HOISTING BANDS

Hoisting bands are used to encircle a load and provide a means for attaching hoisting equipment or

Figure 9-23.-HLU-288/E bomb hoist. 9-16

Figure 9-24.-HLU-196B/E bomb hoisting unit.

other handling equipment. The hoisting bands are steel straps with either one or two points used to attach them to the hoist equipment.

Look at figure 9-25. It shows a hoisting band configured with a HLK-278/F32K-5 band latch assembly and a HLK-279/F32-5 anchor fitting assembly. The band latch assembly is used to clamp the band around the weapon. The anchor fitting assembly is used to secure the eyebolt of the latch to the band, or to attach the eye of a hoisting cable to the sling. Configuration of these two assemblies with the bands

Figure 9-25.-Example of a hoisting band configuration.

makes it possible to accommodate many different sizes, shapes, and weights of stores.

There are three different bands available-the short, light-gauge hoisting band (HLK-275/F32K-5), the long, light-gauge hoisting band (HLK-276/F32K-5), and the heavy-gauge hoisting band (HLK-277/F32K-5). These bands can be arranged for single- or double-point hoisting. (See table 9-2.)

There are many different types of hoisting bands available, but the hoisting bands described above are predominately used throughout the aviation ordnance field They are used with the HLU-288/E and HLU196B/E bomb hoists during aircraft loading operations.

Table 9-2.-Load Limitations for Common Arrangements of Hoisting Bands

SKIDS, WEAPONS TRANSPORTERS, AND ASSOCIATED ADAPTERS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the purpose and use of skids, weapons transporters, and associated adapters. Recognize the safe loads for each.

A skid or weapon transporter is a mobile piece of equipment with a welded frame-type construction mounted on two or four rubber-tired wheels. It is used with various adapters to support a load for movement from one area to another.

Wheeled skids or weapons transporters are generally equipped with a brake mechanism so the skid won't move when unattended. Handles are attached to all mobile skids and weapons transporters to provide a means of moving and controlling the units. The units are not self-propelled and require either manpower or power equipment to move them. They are used for handling various weapons and miscellaneous ammunition items during the aircraft rearming process aboard aircraft carriers and at shore stations.

You can't use skids and weapons transporters without adapters. Adapters are an interface between the skid or weapon transporter and the weapon or store to be supported They provide a support surface and a means of securing the weapon or store to the skid or transporter. This prevents any inadvertent movement. There are many different types of adapters available for any one particular skid or weapon transporter, or an adapter may be compatible with several different skids or weapons transporters. Adapters are attached to the skids or weapons transporters by quick-release pins or other types of quick-change devices.