What is the purpose of the impulse cartridge?

• A. To jam the aircraft's weapons systems.
• B. To arm the aircraft's defensive systems.
• C. To eject single stores and a variety of weapons from the aircraft.
• D. To deploy countermeasures during flight.

Answer: (C)

Impulse cartridges provide the explosive impulse that physically ejects a weapon from the aircraft. When a release is commanded, a small charge detonates to drive a piston or pusher, pushing the store clear of the aircraft so it can begin its own flight. This works for single stores and a variety of weapons carried on the aircraft. It isn’t about jamming systems, arming defenses, or deploying countermeasures—those are handled by other subsystems. The cartridge’s purpose is to ensure a reliable, clean separation of the store from the aircraft.