TM 55-2320-242-15-1
CHAPTER 4
AIR TRANSPORTABILITY GUIDANCE
Section I. GENERAL
4-5. Safety
4-1. Scope
In addition to the safety precautions contained in
This chapter provides air transportability guidance for
movement of the M561. It covers significant technical
and physical characteristics; safety considerations; and
a. The vehicle fuel tanks must not be more than
manpower, materials, and time required to prepare,
three-fourths full.
load, tie down, and unload the vehicle on US Army and
b. Each vehicle must be checked carefully to
US Air Force aircraft.
insure that all loose items are properly secured.
Nylon cord of 550-pound capacity can be used to secure
4-2. Maximum Utilization of Aircraft
loose items.
The loads described in this chapter are not maximum
c. Fire extinguishers must be readily available
loads. Total cargo loads and operating ranges in
during all loading and unloading operations.
nautical miles are identified in AR 70-39. Additional
d. Proper ventilation must be provided when
cargo and/or personnel within allowable load limits and
loading and unloading. Prolonged exposure to carbon
restrictions prescribed by pertinent safety regulations
monoxide fumes may be fatal.
(app) can be transported.
e. Vehicles must not exceed speed of 3 miles per
hour inside airplane or helicopter or on the loading
4-3. Applicability
ramps.
f. The required number of tiedowns plus their
a. The M561 can be transported without
capacity must be checked and the criteria for gravity
sectionalization by US Air Force C-130, C-141, and C-5
forces adhered to.
aircraft.
b. The M561 is too large and/or heavy for external
4-6. Preparation of Vehicle
or internal movement by US Army fixed wing aircraft;
a. Internal or External Helicopter Loading. The
however, when sectionalized, it can be transported
vehicle must be reduced to its minimum configuration.
externally and internally by US Army CH-47 and CH-54
(1) Remove frame assembly and canopy
helicopters.
from tractor and stow on the engine cover.
c. The data contained herein on external transport
(2) Remove windshield assembly and stow in
of the M561 by the CH-47 helicopter are also applicable
stowage compartment in engine cover.
to the CH-54 helicopter.
(3) Remove canopy and bows from carrier
and stow in carrier.
4-4. Aircraft Commander Responsibilities
The aircraft commander or his representative is
b. Internal Loading in US Air Force Aircraft.
responsible for insuring that the load is secured in
Remove lockout truss if installed and stow in vehicle
accordance with restraint criteria outlined in the
before loading into aircraft.
applicable aircraft T.O. lC-XXXX-9.
Section II. TRANSPORT BY US ARMY AIRCRAFT
WARNING
Personnel working in the vicinity will
The high noise level of helicopter
wear earplugs and avoid entering
turbine
engines
can
cause
engine noise-danger area. External
permanent damage to the ear.
cargo
4-1
