TM-55-2350-215-10-15 M60 Series Transportability Guidance Download
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TM 55-2350-215-10-15 CHAPTER 4 AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE 4-1. Scope This chapter provides air transportability guidance for the movement of the tanks, combat, fulltracked, M60- series. It includes significant technical and physical characteristics, as well as safety considerations, and prescribes the manpower, materials, and time required to prepare, load, tie down, and unload the vehicle as internal loads on US Air Force cargo aircraft. 4-2. Maximum Utilization of Aircraft a. The loads described in this section are not maximum loads. b. Additional cargo and/or personnel within allowable load limits and restrictions, prescribed in pertinent safety regulations (appendix), can be transported. 4-3. Applicability a. US Air Force Aircraft. The M60-series tanks are transportable only in the C-5 airplane. Procedures in this manual and those prescribed in section VI, TO 1C- 5A-9, apply. b. Tiedown Devices. The vehicle is tied down in accordance with the procedures established in TO 1C- 5A-9. c. Responsibilities of the Airplane Commander. The airplane commander or his representative will insure that the vehicle is secured in accordance with restraint criteria outlined in TO 1C-5A-9. 4-4. Safety In addition to the safety precautions contained in chapter 3, the following procedures should be noted: a. The activity offering the vehicles for air transport must notify the airplane commander or his or her designated representative when ammunition or explosives are to be transported within the vehicle. b. The vehicle fuel tanks must not be more than three-fourths full. c. The vehicle must be tied down in accordance with procedures in this manual and TO 1C-5A-9. d. Each vehicle or component must be checked carefully to insure that all loose items are properly secured. WARNING Fire extinguishers must be readily available during all loading and unloading operations. WARNING Proper ventilations must be provided when loading and unloading. Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide fumes may be fatal. CAUTION Vehicle speed must not exceed 3 miles per hour inside aircraft or on the loading ramps. 4-5. Preparation of Vehicle a. Turret traverse and gun-elevating mechanism must be in travel position, locked, and wire-tied to prevent rotation. b. Antennae must be tied down or removed, hatches placed in closed position, and loose gear secured with nylon cord or suitable substitute. c. Machine-gun and mount must be removed and secured in the location provided. 4-6. Transport of M60-Series Vehicle by US Air Force C-5 Airplane a. Materials. None required. When pads are worn to the extent that deflection of the pads will cause the metal grousers to contact the aircraft ramps or floor during loading or flight, rolling and parking shorin must be used. b. Loading. (1) Ammunition boxes and grenades must be secure. WARNING TM 38-250 (AFR 71-4) must be consulted to insure compatibility of any additional cargo being considered for loading with the vehicle. (2) All externally and internally stowed equipment must be secured. (3) The vehicle should be loaded as indicated in figure 4-1. (4) The vehicle transmission must be placed in neutral, and the brakes set. 4-1