TM00358 Rev. A
Chapter 3 - Turret
L-3 WESCAM
October 2007
All Rights Reserved
55
•
J1 – Power connector
•
J2 – Signal connector
•
J3 – Video connector
•
J4 - GPS Antenna
Figure 3-2 MX-15i Turret Lid
3.1.2 Yoke
The yoke structure is an outer steerable platform that holds the gimbal between its arms. The yoke contains electro-
mechanical drives and gears that steer the yoke in azimuth and the gimbal in elevation. Each steering axis also
contains encoders that measure their angular position. The yoke physically holds the equipment and a spring array
provides passive vibration isolation of the gimbal. The spring array lets the gimbal move approximately 6.4 mm
(0.25 inches) laterally in all directions. By dampening out vibrations and limiting their translation to the gimbal, active
stabilization systems in the gimbal are invoked les
s an
d can make finer adjustments.
The yoke also contains the following components:
•
Turret humidity indicator
•
Desiccant assembly and humidity indicator.
A turret humidity indicator measures the internal humidity of the turret. Do not confuse the turret humidity indicator
with the desiccant humidity indicator, which is also found in the yoke. Despite the fact that the turret is a sealed unit
with protective measures, moisture levels in the turret can increase. When the upper quadrants 30 & 40 of the turret
humidity indicator are lavender (pink), you must purge the turret with nitroge
n th
rough the purge valve in the rear
door.
There is no regular or scheduled interval for this maintenance action. The need to purge the turret is dependent on
operational and environmental use factors:
•
Relative humidity of the environment during flights
•
Relative humidity of the environment when stationary or in storage
•
Time periods between flights
•
Number of aircraft ascents and descents.
Locating Pin
Locating Pin
J2 Signal
Connector
J1 Power
Connector
J3 Video
Connector
GPS Antenna
Connector
