CHAPTER 9
SUPPORT EQUIPMENT
INTRODUCTION
This chapter identifies support equipment (SE)
used to handle, service, load, test, and maintain aircraft.
As an Airman Apprentice, you will be required to
operate SE. Some SE is used both ashore and afloat,
while other SE is used only ashore or only afloat. The
SE division of the AIMD is tasked with maintaining
SE.
Principal users of SE are the squadron line
division, the base operations line division, and the air
department aboard aircraft carriers.
TYPES OF EQUIPMENT
LEARNING
OBJECTIVE:
Identify
the
purpose and function of the types of support
equipment, to include operation, maintenance,
hazards, and carrier air and shore-based
operations.
There are two types of support equipment—aircraft
handling equipment and aircraft servicing equipment.
The following text discusses these various types of
support equipment.
HANDLING EQUIPMENT
Aircraft handling equipment consists of tow
tractors; crash and salvage equipment, to include
fire-fighting vehicles and maintenance cranes; forklift
trucks; and flight deck scrubbers.
Tow Tractors
Various tow tractors in the Navy inventory are
discussed in the following text.
A/S32A-30 AIRCRAFT GROUND SUPPORT
EQUIPMENT
TOWING
TRACTOR.—The
A/S32A-30 tow tractor (fig. 9-1) is a 6-cylinder,
gasoline-powered, four-wheel, heavy-duty vehicle with
a three-speed transmission. The tractor frame is a
welded steel one-piece unit. It is equipped with
hydraulically actuated front disc brakes and drum-type
brakes on the rear wheels. A hydraulically assisted
steering unit provides steering to the front wheels. The
tractor employs a 12-volt electrical system to supply
power for lighting, starting, horn, and instrument
operation. It comes equipped with two seats—one
driver and one passenger—mirrors, front and rear
towing couplers (pintles), tie-down fittings and lifting
attachments. It can be fitted with a fully enclosed cab. It
is designed to tow aircraft servicing equipment, work
stands, and armament handling equipment.
A/S32A-30A AIRCRAFT GROUND SUPPORT
EQUIPMENT
TOWING
TRACTOR.—The
A/S32A-30A tow tractor (fig. 9-2) is a 4-cylinder,
diesel engine, (dual wheel) rear-wheel-drive tractor
with a 40,000-pound towing capacity. It comes with a
three-speed automatic transmission, hydraulic brakes
on front and rear wheels, conventional power steering
with power assist to the front wheels, and employs a
conventional 12-volt electrical system with battery and
alternator to supply power for the lights, horn, starter
motor, ignition, and instruments.
9-1
ANF0901
Figure 9-1.—A/S32A-30 aircraft ground support equipment
towing tractor.
