• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

a. This device consists of a webbed nylon strap about 20 feet long with a fixed snap hook on one end and an adjustable hook on the other (Figure 3-1). The adjustable hook end of this device has a ratchet system for tensioning. The device weighs about 3.75 pounds.

b. To operate the CGU, attach the fixed hook of the strap to the cargo or over the cargo to a tie-down ring if the cargo does not have tie-down provisions. Then attach the hook and ratchet end to a tie-down. Make sure that the spool on the ratchet is completely unwound. Apply tension by pulling on the end of the webbing that passes through the spool. While holding the webbing, operate the handle with a rocking motion to tighten the spool. Do not force with added leverage. Ensure that you have 1/2 to 1 1/2 wraps of double webbing on the spool. To release, depress the release handle while turning the handle to the full open position.

3-3. 10,000-POUND TIE-DOWN DEVICE (MB-1)

a. This tie-down device has a rated strength of 10,000 pounds. It consists of an adjustable hook, tension collar, chain lock, a quick-release lever, and a 9-foot steel chain with an L-shaped hook on one end (Figure 3-2). In use, the L-shaped hook end of the chain is passed over the load, and the hook is then engaged with a link of chain. The adjustable hook end of the device is attached to a tie-down ring. The quick-release lever makes it possible to detach the device instantly, regardless of the tension on the chain. The tension collar permits final tensioning of the chain.

b. To operate the MB-1, attach the L-shaped hook to the cargo. Next, attach the adjustable hook to a tie-down fitting and extend the hook by turning the tension collar. Pull the chain tight and insert it into the chain lock. Push the chain down until it is firmly seated in the chain lock and locked with the quick-release lever. To apply tension, turn tension collar until the chain is tight. To release, pull up on the quick-release lever.

NOTE: If the chain is too loose, release it and extend the hook. Then readjust the chain to the proper length. To release, pull up on the quick-release lever.

3-4. LOAD BINDER AND QUICK-FIT STRAP FASTENER

a. The load binder is a locking device used to tighten and secure straps. The binder consists of the two body plates that attach at one end to a short hook and at the end of a handle that holds a pivoting long hook. Usually, load binders are used to draw up tautly a tie-down strap that is passed through, around, or over cargo items and fitted with a quick-fit strap fastener (except when the quick-fit strap is used as a binder by itself). There are two types of load binders: a 5,000-pound capacity (Figure 3-3) and a 10,000-pound capacity.

b. The quick-fit strap fasteners are fitted on the free ends of the 15-foot tie-down straps to provide a means of securing free ends of the strap to the load binders. Each fastener consists of a metal fitting forged in a V-shape with a double bar and a friction grip crossbar (Figure 3-4).

3-5. NETS

a. MA-2(15-x15-Foot) and MA-3(15-x20-Foot) Cargo Nets. These nets are made of webbed nylon straps and have a restraint capacity of 10,000 pounds each. Fixed straps (about 10 inches long) equipped with snap hooks are attached to one side of the net. The remaining sides of the net are equipped with adjustable straps about 4 feet long. The adjustable straps are also equipped with snap hooks. Reefing rings and hooks allow the size of the net to be adjusted to the size of the load. The nets may be used to restrain stacks of general cargo, such as boxes, sacks, metal containers, or a combination of miscellaneous items. They are also used with barrier nets. The cargo nets are installed on stacks of general cargo as follows:

NOTE: When cargo is stacked close to the fuselage wall, pre-position the cargo net and secure it to the fuselage wall as shown in Figure 3-5. After the cargo is stacked, secure the net following the above procedures.

b. Barrier Nets. Barrier nets (Figure 3-6) are used with cargo tie-down nets to secure general cargo and to minimize individual tie-down device requirements. They are used for forward and aft restraint and can restrain 15,000 pounds of cargo in a forward direction at 4 Gs and 40,000 pounds in an aft direction at 1.5 Gs. They also supply vertical and lateral restraint. The net system is used to restrain palletized and composite cargo loads when such loads are to be air-landed. However, in nonpalletized loads, any concentrated cargo (heavy object) item must be attached to the cargo floor with appropriate tie-down devices before positioning any lighter items of cargo around it. Securing concentrated cargo prevents its crushing smaller pieces of cargo when the composite load is restrained by the net system. To compensate for the stretch of material, arrange barrier nets to prevent the cargo at the aft end of the restrained group from shifting forward and overloading the barrier net forward (Figure 3-7).

NOTE: Barrier nets for forward or aft restraint should be increased in length in the direction of the load. That is, for forward restraint, the tie-down devices at the forward end should have a greater length than those used toward the aft end.

NOTE: If tie-down fittings are not located to allow longer barrier net straps toward the front of the load for forward restraint, attach to the next available tie-down fitting aft.

3-6. PADDING. To prevent damage to tie-down straps during operations, any strap hitched next to or resting against an abrasive cargo surface should be wrapped with cellulose wadding, felt padding, or a cushioning material, such as rags, canvas, burlap, or newspapers (anything that will keep the strap from touching cargo) (Figure 3-8). Use tape to secure the padding to the strap to keep vibrations from working it out from under the strap.

3-7. L-SHAPED GRABHOOK

a. Horizontal Tie-Down Provision. When attaching the L-shaped hook end of the chain to a cargo tie-down provision, remember that the hook must be properly engaged with a chain link. The correct method is to pass the hook end over and bring it up under the tie-down point. Keep the hook to the left side of the running end of the chain. Then position the hook on top of the selected link to complete the hookup (Figure 3-9).

b. Perpendicular Tie-down Provision. The correct method to attach the hook end to a perpendicular tie-down provision is to pass the hook end from the left through or around the tie-down provision and bring it back under the running end of the chain. Then position the hook on top of the selected link to complete the hookup (Figure 3-10).

NOTE: When properly seated, as shown above, the L-shaped hook will not readily disengage in case slack occurs in the chain. The L-shaped grabhook is part of the MB-1 tie-down chain and not a stand-alone item.

3-8. PALLETS

a. Weight Restriction. The gross weight of a loaded pallet will not exceed 2,000 pounds. All pallets will be compatible with Army materials-handling equipment (MHE).

b. Roller Conveyors. A sheet of 1/2-inch plywood (40 inches by 48 inches) is required when the standard (40 inches by 48 inches) pallet is used with roller conveyors. Place the pallet on the plywood sheet, which provides a solid surface in contact with the rollers. Do not attach the pallet to the plywood sheet. For planning purposes, pallet weight is 95 pounds.

3-9. STORAGE, INSPECTION, AND MAINTENANCE

a. Storage

b. Inspection

c. Maintenance