AERO 47A, AERO 47A-1, AND MJ-7 WEAPON LOADER

The Aero 47A, 47A-1, and MJ-7 weapon loaders (fig. 9-63) are self-propelled vehicles with low, heavy-duty frames. Each weapon loader's frame is supported by six small high-capacity wheels. Each vehicle consists of two main functional components- the lifting mechanism and the drive mechanism.

The lifting mechanism has a lift boom, hydraulic system, and a manipulating head. The lift boom is operated by a piston-type hydraulic cylinder mounted in

Figure 9-63.-Aero 47A, Aero 47A-1, and MJ-7 weapon loader.

the midsection of the boom support. The manipulating head is located at the upper end of the lift boom and is capable of limited ram, lateral and longitudinal motions, as well as tilting, rolling, and yawing motions. These weapon loaders have a lifting fork attached to the manipulating head by an adapter. The lifting fork can be mounted in three positions-normal forward, inverted forward, and inverted rear. By inverting the adapter plate, the maximum reach of the fork is extended in each of these position.

The drive mechanism includes a conventional automotive clutch, transmission, and rear-wheel drive. These weapon loaders are equipped with four-wheel hydraulic brakes, mechanical parking brakes, and rear-wheel power steering. They also have spark- and flame-arresting mufflers, nylon tie-down straps to hold the load during handling, utility chains for lifting items directly off the ground, and lights for night-loading operations. The hydraulic system controls are located within reach of the operator's seat. The seat is located at the extreme rear of each vehicle. The controls are also located on the boom. Power to operate the lift and drive mechanisms is supplied by a four-cylinder, air-cooled diesel engine.

The Aero 47A, 47A-1, and MJ-7 weapon loaders have an SWL of 4,500 pounds each, They are used to

load externally carried weapons, stores, and fuel tanks onto aircraft. These weapon loaders are used with a variety of adapters and cradles.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR HANDLING EQUIPMENT

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the safety precautions to follow when using ordnance handling equipment.

You must observe the safety precautions and instructions that pertain to the safe operation and use of ammunition and explosives handling equipment, both afloat and ashore. The task of ammunition and explosives handling is hazardous. Accidents involving ammunition and explosives handling kill and injure

personnel, destroy essential supplies, and damage valuable equipment and property. These accidents don't just happen. They are caused by carelessness or unfamiliarity with the use and limitations of handling equipment, as well as relaxation or failure to observe safety precautions, orders, and regulations pertaining to the handling and stowage of ammunition and explosives. You can prevent accidents caused by misuse of handling equipment if you take the time to understand the use and limitations of the handling equipment.

Many technical manuals and instructions contain information about safety, inspection, and tests for ordnance handling equipment. For general information, refer to the following publications: Approved Handling Equipment for Weapons and

Explosives, NAVSEA OP 2173, Volume 1 (NAVAIR 19-100-1.1) and Volume 2 (NAVAIR 19-100-1.2) Ammunition Afloat, NAVSEA Op 4

Ammunition and Explosives Ashore, Safety Regulations for Handling, Storing, Production, Renovation, and Shipping, NAVSEA OP 5, Volume 1

Use approved handling equipment to handle explosive ordnance. Approved handling equipment is described in NAVSEA OP 2173 and NAVSEA OP 4098. Before you can be assigned to operate any explosive ordnance handling equipment, you must receive a thorough indoctrination in general safety precautions applicable to explosive ordnance. You must also be indoctrinated in the specific precautions applicable to the equipment you will be operating. Additionally, you must be qualified and certified under OPNAVINST 8023.2 (series) and other appropriate command directives.

To assure reliability, explosive handling equipment must be inspected and periodically tested. Equipment, such as slings, bands, beams, strongbacks, and spreader bars, is static tested at 200 percent to 215 percent of SWL. If the date and the results of the latest static test are not marked on the equipment or the test is out of date, don't use the equipment.

You must possess a valid explosives drivers license before operating industrial material handling equipment, such as forklift trucks, pickup trucks, platform trucks, crane trucks, and tractors and trailers.

You must never exceed the SWL of the equipment being used. If adapters are being used, you cannot exceed the lowest SWL of the equipment-adapter configuration. For example, if an Aero 12C bomb skid (SWL of 1,250 pounds) is used with an Aero 9C bomb skid adapter (SWL of 1,000 pounds), the maximum capacity of the skid-adapter configuration is limited to 1,000 pounds.