Before Takeoff (Carrier)

On a real mission, the following procedures are done before takeoff of the carrier airplane:

1. Helium release selector switch [1, fig. 5-1] – AUTO.
   
   
2. Jettison stop switches [59, fig. 5-1] – STOP (all three switches).

3. Propellant source pressure gauge [69, fig. 5-1] – Check (both internal and external tanks, 3300 to 3800 psi).
   
   
4. Propellant tank pressure gauge [71, fig. 5-1] – Check (pointer "L", 0 to 5 psi; "A", 0 to 10 psi).
   
   
5. Propellant pump inlet pressure gauge [72, fig. 5-1] – Check (pointer "L", 0 to 5 psi; "A", 0 psi).
   
   
6. Chamber and stage 2 igniter pressure gauge [50, fig. 5-1] – Check (both pointers, 0 psi).
   
   
7. H2O2 source and purge pressure gauge [57, fig. 5-1] – Check (both internal and external tanks, 3000 to 3900 psi).
   
   
8. H2O2 tank and engine control line pressure gauge [55, fig. 5-1] – Check (“C” pointer, 575 to 615 psi; “T” pointer, 0 psi).

9. Tank jettison circuit breakers [1-2, fig. 5-6] – OFF/OPEN (aft).

10. External tanks jettison auto-manual switch [3, fig. 5-6] – MANUAL.

11. External tanks jettison safe-arm switch [4, fig. 5-6] – SAFE (guard down).

12. External tanks jettison buttons [5-6-7, fig. 5-6] – Check all (normal).

13. Fuel selector switch [8, fig. 5-6] – MANUAL.

14. External tanks jettison ready indicator (amber) lights [4, fig. 5-1] – Check (press to test).