ALIGNMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Figure 3-14.—Typical benchmarks. DIALS Although the dials that must be read by alignment personnel are part of the equipment being aligned and cannot properly be considered to be equipment requir- ing alignment, a brief review is given of the precau- tions to be observed in reading dials. The correct reading of dials is extremely important in alignment work. A simple mistake. in reading a dial can cause great difficulty or unnecessary work. Such mistakes are often made, even by experienced person- nel, and are made most often because of carelessness or undue haste. Before you attempt to read a dial, it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the values of the graduations and the manner in which the dials operate. This is particularly important if the dials are not read frequently. In such cases, several trial readings should be taken and checked with someone else before starting the alignment. Even familiar dials should be read systematically and deliberately. Above all, no attempt should be made to hurry. A few extra seconds spent in making a careful reading may later save hours of work involved in performing an unnecessary ad- justment procedure. ALIGNMENT CONSIDERATIONS There are certain major steps in combat systems alignment that must proceed according to a specified sequence. Strict adherence to the order in which the steps are conducted is essential to the successful com- pletion of the alignment task. The sequence in which these steps are to be performed is shown in table 3-1. Table 3-1.—Procedures for Combat Systems Alignment Initially, these steps are accomplished by the in- stalling activity during ship construction. Thereafter, shipboard alignment checks and verification consist mainly of benchmark checks, tram checks, and star checks. This section briefly discusses the establishment of reference planes, the placement of reference marks, the establishment of parallelism, the performance of fire-control radar radio-frequency-optical alignment, the establishment of training and elevation zero align- 3 - 1 2