Chapter 4. AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-2320-273-14

CHAPTER 4

AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

hour on loading ramps or inside aircraft.

4-1. Scope

NOTE

This chapter provides air transportability guidance for

Cargo loads depicted in this manual are re-

movement of the 14- and 20-ton M915, M915A1,

strained to the required minimum of 3g's for-

M916, and M920 truck tractors. It presents examples

ward restraint.

of tiedown diagrams and tiedown data for loading

NOTE

these vehicles on US Air Force aircraft.

In air loading, the center of gravity of each

4-2. Maximum Utilization of Aircraft

vehicle must be determined and, where the

weight and/or measurement is critical, each

Additional cargo, including personnel within allow-

vehicle should be weighed or measured,

able load limits and restrictions prescribed by perti-

nent safety regulations, can be transported with these

4-4. Responsibility

vehicles on US Air Force aircraft.

The loadmaster will ensure that loaded equipment is

4-3. Safety

secured in accordance with restraint criteria outlined

in TO 1C-5A-9.

In addition to the safety precautions contained in

chapter 3, the following should be noted:

4-5. Aircraft Capabilities

a. The activity offering the vehicles for transport

The 14- and 20-ton truck tractors can be transported

will notify the aircraft commander or his designated

only in the C-5 aircraft provided parking shoring, at

representative if ammunition or explosives are to be

least l/2-inch thick, is used under the front wheels.

transported within a vehicle.

Maximum tire pressure for airlift is restricted to 100

b. Fuel tanks must not be more than one-fourth full.

psi. Fuel tank and batteries must be prepared for air-

c. The vehicle must be restrained for air transport

l i f t in accordance with the requirements of TM

in accordance with the applicable procedures in section

38-250.

IV of US Air Force TO lC-5A-9.

d. Each vehicle must be checked carefully to ensure

4-6. Typical Loads

that all loose items are properly secured in accordance

The following tiedown diagrams (figs 4-1 through

with restraint criteria.

4-2) and data tables (tables 4-1 through 4-2) are

WARNING

based on acceptable methods that can be used as a

Proper ventilation must be provided during

guide for loading and securing the 14- and 20-ton FOV

loading and unloading of the vehicles. Pro-

aboard US Air Force aircraft. Loads are based on

longed inhalation of carbon monoxide fumes

empty vehicles in reduced configuration.

may be fatal.

WARNING

4-7. Transport by US Army Aircraft

Fire extinguishers must be readily available

during all loading and unloading operations.

The M915 FOV trucks exceed the size and weight lim-

CAUTION

itations for transport by US Army fixed and rotary

Do not allow vehicles to exceed 3 miles per

wing aircraft.

4-1