With the introduction of the B-4 Magnum and the retirement of the B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and B-52 Superfortress, the Imperial Layartebian Military (ILM) sought an answer and a replacement to the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher (CSRL), which was now being considered incompatible with the B-4 Magnum, a new series of bombers. Though it was still highly capable, the CSRL was not compartible with the newer, more advanced launching systems of the B-4 Magnum, a highly capable stealth bomber. What was developed was the Advanced Rotary Launcher in three forms: tactical, heavy, and strategic.
Like the CSRL, the ARL could mount up to eight weapons on the strategic version, four weapons on the heavy version, and up to twelve on the tactical version. The Advanced Strategic Rotary Launcher (ASRL) and Advanced Tactical Rotary Launcher (ATRL) both entered operational service with the B-4 Magnum but have since been adapted to the B-7 Incubus, B-9 Sphinx, and B-11 Zeus. However, the Advanced Heavy Rotary Launcher (AHRL) did not enter service until the B-7 Incubus entered service and has been since adapted to the B-4 Magnum, B-9 Sphinx, and B-11 Zeus.
The system is hardwired for air-to-ground weaponry only. It can mount unguided and guided bombs, cruise missiles, tactical missiles, and both conventional and nuclear weapons. It acts just like the CSRL in that it can rotate within the bay to drop the weapons. Its computer software is integrated with the fire control system of the bomber and can launch them on any number of predetermined modes. They can be fired semi-automatically or they can all be launched at once, with minimal timing between each missile launch. The system can be programmed to fire as few or as many as necessary and it offers a unique, anti-locking mechanism, preventing jams.
The weight capacity for each pylon on the ASRL has been increased to 7,500 pounds, giving a total weapon capacity of 60,000 pounds in total, which was over the maximum capacity of the B-4s internal bay, which was rated at 50,000 pounds. The ASRL can carry weapons as long as 28 feet.
The weight capacity for each pylon on the AHRL is 30,000 pounds, giving a total weapon capacity of 120,000 lb., which can only truly be used with the B-11 Zeus as the bay weights for the B-4 Magnum, B-7 Incubus, and B-9 Sphinx do not exceed 65,000 lb., in some cases not even approaching that figure. The AHRL is only slightly larger than the ASRL but it can hold weapons as long as 48 feet, although the longest bay in use is on the B-11 Zeus at 32.80 feet in length.
The weight capacity for each pylon on the ATRL 5,000 pounds, giving a total weapon capacity of 60,000 pounds, which is equal to that of the ASRL. The reason being is that the ATRL is the same design but modified with more pylons and a reduced size capacity. The ATRL can hold weapons as long as 18 feet.
The B-4 Magnum is capable of carrying one AHRL and one ASRL but can carry two ATRLs within its single weapons bay. The B-7 Incubus is capable of carrying one AHRL and one ASRL in each of its three bays and up to two ATRLs per bay. The B-9 Sphinx is capable of carrying one AHRL, ASRL, or ATRL in its rear two bays, when they are combined into one bay. It can also carry a single ATRL in each of its two forward bays. The B-11 Zeus can carry one AHRL and one ASRL in each of its three bays and up to two ATRLs per bay. Of these four aircraft, the B-9 Sphinx is the most limited of the four aircraft in what it can carry. A retrofitting program is underway on the B-9D Sphinx, a planned upgrade to the B-9C Sphinx.
Planned future upgrades include the adaption of anti-satellite missiles and possible adaption of a super-heavy launcher with a 35,000 to 50,000 pound weapon capacity, although it is unlikely that more than two weapons will be carrigable at a time with this "super-heavy" variant. |
