Are the launch bar and hook bypass switches magnetically held?

[98abaile]

As the title says.

The reason I ask is I'm trying to create custom binds for my warthog throttle switches. They seem to work when the aircraft is powered down but when powered up, flipping the physical switch only seems to toggle it in game rather than following the position of the actual switch.

[TechRoss]

I don't think so. You have to move them manually. If you look at the launch bar switch, once hooked in you should put it to the up position so that after launch it is up. Would think if it was magnetic it would spring back itself.

 

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

[Juuba]

It (the Launch Bar) goes "UP" automagically after you raise the gear...

 

Doesn't it? I've never touched it post cat-shot.

[104th_Maverick]

The Launch Bar is operated by hydraulic pressure to move it down.

 

 

In the game the version we have should not automatically retract the Launch Bar after the CAT shot unless the pilot has manually selected the bar to the RETRACT position.

 

 

This however does not seem to be modelled and I think it auto raises it.

 

 

What the procedure should be just before you do your wipeout check is to raise the bar whilst still attached the launch shuttle before the CAT shot.

 

 

 

 

So you taxi to the shuttle,

Select the bar to EXTEND,

Press U to connect to the shuttle,

Raise the launch bar once connected and verified that the JBD is raised behind you,

Complete pre launch checks,

Power up!

 

 

 

 

The launch bar goes into the RETRACT position while attached to the CAT shuttle because there is a physical connection that holds in place on the shuttle even if the switch is moved to Retract position.

 

 

Then at the end of the rail the bar snaps up into the stow position and the pilot brings the gear up.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

The hook bypass is magnetically held as well. The FIELD position is solenoid held and reverts to CARRIER when the arresting hook is lowered or electrical power is shutdown after flight.

[98abaile]

So the bypass switch is working the way it should, but the launch bar switch is not?

[Flamin_Squirrel]

I'm not sure. Here's what the NATOPS has to say:

 

2.10.4 Launch Bar System. The launch bar is hydraulically extended and retracted by redundant springs. A locking tab mechanically locks the launch bar in the up position. A two position (EXTEND and RETRACT) launch bar switch on the lower left corner of the main instrument panel controls launch bar operation. As the launch bar extends the green L BAR advisory light comes on. When the launch bar is fully extended it is held against the deck by deck load control springs. The control springs allow vertical movement of the launch bar during taxi. As the aircraft is taxied into the launch gear the launch bar drops over the shuttle and is held captive in the extended position as the shuttle is tensioned. On aircraft 161353 THRU 161715, when both throttles are advanced to or above MIL, a throttle switch is made, the green L BAR advisory light goes out and the launch bar switch returns to RETRACT. Before AFC 081, if the launch bar switch is not deenergized to RETRACT after the throttles are advanced to MIL, the red L BAR warning light comes on. On aircraft 161716 AND UP, the launch bar switch does not return to RETRACT when both throttles are advanced to MIL or above. The green L BAR advisory light goes out when the switch is placed to RETRACT. If the red L BAR warning light is on with the switch in RETRACT, an electrical fault exists which prevents launch bar retraction after launch. At the completion of the catapult stroke, launch bar/catapult separation occurs and the return springs cause launch bar retraction which allows the landing gear to be retracted. If the launch bar fails to retract after the aircraft is launched, the red L BAR warning light comes on and the nosewheel does not retract. A launch bar circuit breaker is on the left essential circuit breaker panel and when pulled deenergizes the launch bar electrical system.

 

NOTE

Failure to place launch bar switch to retract may result in hydraulic seal failure.

 

I believe "161716 AND UP" applies, and the above isn't explicit about what happens to the launch bar and switch if you don't return the switch to retract.

Edited August 27, 2018 by Flamin_Squirrel
Greyed out text that does not apply to our Hornet.

[98abaile]

So it is held then. Thank you for the information.

[Flamin_Squirrel]

Well, it does in DCS. I don't think that's correct though. I've greyed out the text that doesn't apply to our Hornet for clarity in the paragraph above.

[Doum76]

For the Launch bar i personaly don't bind it, as i simplly flip it up with the mouse on MIL Power when it reach about 80-90% RPM giving in tension prior to light up the burners. Sd for the Hook, i somtiems use my switch binding but most of the time i simply mouse click it also, but when i use a binding, i never had any isues if youw anna know, using though, a X-56 Rhino.

Edited August 28, 2018 by Doum76