TM 5-5420-278-10
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SITE REQUIREMENTS AND LAYOUTS (Contd)
(3) The site should be located at a narrow point along the river that is free
of obstructions that would impede operations.
(4) The site should have firm banks on both sides with slopes, water depth,
and current velocity within the specified limits for the IRB launch
method used. (Refer to WP 0019, table 1, Launch Restrictions.)
(5) The bridge length and type of construction method will determine the
size and number of assembly sites required. (Refer to WP 0033, Bridge
Assembly Successive Method, and WP 0034, Bridge Assembly Swinging
Bridge Method.)
CAUTION
The following vehicles have known bank height
limitations. Bank preparation prior to trafficking these
vehicles may be required.
Heavy Equipment Transporter (HET) M1070 and
M1000: Bank heights should not exceed 24 in. (0.6 m).
This is limited by the tractor-trailer combination being
limited to break-over/break-under angles of 15%. Severe
damage can occur to the trailer if trafficking with bank
heights higher than 24 in. (0.6 m) is attempted.
Abrams (M1) with Mine Clearing Blade (MCB): Bank
heights should not exceed 18 in. (0.46 m). This is
limited by clearance of the MCB with the bridge and
ramp deck. Severe damage can occur to the bridge or
ramp deck if trafficking with bank heights higher than
18 in. (0.46 m) is attempted.
Armor Vehicle Launched Bridge (AVLB): Bank heights
should not exceed 46 in. (1.16 m). This is limited by
clearance of the AVLB’s bridge outrigger with the
bridge and ramp deck. Severe damage can occur to the
bridge or ramp deck if trafficking with bank heights
higher than 46 in. (1.16 m) is attempted.
Other vehicles with low far overhangs or terrain
limitations should be closely monitored and
adjustments made to bank heights as necessary.
Attempting to cross any vehicle above the recommended
bank height or 79 in. (2 m), whichever is less, may
result in damage to the bridge or ramp deck or the
crossing vehicle itself.
(6) The site should have a firm, stable bank with a slope of 11 degrees or
less, a water depth of at least 48 in. (102 cm), and a current velocity of
10 ft (3 m) per second or less to launch BEBs.
3. Launch Condition Requirements. River bank and water conditions are
used to determine the launch method best suited for the crossing site. There
are four recommended launch methods for the IRB: the free launch, controlled
launch, high-bank launch, and deployment by helicopter. Site requirements for
each method are listed below.
