Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

When carrying LGB's on a TER... as in the case of say a slant load of GBU-12's(?)... are they both released at the same time, or do they have the capability to be released one at a time? Thanks.

J.C.

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I believe TERs can drop either singlely or in preset multiples depending on how the SMS is programmed. Not sure of the exact mechanics but the SMS sends a release pulse(s) out thru the pylon to a sequencer in the rack which steps thru each rack position.

I know for sure that they can be released one at a time, but I don't know if they can be released together. As these bombs are quite expensive and often used to destroy vehicles rather than buildings, I guess pilots would not launch 2 bombs at the same target, even if it is possible, but it is only my 2 cents.

Wildcat wrote:

I know for sure that they can be released one at a time, but I don't know if they can be released together.

You make a good point. Releasing off the same rack may cause an unwanted assymetry. Thinking back I remember the SMS would drop symetrically if like stores were loaded on both wings and more than one release pulse was programmed. But you could also run into assymetry if you had a mixed load on different stations...i.e. LGBs on the left wing and JDAMs on the right. In that case the SMS will drop only the selected weapon and if they happen to all be on one wing you'd have to be prepared for the imbalance.

Wildcat wrote:

I guess pilots would not launch 2 bombs at the same target, even if it is possible, but it is only my 2 cents.

There are times when you'd need to drop 2 or more weapons on the same target. Like for hardened shelters or bunkers. There were F-111 tapes from GW1 showing more than one LGB guiding into the same aircraft shelter. And there were also early tests of penetrator bombs that had the first bomb "excavating" an entrance for the second, which flew thru the hole and finished the job. Cool

LinkF-16SimDude (what a long name! Very Happy

) wrote:

Quote:

There are times when you'd need to drop 2 or more weapons on the same target. Like for hardened shelters or bunkers.

Sure, but I was dealing about GBU-12s, that's why I wrote that they are rather used against vehicles than against hardened shelters, for example. Besides, can heavier LGBs be carried on TERs? I thought it was not possible, at least on a Viper.

Wildcat wrote:

Sure, but I was dealing about GBU-12s, that's why I wrote that they are rather used against vehicles than against hardened shelters, for example.

Ahh...got it. Smile

Wildcat wrote:

Besides, can heavier LGBs be carried on TERs? I thought it was not possible, at least on a Viper.

I've only seen multiple Mk 82-class bombs and below on TERs. The next size up (Mk 84 series?) would be mounted on a single pylon I suppose. However that doesn't stop a loader from putting a single Mk 82 class bomb on it's own pylon without a TER. I believe there are some pix in the Photo Gallery that illustrate this.

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.

J.C.

You select a RP1 and single the bombs will come off one at a time starting on the left wing. Single and pair will get you one off each wing with each pickle. So on a so fourth. When selecting multiple RP you have to select the interval also. I can't remember the min time for a TER.

Forum: F-16 Armament & Stores

LGBs on TER: Bomb release ?