TM 55-1930-203-10
teristics. The left-hand steering lever (9, fig. 2-14) controls the marine steering.
(1) Marine steering requires more movement of the left-hand steering lever than is generally used when operating on land.
Steering response to the movement of the steering lever is quite slow on water as compared with steering response on land. It is
therefore necessary to anticipate any turns, particularly in rough water.
(2) Rudder response will be less at reduced speed. However, even at low speed the rudder will respond if occasional short bursts
of power are used.
(3) Under extremely adverse sea conditions, reduction in speed will reduce trouble from waves. When landing in a heavy surf,
hold the LARC at a 90-degree angle to the direction of the waves, and maintain full throttle to insure maximum steering control.
(4) When steering close to an object in water, remember that the stern will swerve towards the object when the LARC is steered
away from it.
(5) Sharp turns afloat are accomplished by using the propellers in conjunction with rudders. The LARC will turn away from the
propeller having the highest forward speed. This can be carried to the extent of running one propeller ahead and the other in reverse.
(6) For reverse steering, the engines must be used to steer the LARC instead of the rudders. During any maneuver astern, the
steering will be set so that the rudders are in straight ahead position. To steer to the starboard side, the operator increases the r.p.m.
of the engines on the port side and decreases the r.p.m. of the star-board engines; to steer to the portside, the starboard engine's
speed is increased and port engines decreased. The wind velocity, condition of water, and the r.p.m. of the engine will determine the
steering radius.
c. Marine Braking. The LARC motion in water is braked by reversing the rotation of the propellers as described in paragraph a
above.
2-42. Landing
a. General. When attempting to land the LARC, if at all possible, avoid extremely steep beaches, soft sticky mud, swamps,
marshes, stumps, sharp rocks, boulders, and heavy weed patches. Observe the effect of the current and watch for underwater
obstructions. Start the approach far enough from the selected landing point so that the current will not carry the LARC beyond the
landing point. While the LARC is still afloat, and just before entering shallow water or surf, engage wheels by shifting the
transmission to first gear. Approach with the waves and remain in this direction until out of the water. If landing has been attempted
and the LARC is stopped, do not attempt to continue from this point. Backout and make a new attempt. Four wheel steer should
always be used when the lighter leaves the surf.
b. Landing Over Sand.
(1) Plan the approach to compensate for wind and current (fig. 2-18).
(2) Select a target for which to head, and make frequent checks of current and wind effect.
(3) Before landing, inflate or deflate the tires according to the anticipated landing terrain.
(4) As the wheels touch, steer towards selected landing spot; advance throttles as required.
NOTE
If progress stops, cut the power immediately. Do not allow the wheels to dig in. If stopped mostly in water,
back up at full throttle, using propellers and all wheels until clear. If stopped clear of water, a pull from another
LARC may be necessary.
(5) Place marine gear control levers in neutral position and turn on radiator cooling fans when water is cleared from radiator
compartments.
(6) Operate bilge pumps until the bilges are cleared of water.
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