Description
U.S. Navy AERO 7A-1 Bomb-Shackle Release Actuator, 28 VDC, Part Number 60A121C10, NSN 1095-00-601-0834
This U.S. Navy AERO 7A-1 bomb-shackle release is a fast 28-volt electromechanical actuator manufactured by Clare-Eletroseal Corp. It changes an electrical signal into the mechanical movement needed to release a carried weapon.
This listing is for the release actuator only. It is not a complete Mk 8 or AERO 16B bomb shackle, bomb rack, aircraft mount, torpedo, bomb, or other weapon.
Historical Significance
The AERO 7A-1 belongs to a Cold War family of electrically operated U.S. Navy release mechanisms. MIL-R-22618 covered AERO 7A-series bomb-shackle releases and AERO 7B-series bomb-rack releases. These compact units gave aircraft and unmanned systems a fast way to release carried munitions.
One documented application is the Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH anti-submarine drone. The DASH was an early unmanned helicopter used by the Navy for anti-submarine warfare. It used Mk 8 Mod 4 shackles to carry weapons such as the Mk 44 aerial torpedo.
A Smithsonian display record connects the AERO 7A-1 release type with its QH-50 DASH exhibit. However, the AERO 7A-1 was not necessarily limited to the DASH system.
What This Item Is and Does
When supplied with 28 VDC power, the release drives a 1½-inch plunger forward. The plunger strikes the release lever on a separate Mk 8 or AERO 16B bomb shackle. This action trips the shackle and allows its hooks to open.
The Navy specification required the full release stroke to take no more than 0.03 second. The actuator does not hold the weapon by itself. The separate bomb shackle carries the load.
Key Features
- Official nomenclature: Release, Bomb Shackle, AERO 7A-1
- Part number: 60A121C10
- NSN: 1095-00-601-0834
- NIIN: 00-601-0834
- Federal Supply Class: 1095, Miscellaneous Weapons
- Manufacturer: Clare-Eletroseal Corp., Des Plaines, Illinois
- Manufacturer code: 83532
- Navy design authority code: 10001
- Serial number: 1384A
- Contract number: N383(19)90620A
- Electrical power: 28 VDC
- Plunger stroke: 1½ inches
- Maximum specified release time: 0.03 second
- Compatible shackle types: Mk 8 and AERO 16B
- Documented application: Gyrodyne QH-50 DASH anti-submarine drone
Why This Item Matters
This actuator was the part that changed an electrical command into the physical action that released a torpedo, bomb, or other carried store. Its rapid movement was critical to a safe and dependable release.
The original part number, NSN, manufacturer code, serial number, and Navy contract make this an excellent research and display piece. It offers a direct connection to Cold War naval aviation, anti-submarine warfare, and the early development of armed unmanned aircraft.
About This Item
This item is the AERO 7A-1 release actuator identified by part number 60A121C10. The separate bomb shackle, bomb rack, mounting hardware, and carried weapon are not included unless specifically stated.
Ideal For
- U.S. Navy aviation collections
- QH-50 DASH and early military-drone displays
- Cold War anti-submarine warfare exhibits
- Aircraft ordnance and bomb-shackle research
- Military electromechanical component collections
Approx length 6", Approx width 3", Approx height 2", Approx weight 2 lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item's general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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