TRAILERS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify trailers used for ordnance handling to include the Mk 7 and Mods bomb, small munitions, SATS rough terrain, and Aero 51C munitions trailers.

A trailer is a transport vehicle towed by another vehicle, such as a truck or tractor. All trailers are equipped with load-supporting bodies or frames and with wheels for locomotion. Trailers may be divided into three categories-weapon trailers, weight handling trailers, and warehouse trailers. Only trailers within the weapon trailer category are discussed in this TRAMAN because they directly support aircraft weapon loading operations ashore.

A weapon trailer consists of a heavy channel or tubular frame mounted on two axles and wheels that are equipped with four pneumatic tires. The frame is supported by automotive leaf-type springs. The front axle is steerable and the rear axle is fixed The trailer is equipped with a tow bar or tow handle that has a towing eye on its end. Use the towing eye to couple the trailer to the towing vehicle. Some trailers have draw heads at the rear to couple the towing eye of another trailer.

A weapon trailer has cradles or brackets that fit the contours of the weapon being transported The cradles or brackets on the trailer can be removed or adjusted for carrying loads of various sizes. Hold-down devices, such as chains or straps, secure the load during transport. Some weapon trailers have hydraulic systems to load weapons on aircraft, or for similar uses.

Weapon trailers are used to transport weapons, such as bombs, mines, missiles, and torpedoes of various sizes. In general, the trailers are capable of operating over moderately soft or moderately rough terrain. The short airfield tactical site (SATS) trailers operate over very rough terrain. These trailers are towed by vehicles such as the cargo truck (pickup). When coupled together, the SATS trailers form a train behind the truck. Don't use more than four trailers in one train.

MK 7 AND MODS BOMB TRAILER

The Mk 7 Mods 3, 4, and 5 bomb trailers (fig. 9-58) are made of a low-slung, heavy, channel steel frame mounted on four wheels. The trailers have a hydraulic elevating system actuated by a manually operated pump.

Figure 9-58.-Mk 7 Mods 3, 4, and 5 bomb trailer.

The elevating assembly consists of an elevating arm, upon which a cradle assembly is mounted. The cradle assembly consists of a tilting table and cradle. The cradle is equipped with rollers for positioning the weapon. The tilting table and cradle can be tilted 30 degrees forward or backward in a vertical plane by using a hand wheel. The cradle can be adjusted in the horizontal plane and rotated around its center with travel fixed by the table lock plate. The cradle is also capable of lateral movement. It can be rolled on table rollers from side to side with travel fixed by the table. The cradle movements are used to align and stabilize the weapon during loading. The cradle is equipped with tie-down straps to secure the load. Outriggers may also be used to provide greater stability during weapon elevation.

The front axle is steerable and equipped with a drawbar, which has a towing eye on its end. The towing eye is used to couple the trailer to a towing vehicle. A pintle hook welded to the rear frame lets you couple it with another trailer to form a train. Pad eyes are located on the front and rear of the trailer for use with a safety chain assembly provided with the trailer. The trailer is equipped with a safety chain connected to the towing vehicle. When multiple trailers form a train, the safety chain is connected between trailers to prevent the drawbar from dropping to the ground if a drawbar or pintle hook fails. The trailer is also provided with a static chain to ground static electricity. All Mods of the trailers are equipped with a rear-wheel mechanical parking brake.

Mk 7 Mods 3, 4, and 5 bomb trailers are used to transport and load a variety of weapons and stores. For transport, a towing vehicle is required, and more than one trailer can be towed. The Mk 7 bomb trailer has an _{SWL of 2,250 pounds.} For aircraft loading and unloading operations, manpower is used to position the trailer. Tow the trailer at a safe speed. Speed is determined by the user activity; tow a single trailer with a specified load at a speed not to exceed 15 miles per hour. Tow multiple trailers in a train at a speed not to exceed 5 miles per hour.

MHU-126/M SMALL MUNITIONS TRAILER

The MHU-126/M small munitions trailer (fig. 9-59) has a low-slung, channel steel frame and four wheels with pneumatic rubber tires. Lengths of drilled steel

Figure 9-59.-MHU-126/M small munitions trailer. 9-41

bars welded to crossmembers of the frame provide mounting holes for the various adapters. The front axle is steerable and equipped with a drawbar that has a towing eye on its end to couple the trailer to a towing vehicle. A pintle hook on the rear of the frame permits coupling with another trailer. The wheels are equipped with hydraulic service brakes. Mechanical parking brakes are provided on two of the four wheels.

When it is equipped with adapters, you can use the MHU-126/M small munitions trailer to transport and load various weapons, stores, and equipment. The recommended maximum towing speed is 15 miles per hour for a single trailer and 5 miles per hour for multiple trailers being towed in a train. The MHU-126/M has an SWL of 5,000 pounds.