CHAPTER 9 SUPPORT EQUIPMENT

CHAPTER 9 SUPPORT EQUIPMENT INTRODUCTION This chapter identifies support equipment (SE) used to handle, service, load, test, and maintain aircraft. As an Airman Apprentice, you will be required to operate SE. Some SE is used both ashore and afloat, while other SE is used only ashore or only afloat. The SE division of the AIMD is tasked with maintaining SE. Principal users of SE are the squadron line division, the base operations line division, and the air department aboard aircraft carriers. TYPES OF EQUIPMENT LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the purpose and function of the types of support equipment, to include operation, maintenance, hazards, and carrier air and shore-based operations. There are two types of support equipment—aircraft handling equipment and aircraft servicing equipment. The following text discusses these various types of support equipment. HANDLING EQUIPMENT Aircraft handling equipment consists of tow tractors; crash and salvage equipment, to include fire-fighting vehicles and maintenance cranes; forklift trucks; and flight deck scrubbers. Tow Tractors Various tow tractors in the Navy inventory are discussed in the following text. A/S32A-30 AIRCRAFT GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TOWING TRACTOR.—The A/S32A-30 tow tractor (fig. 9-1) is a 6-cylinder, gasoline-powered, four-wheel, heavy-duty vehicle with a three-speed transmission. The tractor frame is a welded steel one-piece unit. It is equipped with hydraulically actuated front disc brakes and drum-type brakes on the rear wheels. A hydraulically assisted steering unit provides steering to the front wheels. The tractor employs a 12-volt electrical system to supply power for lighting, starting, horn, and instrument operation. It comes equipped with two seats—one driver and one passenger—mirrors, front and rear towing couplers (pintles), tie-down fittings and lifting attachments. It can be fitted with a fully enclosed cab. It is designed to tow aircraft servicing equipment, work stands, and armament handling equipment. A/S32A-30A AIRCRAFT GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TOWING TRACTOR.—The A/S32A-30A tow tractor (fig. 9-2) is a 4-cylinder, diesel engine, (dual wheel) rear-wheel-drive tractor with a 40,000-pound towing capacity. It comes with a three-speed automatic transmission, hydraulic brakes on front and rear wheels, conventional power steering with power assist to the front wheels, and employs a conventional 12-volt electrical system with battery and alternator to supply power for the lights, horn, starter motor, ignition, and instruments. 9-1 ANF0901 Figure 9-1.—A/S32A-30 aircraft ground support equipment towing tractor.