Chapter 5. HIGHWAY TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

TM 55-2350-272-14

CHAPTER 5

HIGHWAY TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE

Section I. GENERAL

5-1. Scope

This chapter provides transportability guidance for highway movement of the M973. It covers significant technical and

physical characteristics as well as safety precautions; prescribes materials; and provides guidance required to prepare,

load, tie down, and unload the M973.

5-2. Safety

a. In addition to the safety precautions in chapter 3, movement of the system within CONUS is subject to all safety

laws, rules, and regulations applicable to commercial carriers. Overseas movements are governed by theater and local

regulations.

b. Lifting of the M973 is discussed in paragraph 6-3.

5-3. General

The M973 is self-deliverable only under appropriate tactical situations. Movement over paved public highways will not be

made without specific approval as outlined in AR 55-162. Legal limitations for overseas are identified in "Limits of Motor

Vehicle Sizes and Weights," International Road Federation, Geneva, Switzerland.

Section II. TRANSPORT BY SEMITRAILER

5-4. Preparation

Remove all basic issue items from the outside of the M973 and stow them securely inside the M973 to preclude damage

during transport.

WARNING

Other than the M973 driver, no one is allowed on the semitrailer at any

time during loading operations.

WARNING

Loading must not be conducted on side or lateral slopes exceeding 10

percent or with a tractor-to-trailer offset angle greater than 5 Also,

loading on a severe downgrade must be avoided to prevent the payload

from rolling forward on the trailer.

5-5. Transport on M127A1 Semitrailer

a. General. Figures 5-1 and 5-2 show the M973 loaded on the M127AI semitrailer. Figure 5-3 shows details of

blocking and tiedown materials used to restrain the M973 on the semitrailer.

b. Materials. Adequate blocking and tiedown materials are provided by the shipping activity and are listed in table

5-1. Table 5-2 provides application of materials for blocking and tiedown of the M973 on the M127A1 semitrailer.

5-1