CHAPTER 4 AIR TRANSPORTABILITY TM GUIDANCE

CHAPTER 4 AIR TRANSPORTABILITY TM GUIDANCE 55-2350-262-14 4-1. Scope This chapter provides air transportability guidance for the movement of the M9 ACE vehicle. It covers technical and physical characteristics, as well as safety considerations, and prescribes the man- power, material, and time required to prepare, load, and tie down the vehicle on, or unload the vehicle from, U.S. Air Force aircraft. 4-2. Maximum Utilization of Aircraft The loads described in this section are not maxi- mum loads. General guidance on total cargo loads and on operating ranges is provided in TM 38–236/AFP 71–8. Additional cargo and/or person- nel within allowable load limits and restrictions prescribed by pertinent safety regulations can be transported. 4-3. Applicability a. U.S. Air Force Aircraft. The M9 ACE is transportable in C–130, C–141, and C–5 aircraft. Procedures in this manual and those prescribed in TO 1C-130A-9, TO 1C-141A-9, and TO 1C-5A-9 are applicable. b. Tiedown. This vehicle is tied down in ac- cordance with the applicable TO 1C–XXX–9, sec- tion IV. Figures 4–1 through 4–3 show the sug- gested tiedown patterns for the M9 ACE in the C-130, C-141, and C-5 aircraft, respectively. Ta- bles 4-1 through 4-3 show the suggested tiedown patterns for the M9 ACE in the C-130, C-141, and C-5 aircraft, respectively. Tables 4-1 through 4-3 list the tiedown devices required, the locations of tiedown points, the corresponding fittings to which the devices are secured, the number and capacity of the devices, and the lumber shoring required for loading and/or securement. (1) The rolling shoring requirements listed in tables 4–4 and 4–5 are to be applied in sequence from the top to the bottom of the table, with the first items for the ground, the second for the ramp, and so forth (see figs 4-4 and 4-5). For the C–5, rolling shoring may have to be leap- frogged, depending on the desired tiedown location. (2) Parking/sleeper shoring is to be applied as shown in figures 4–6 and 4–7. c. Loadmaster Responsibilities. The loadmaster will ensure that the vehicle is loaded and secured in accordance with the applicable TO 1C–XXX–9. 4-4. Safety Besides the safety precautions contained in chap- ter 3, the following considerations should be noted: a. The height of the M9 ACE must be reduced for transport in C-130 and C-141 aircraft. b. Sleeper and parking shoring are required in all aircraft. c. Relieve track tension until the track lies directly on top of road wheel four prior to loading aboard the aircraft. d. Position suspension to the UNSPRUNG mode for loading/offloading and to the SPRUNG mode for flight. e. The fuel load must be reduced to 25 percent, and the components must be repositioned in the bowl before loading operations. f. Once the vehicle is loaded in the aircraft, relieve the hydraulic pressure to allow the vehicle to settle on the bump stops faster. 4-5. Preparation of Vehicle a. Personnel Requirement. At least one heavy equipment operator, heavy equipment mechanic, and wrecker operator are required to prepare, load, unload, and place the M9 ACE in operation. Additional support personnel (MOS immaterial) with minimum familiarization of the equipment will reduce preparation time. b. Equipment and Materials. The following equipment and materials are required for prepar- ing and placing the M9 ACE in operation: (1) TOOl kit, mechanic (2) Wrecker, 5-ton (3) Shoring (tables 4-4 and 4-5) (4) Socket set, heavy-duty, 3/4-inch drive (5) Handle, socket, 3/4-inch square drive, 20- l/2-inch length c. Preparation Times. Time required for prepar- ing, loading, offloading, and placing the M9 ACE in operation will vary depending on existing condi- tions and personnel available. Time and personnel allotted to each operation are for planning pur- poses. 4-1