The minimum charge pressure before takeoff for all weapon stations is ______ psi.

• A. 2,800 psi
• B. 3,000 psi
• C. 4,000 psi
• D. 3,800 psi

Answer: (D)

Weapon-station actuation relies on a nitrogen charge to provide the force needed to unlock, arm, and eject a weapon from each station. To guarantee reliable operation across every station on the aircraft, a minimum charge pressure is specified as a preflight requirement. If the pressure is too low, some stations may not fully stroke, may fail to release, or may release too slowly, risking improper arming or misfire during takeoff. Therefore the minimum value is set to 3,800 psi, which ensures sufficient energy to drive all actuators through their full range across all stations. Pressures higher than this are acceptable but not the minimum; values well below—such as 2,800 or 3,000 psi—do not guarantee full actuation. In preflight checks, each station’s charge pressure should be at or above 3,800 psi; if not, servicing is required before departure.