for additionally carrying and releasing air-to-air missiles. A mounting member having a conventional air-to-air missile launcher attached to each side is provided with a pair of spaced lugs for engagement by the existing hooks on one or more of the aircraft pylons normally used for attachment of air-to-ground weapons. A pilot-controlled switch is selectively positioned to connect either the air-to-air or air-to-ground weapons systems with the existing weapons control network for operation upon actuation of the standard "fire", "uncage" or "reject" switches. Relay means associated with the launcher mounted member intitially connect a first of the two missiles carried thereby with the control network and, after actuation of either the fire or reject switch, automatically connect the second of the two missiles with such switches. Preferably, mounting members for the air-to-air weapons may be carried upon either of two pylons, one on each wing, and an additional switch is selectively positioned prior to take-off to control which of the two pylon stations will be connected to the weapons release network upon actuation of the pilot-control switch to select the air-to-air mode.