A new pneumatic bomb rack, developed by Boeing's Phantom Works in St Louis, Missouri, is to be demonstrated on the F-15E after being tried out successfully in ground tests and in prototype form on an F/A-18. Unlike current racks, which use hot explosive gases produced by cartridges, the new rack uses specially generated clean, dry air. Boeing claims the system is cheaper, lighter, and will last longer. It also produces ejection velocities some 20% higher, says the company.
Source: Flight International