Lots of this stuff is airshow disinformation told by the static display "minders" to the throngs of airshow know-nothings. Pod RAT as aux thrust for takeoff (or as propellers during impromptu ASW), IFR probe as a directed energy weapon. I've told all those tall tales and more - usually sporting a flight suit nametag that reads "Oliver Klozoff" or the ubiquitous "Heywood Jablome." "It's pronounced Yahh-blom, madam."
Brett
One of our AWOs told a kid the MAD boom was a stinger that we used to stab subs with on the surface in some kind of P-3 tail stand maneuver.