CHAPTER 20ARS-57
It took over two weeks for the Russian-trained weapons techs hired by the Government to make the necessary wing modifications to attach the rockets. First, they tried to fabricate a pylon-mounted launcher, but that turned out to be more difficult and costly than they had expected. They then decided to fasten rails under the wings so that the weapons could slide onto them and rest against metal stops. This proved to be much more efficient and lighter weight.
Then the electrical system had to be wired to the rails and a switch selector box installed in the cockpit. Although simpler than the pylon, it was still a nerve-racking process and Captain Roberts was at the airfield hangar every day supervising the project.
The Captain was able to acquire the Soviet-built ARS-57 ro
