Chapter 4. AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-2350-272-14

CHAPTER 4

AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

Section I. GENERAL

4-1. Scope

This chapter provides air transportability guidance for movement of the M973. Examples of tiedown diagrams and tie-

down data for loading this vehicle into US Air Force C-130, C-141, and C-5 aircraft are presented, as well as procedures

for transport by US Army CH- 54A/B and CH-47C/D helicopters.

4-2. Maximum Utilization of Aircraft

Additional cargo, including nuclear weapons and/or personnel, within allowable load limits and restrictions as prescribed

by pertinent safety regulations (app), can be transported with the M973 in US Air Force aircraft.

4-3. Safety

In addition to the safety precautions in chapter 3, the following procedures apply:

a. The activity offering the vehicle for air transport will notify the aircraft commander or his/her representative when

ammunition or explosives are to be transported in the vehicle.

b. The vehicle fuel tanks must not be more than three-fourths full.

c. The required number of tiedowns plus their capacity must be checked and the criteria for gravity forces adhered

to in accordance with procedures in section IV of Air Force TO 1C-130A-9, TO 1C-141B- 9, and TO 1C-5A-9. Proce-

dures outlined in this manual are for general guidance.

CAUTION

Do not allow the carrier to exceed 3 miles per hour on the loading ramps

or inside the aircraft.

Section II. TRANSPORT BY US ARMY HELICOPTER

4-4. Transport by US Army Helicopter

a. Applicability. This load is suitable for the CH- 54A/B and CH-47C/D helicopters at speeds of 70 knots.

b. Load Description

(1) Carrier, M973, all-terrain, full-tracked, with articulated steering.

(2) Weight:

Carrier ............................................... 10,100 pounds

Accompanying load ............................. 3,000 pounds

Total.................................................. 13,100 pounds

c. Materials.

(1) Two sling sets, helicopter, cargo-carrying, external (25,000-lb-capacity), NSN 1670-01-017-2900.

(2) Four chains with connector links (25,000-lb- capacity), NSN 4010-01-058-4772.

(3) Coupling link, P/N 664241.

(4) Cord, nylon, type III, 550-pound breaking strength.

(5) Tape, adhesive, pressure-sensitive, 2-inch-wide roll.

(6) Grounding rod, locally fabricated.

d. Personnel. Two personnel can prepare and rig the load in 35 minutes.

e. Preparation.

(1) Secure all internal cargo and loose items with nylon rope.

(2) Lock the articulated steering unit with the steering cylinder locks.

(3) Secure all doors, windows, and roof hatches in the closed position.

(4) Check to insure that lifting eyes are screwed all the way in (shoulder flush with the roof of the vehicle) and

cannot be loosened by hand.

f. Rigging.

(1) Assemble the two sling sets as shown in figure 4-1. Note the sling leg numbering sequence.

(2) Loop the chain end of sling legs 5 and 6 through the aft lifting provisions of the front car of the carrier and

insert link 8 in the grabhooks.

(3) Loop the chain end of sling legs 7 and 8 through the forward lifting provisions of the rear car of the carrier

and insert link 11 in the grabhooks.

(4) Loop the chain end of sling legs 1 and 2 through the forward lifting provisions of the front car. Attach an ad-

ditional chain to the No. 1 link on the chain legs with the connector link. The chain leg must be looped through the lifting

provision prior to attaching the additional chain. Insert link 14 of the additional chain in the grabhook.

(5) Loop the chain end of sling legs 3 and 4 through the aft lifting provisions of the rear car. Attach an additional

chain the same as for sling legs 1 and 2. Insert link 18 of the additional chain leg in the grabhook.

(6) Tape the loose ends of the chain legs.

(7) If the carrier has to be driven after being pre- pared for helicopter lift, secure the slings and clevis

4-1