A hardpoint is any part of an airframe designed to carry an external load. This technical description includes mountings for podded engines, but most commonly the term is used, as with weapon station, to refer to a point on the wings of military aircraft where external stores such as missiles, bombs, countermeasures, gun pods, or drop tanks can be mounted. Types of hardpoints Rail launchers Large missiles and rockets are typically mounted on rail-type launchers and are propelled clear of the ai… (More on Hardpoint)