TM 3-4230-209-20&P
2-214
Section VI. PREPARATION FOR STORAGE OR SHIPMENT
(5) The M548 carrier has a cargo deck that can be bolted in either a
2-42. GENERAL.
high- or low-level position. Use the high-level position when loading the M12A1
a. Scope. This section contains general instructions for transporting the
decontaminating apparatus.
M12A1 Decontaminating Apparatus under normal climate and use conditions.
(6) Position a spacer between the water heater and the tank unit
b. Transportability.
assembly to prevent abrasion and to permit air to circulate.
(1) The M12A1 decontaminating apparatus is transportable by all
(7) If required, cut dunnage (such as 2 X 4 lumber) and space it
media: aircraft, truck, or cargo carrier. In phase II airborne operations, the
between the three skid bases and the vehicle to prevent movement of the
M12A1 decontaminating apparatus can be transported in a USAF C130 aircraft
equipment. Use dunnage to keep the tank unit assembly spaced from the
while mounted in an M54A2C cargo truck or in an M548 cargo carrier. The
motor compartment on the carrier.
M12A1 decontaminating apparatus also adapts to external air portability. Any
(8) Twenty-six cans of STB decontaminating agent can be stowed in
vehicle with adequate transportation capabilities can be used to move the
the open cargo space of the vehicle between the tank unit assembly, pump unit
M12A1 decontaminating apparatus cross-country. The M54A2C cargo truck or
assembly, and water heater.
the M548 cargo carrier will provide adequate cargo space for on-vehicle opera-
(9) M54A2C cargo trucks have a storage bracket on the left running
tion.
board for strapping in the 5-gallon gasoline can. On the M548 carrier, strap the
(2) For temporary transportation, tiedown straps are recommended;
can tightly to the cargo bed. Connect the fuel hose assembly between the
for a more permanent mounting and better clamping, use Z bars. Notify inter-
connections at the base of the water heater and the can.
mediate direct support maintenance for Z bar installation.
(10) To minimize vibration to the M12A1 decontaminating apparatus
(3) Use tiedown straps conforming to MIL-T-27260 or MIL-T-8652 to
from the carrier, install cushioning pads beneath the skids of the three units.
fasten the M12A1 decontaminating apparatus to the truck or cargo carrier bed.
Make pads by cutting old tires into strips.
The illustration shows typical uses of the tiedown straps. Tiedown information
(11) When transporting the M12A1 decontaminating apparatus, the
in this manual is a suggested method. If the truck or carrier is not equipped with
pump can circulate water through the water heater and tank unit. To minimize
tiedown anchors, notify intermediate direct support maintenance to install
water spillage and avoid damaging the gun assembly (when inserted into the
them. Additional tiedown straps can be used to secure the skid bases to the
hopper-blender assembly), connect the discharge hose to the blender quick-
tiedown anchors. Excess lengths of straps can be rolled up and tied or taped to
disconnect coupling half by removing a quick-disconnect coupling half and pipe
keep them out of the way; or they can be used to fasten hoses to the side
nipple from the personnel shower assembly. Remove the gun assembly and
panels of the carrier. After installing the tiedown straps, maneuver the vehicle
adapter from the discharge hose. (Stow the gun assembly and adapter in a
to check the tightness of the straps. Tighten any loosened straps.
safe place.) Assemble the pipe nipple and quick-disconnect coupling half on the
(4) USAF aircraft cargo tiedown straps and USAF tiedown straps are
discharge hose. Couple the discharge hose and blender coupling halves
authorized for use in place of web strapping. Dip the ends of the web strap in a
together. After the water has circulated, return equipment to its original state.
suitable wax or tar to prevent wicking; otherwise, it is extremely difficult to
string the tiedown straps.
