scope:

The handbook is intended to cover all aspects of aircraft/weapons compatibility: mechanical, electrical, structural, aerodynamic, etc. These are dealt with individually as they relate to various elements of the complete system. The material has been organized to present design guidelines for the five general categories of weapon system components: aircraft, suspension equipment, stores, stores management equipment, and ground support equipment. This information deals with compatibility of the components while the system is on the ground, in flight, and during weapon delivery.

A successful airborne weapon system is achieved by proper matching of all components. Integrating the numerous components which make up a complete weapon system into one effective, efficient, maintainable, and reliable operating unit will not produce the desired compatibility unless each element is designed with proper consideration of its relation to all other elements. The complexity of modern airborne weapon systems and the interdependency between components make the task of assuring compatibility difficult. Therefore, definitive guidelines are needed to provide engineering direction for the development of all components. Because some major components are used in more than one weapon system, there must be consistency, versatility and clarity in the guidelines prepared for this purpose. This handbook deals in detail with all individual elements to present guidelines for the design integration of totally compatible systems.

This handbook does not include detailed engineering data necessary to design specific components of a compatible system. Much of the published material useful in the design process is available through government technical information services. However, there are large quantities of additional technical data and design information located at various government laboratories and contractor facilities. There is no intent to include that material here because of the large volume of data involved. Direct contact with the responsible organizations may be necessary if the design information is needed to apply the compatibility guidelines presented in this handbook.