LAU-128/A Rail Launcher

The LAU-128/A guided missile launcher is the F-15E´s standard rail launcher. Two launchers are attached to each of the aircraft´s underwing pylons (stations STA-2A/2B and STA-8A/8B) using the ADU-552 as adapter unit between the SUU-59/A wing station pylon and the launcher.

The LAU-128/A rail launcher is used with the AIM-9 Sidewinder and the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. It provides the mechanical and electrical interface between the launch aircraft and the missile as well as the two-way data transfer between cockpit controls and the missile to support preflight orientation and control circuits to prepare and launch the missile.

Ground crews do not like to mount the bigger and heavier AIM-120s on the inboard rails because of handling problems and the risk of piercing the CFT, although flight crews do not like the AIM-9s mounted on the inboard launchers since it restricts the seeker´s field of view.

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