Multiple Weapons System
The Multiple Weapons System is designed to provide a single point of management for all stores deliverable by the F-4 with regards to arming, pylon activation, delivery mode, and selective jettison. While specific weapons may have additional controls elsewhere in the cockpit on a case by case basis, all of the noted functions are driven by this panel on the left forward console in the front cockpit.
Nose/Tail ARM Switch
Beginning from the top of the panel, the four way Nose/Tail ARM switch selects the solenoids for arming wire capture on MERs and TERs, which then arm the fuzes at the point of release. Additionally, the switch position can also dictate in-flight high/low drag release mode for retarded bombs such as the Mk 82 Snakeye.
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| SAFE | No arming solenoids activate; bombs release without fuzing enabled. |
| NOSE | Forward and center position solenoids activate to hold arming lanyards. |
| TAIL | Aft position solenoids activate to hold arming lanyards. |
| NOSE/TAIL | Forward, center, and aft position solenoids all activate to hold arming lanyards. |
For example, MK-82 Air or Snakeye variants will only detonate if the nose fuze is selected and switch between high drag configuration with the tail fuze set and low drag if not set.
MER-10 and TER-9 racks include an automatic stepper mode function to automatically bypass stations that have already released munitions. To set this function, when the BOMBS mode of the Weapon Select Knob is chosen, the Nose/Tail switch must be in the NOSE or the NOSE & TAIL position for release signals to be delivered through installed MERs and TERs and bypass empty positions; if the system is set in TAIL, an additional release pulse(s) must be applied using the bomb switch to cycle through the empty stations. Usage of the MER-10A and TER-9A circumvent this requirement.
RKTS and DISP bypass empty stations automatically.
Station Select Buttons
With the station select buttons it is possible to select the different armaments on the respective stations. This does not constitute air-to-air weaponry.
Mode Selection - Delivery Mode Knob
Release mode is set using the Delivery Mode Knob. Values to the left of OFF employ the AN/AJB-7 Attitude Reference and Bombing Computer Set (ARBCS), whereas values to the right of DIRECT employ the Weapon Release Computer Set (WRCS). DIRECT is the manual release mode. TGT FIND functions as a navigational mode, and cannot provide a weapon release signal to the fire control, thus can be considered in practice a "safe" position.
The values, clockwise from the left, are as follows:
| Name | Description | System |
|---|---|---|
| INST O/S | Instantaneous Over the Shoulder | ARBCS |
| LOFT | Loft | ARBCS |
| O/S | (Timed) Over the Shoulder | ARBCS |
| T LAD | Timed LADD (Low Angle Drogue Delivery) | ARBCS |
| TL | Timed Level | ARBCS |
| OFF | Off | |
| DIRECT | Manual | |
| TGT FIND | Target Find (Navigation and Pave Spike only) | WRCS |
| DT | Dive Toss | WRCS |
| DL | Dive Laydown | WRCS |
| L | Laydown | WRCS |
| OFFSET | Offset Bomb | WRCS |
| AGM-45 | AGM-45 Delivery | WRCS |
Weapon Selector Knob
The Weapon Selector Knob is used to designate the type of weapon to be used
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| RKTS & DISP | Rockets and dispensers. Arms AWRU release circuitry. |
| ARM | AGM-45 Shrike |
| TV | AGM-65 Maverick and other EO guided weapons. |
| C | Open/unused. May be utilized as an OFF selection. |
| B | Same function as AIR-TO-AIR button in rear cockpit. |
| A | Munitions with internally-set intervalometers (CBUs or spray containers). |
| AGM 12 | AGM-12 Bullpup. |
| BOMBS | Bombs. Arms AWRU release circuitry. |
Centerline Tank Aboard Light
The forward AIM-7 missiles can be inhibited from launch under certain centerline conditions due to possible separation issues or chance of igniting the contents of the centerline position. The CL tank light will illuminate if such a possible condition exists. The conditions that can cause this are as follows:
-
Fuel Tank, MER or TER racks: The forward Sparrows cannot be launched. The CL tank light will shut off if the tank or MER is jettisoned, allowing launch or jettison of the Sparrows.
-
BRU-5/A connector with a single bomb or a gun-pod: The CL tank light will illuminate; however forward position Sparrows can still be launched or jettisoned. Attention should be paid to eliminate lateral roll movements until the launched weapon is clear.
-
Aero-27/A connector with Centerline Arming Unit (used for nuclear ordnance): The CL tank light will illuminate. However, the forward position AIM-7s cannot be jettisoned or released until the entire unit is removed manually post-flight.
Interlock Switch
The fire control system provides an inhibitor option for AIM-7 launches to confirm valid parameters are met, and is accessed with the INTLK switch. With IN selected, the missile will not release upon trigger down should any of the following not be the case:
- The IN RANGE lamp illuminated
- The target aim dot within the ASE (Allowable Steering Error) circle
- The radar knob is not in VI mode
With the INTLK switch in OUT, the AIM-7 can be launched at any time, no matter the condition of the current parameters against the target.
The INTLK switch provides no function for AIM-9 launch.