RAFT ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY

RECOVERY BY HELICOPTER (cont) - TM-5-5420-278-10_364

TM-5-5420-278-10 M85 Tank Chassis Transporting: for Bridge Armored-Vehicle-Launched Scissoring Type Class 80 Manual
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TM 5-5420-278-10 0041 00 0041 00-1 RAFT ASSEMBLY AND DISASSEMBLY NOTE Ramp bays and interior bays may be joined to construct a raft for transporting personnel and equipment across bodies of water. The number of bays required for rafting is dependent upon the MLC of traffic to be transported, dimensions of equipment, and the velocity of the river. The number of boats required for safe operation of a particular raft depends upon the type of raft, the MLC of the load, and the velocity of the river. Consult the longitudinal or conventional rafting ratings tables, WP 0042 00 or WP 0043 00, for minimum raft size and boat requirements to ensure safe operation. A raft requires the use of two ramp bays to enable loading and unloading from either end. A raft requires a minimum crew of three soldiers (one raft commander and two assistants), and each BEB will have a minimum crew of two soldiers. The raft commander will direct the raft by use of hand signals to the boat operators. He is responsible for loading and unloading the raft, checking levers on the pumps, and the safety of the raft. The assistants are responsible for handling the ramp plates, operating the ramp pumps, setting the handrails, watching for underwater obstructions during crossings, and any other necessary duties for safe operation. a. Determine method to launch bays (WP 0019 00, Site Requirements and Layouts), and launch two interior bays. WARNING All personnel must wear approved life jackets while on the raft. Failure to comply may result in injury or death to personnel. Exercise caution when walking near centerline of roadway; the ponton alignment lugs project above the roadway surface on interior bays and constitute a tripping hazard. Failure to comply may result in injury to personnel. b. Secure interior bays after launch (WP 0029 00, Securing Interior Bay After Launch). WARNING Never intermix IFB bays with IRB bays when building rafts. Failure to comply may result in damage to equipment or possible injury or death to personnel. c. Connect two interior bays (WP 0032 00, Interior Bay to Interior Bay Connection). d. Secure connected interior bays upstream from launch site using taglines. e. Launch and secure first ramp bay (WP 0028 00, Securing Ramp Bay After Launch).

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