TM 5-5420-203-14
a. Launching on a Slope - CONT
(4) If it has been determined that the continued operation to launch will result in the launcher
turning over, sliding in a ravine, etc., immediately shut down the engine and leave the
launcher. Stay clear of the launcher and bridge. Seek engineering assistance.
WARNING
The bridge and the launcher are very heavy. You can be crushed by the weight. Always
wear your helmet when operating the bridge. If the bridge starts to turn over, DO NOT TRY
TO LEAVE THE VEHICLE. Stay inside and brace your position with your hands and feet.
Do not have fingers or hands in the area of the turret cover. If the bridge tilts to the extent
the launcher turns over, immediately kill the engine, abandon the launcher, and remove
injured personnel to a safe distance.
(5) Refer to paragraph 2-8a for procedures to launch the bridge.
h. Retrieving on a slope.
Retrieving
This Task Covers:
Serviceable
EQUIPMENT CONDITIONS:
PERSONNEL:
Two
(1) Precautions must be taken when retrieving on a slope. The following precautions shall be
adhered to:
(a) The bridge, when lifted from the ground, exerts leveraged forces on the launcher. The
higher the lift, the greater the forces. When the bridge is raised to the vertical position,
the forces are at the maximum point. If the bridge and launcher maximum retrieving
angle are not within the guidelines (see FIGURE 1-3), the bridge may cause the launcher
to turn over resulting in serious damage to the bridge, the launcher, and serious injury or
death to the crew.
(b) When retrieving on a slope, either up or down a hill or on the side of a hill, make sure
an 8% side slope or a 15% or greater uphill or downhill grade.
(2) If an attempt to retrieve on an uphill or downhill grade or a side slope has resulted in other
than a normal retrieve position (launcher and bridge appear to tilt more than allowed due to
soft footing, slippage, etc.), immediately cease operations.
(3) If bridge is past highest vertical position and is on its way down, consider continuing the
retrieval operation. If bridge has not yet reached its highest point, cease the current
operation and return the bridge either to the ground or the bridge seat on the launcher.
(4) If it has been determined that the continued operation to retrieve will result in the launcher
turning over, sliding in a ravine, etc., immediately shut down the engine and abandon the
launcher. Stay clear of the launcher and bridge. Request engineering assistance.
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