Differences in LAU-127 and-128 missle rails?

[otis252]

Hey guys,

Need some help. What are the physical differences between the LAU-127 and LAU-128? I know now the -127 is used on the F/A-18 and the -128 is used on the F-15C/E. But in 48th and 32nd scale what would make them look different? Thanks for any help.

Chuck

[David Walker]

I'm sure someone else will jump in, but I thought they were the same, just designated for the different jets.

[Dave Williams]

I've heard that from a modeling standpoint they look the same.

[otis252]

Thanks guys, kinda what I thought.

Chuck

[mrvark]

The visual difference is at the back end. The 106.5" long LAU-127A/A has provisions for a nitrogen bottle (for cooling USN AIM-9M seekers) at the aft end of the launcher, which features a slight bulge making its maximum width in that area 4". The 102" long LAU-128A/A doesn't require the nitrogen bottle (USAF AIM-9Ms use an internal bottle of Argon for seeker cooling), which makes its back end shorter and it's sides flat and 3.625" wide.

[doctorpepper]

hmm.. that's interesting to hear. what about the difference between a -129 and a -128? is the difference only the mounting required for a viper and a F-15?

[mrvark]

hmm.. that's interesting to hear. what about the difference between a -129 and a -128? is the difference only the mounting required for a viper and a F-15?

The F-16's LAU-129 is the same length as the F-15s LAU-128, but its attachment hardware to the aircraft is located considerably farther aft.