TM 5-5420-208-12&P
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
SECTION I. GENERAL
1-1. Scope. This manual is for your use in operating and maintaining the Ribbon Bridge Transporter Cargo
Pallets.
1-2. Maintenance Forms and Records. Department of the Army forms and procedures used for Equipment
maintenance will be those prescribed by DA Pam 738-750, The Army Maintenance Management System
(TAMMS).
1-3. Administrative Storage.
Refer to paragraph 4-16.
1-4. Destruction of Army Materiel to Prevent Enemy Use.
Refer to TM 750-244-3 for instructions covering the destruction of the cargo pallet to prevent enemy use.
1-5. Reporting Equipment Improvement Recommendations (EIR).
If your cargo pallet needs improvement, let us know. Send us an EIR. You, the user, are the only one who can
tell us what you don't like about your Equipment. Let us know why you don't like the design or performance.
Put it on an SF 368 (Product Quality Deficiency Report). Mail it to Commander, US Army Troop Support
Command, AMSTR-QS, 4300 Goodfellow Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63120-1798. Well send you a reply.
SECTION II. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
1-6. Description.
a. The ribbon bridge transporter cargo pallet Is designed to provide the transporter with cargo hauling
capabilities, when the transporter is not required for transporting the ribbon bridge. The cargo pallet can be
launched and retrieved by the transporter and functions as a dump bed with payloads up to 5 tons (4536 kg)
and can support payloads up to 9.25 tons (8391 kg) when loaded in place on the transporter for highway travel.
The empty pallets can be nested one on top of another, up to seven, and hauled by the transporter.
b. The pallet is an all-welded platform of aluminum landing mat extrusions across I-beam supports on
each side. A rectangular box beam structure across the front of the platform provides the pickup point for
retrieval and launching of the pallet by the transporter, securing the pallet to the transporter, and securing the
pallets when they are stacked in the nested configuration. An outward projecting pin in each forward corner is
provided for use in the retrieval and launching operations. An outward projecting pin in each rear comer and a
nose anchor in front are provided to secure the pallet to the transporter and secure pallets in the nested
configuration. Two nesting plates are provided to secure pallets in the nested configuration. A lifting eye at
each corner is provided to allow sling retrieval, launching and nesting of the pallets. Cargo anchoring is
provided via 6 recessed tiedown links in the deck and 24 tiedown hooks around the perimeter of the pallet.
Sixteen stake pockets installed on the sides and ends in the deck of the pallet accommodate US Standard 4 x 4
timbers and enable side rails to be installed for retaining loose cargo or bulk materials.
c. The cargo pallet is shown in figure 1-1.
1-1
