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Gravity Release Units

Wasp™ and Hornet™ – Electro-Mechanical Stores Release Units (SRU)

The Wasp and Hornet electro-mechanical carriage and release units allow for ultra-lightweight carriage of the emerging class of stores under 23 kilograms without compromising safe carriage and reliable release.

Both Wasp and Hornet accommodate a single-lugged store and can be used on a wide array of platforms with a max lateral load factor of 4g. They were designed with safety in mind featuring an in-flight operable lock (IFOL) and ice blockers to prevent inadvertent releases in all weather conditions.

Additionally, the Hornet provides a 19-way, zero-retention, force electrical connector to allow aircraft-to-store communications during carriage. The mating receptacle is low profile for minimal impact on drag and intrusion into the store.

Gnat™ and Gnat HD™ – Electro-Mechanical Stores Release Units (SRU)

The Gnat electro-mechanical store release unit (SRU) is a lightweight carriage solution for twin-lugged micro-munitions weighing up to 68 kilograms (150 pounds). Gnat is suitable for both unmanned medium altitude long endurance (MALE) platforms and manned special role, counterinsurgency and border patrol aircraft.

The Gnat features self-latching, independent, 14-inch hooks and paired, self-centering, wind-down sway braces to speed loading. The system provides up to three arming units as well as a variety of aircraft attachment methods.

The Gnat HD is designed to carry the GBU-59 250-pound, laserguided bomb while remaining a lightweight unit and retaining all the features of the original Gnat. The Gnat’s light weight makes it particularly suitable for helicopters, small aircraft and remotely piloted vehicles.

MALTS™ – Modular Advanced Lightweight Training System

The MALTS practice bomb carrier is a lightweight carriage solution designed to maximize training efficiency for pilots and joint terminal attack controllers (JTACs). By combining air combat maneuvers (ACM) and CAS in a single mission, MALTS helps users gain proficiency in less time – reducing training hours.

MALTS two-station (2STN) and four-station (4STN) carriers allow for a wide range of mission loads and scenarios. The system uses training ammunition, permitting more rehearsals in multiple combat modes for each sortie. The 2STN is undergoing evaluation for use with Enhanced Laser Guided Training Rounds (ELGTRs) which increases mission versatility. The 4STN carries up to four practice stores allowing more drops per sortie while minimizing drag. MALTS can remain on the aircraft once empty, enabling users to complete ACM without returning to base to remove the system. Users do not need to clean the unit or replenish consumables, such as pyrotechnic cartridges, between sorties.

Brochures and Catalogs

  • WASP and Hornet

    Wasp and Hornet Brochure

  • MALTS

    Modular Advanced Lightweight Training System (MALTS) Brochure

  • Gnat and Gnat

    Gnat and Gnat HD Brochure

  • L3Harris Release Systems Catalog

    Release Systems Product Catalog

Gravity Release Specifications

Characteristics GNAT GNAT HD
Weight 3.5 kg / 7.7 lbs 4.3 kg / 9.5 lbs
Dimensions L x H x W 406 x 132 x 125 mm
16 x 5.2 x 4.9 in
(chassis, less sway-braces)
464.6 x 132 x 125 mm
18.3 x 5.2 x 4.9 in
(chassis, less sway-braces)
Max store weight 68 kg / 150 lbs 190 kg / 416 lbs
Store diameter 102 mm / 4 in to 203 mm / 8 in 127 mm / 5 in to 304 mm / 12 in
Store interface Twin 100 lbs or 1000 lbs lug, 14 in spacing per MIL-STD-8591
Characteristics WASP Hornet
Weight < 0.8 kg / 1.8 lbs < 1 kg / 2.2 lbs
Dimensions L x H x W 138 x 125 x 40 mm chassis
5.5 x 4.9 x 1.6 in chassis
(101 at sway brace - max)
216 x 125 x 40 mm chassis
8.5 x 4.9 x 1.6 in chassis
(101 at sway brace - max)
Max store weight 23 kg / 50 lbs 23 kg / 50 lbs
Store diameter 76 - 204 mm / 3 x 8 in 76 - 204 mm / 3 x 8 in
Store interface Single 100 lbs lug, per
figure 2 of MIL-STD-8591
Single 100 lbs lug, per
figure 2 of MIL-STD-8591
Characteristics MALTS 2STN MALTS 4STN
Unloaded weight 20 kg / 44 lbs 33 kg / 72.5 lbs
Unloaded dimensions L x H x W 1386 x 168 x 260 mm
54.6 x 6.6 x 10.2 in
1387 x 197 x 288 mm
54.6 x 7.75 x 11.3 in
Max store weight 1 x 40.5 kg / 89 lbs or
2 x 11 kg / 25 lbs
4 x 11 kg / 25 lbs
Compatible stores BDU-33
BDU-48
Mk-76
Mk-106
ELGTR (in development)
BDU-33
BDU-48
Mk-76
Mk-106
Store interface Single 46 kg / 100 lbs, per MIL-STD-8591
Aircraft interface Twin 14-inch lug wells to accept NATO bale or MACE lugs

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