C5, TM 9-2350-230-12
Section 1-4. VEHICLE PERFORMANCE CHACTERISTICS
AND LIMITATIONS
Every type of Army equipment has certain
may be necessary to check the air restriction indicator at
characteristics that are different from similar equipment.
30 minute intervals. If indicator is red, clean filter
Some of these characteristics are "signatures" that allow
element. (Due to varying conditions resulting from
identification, while others merely impose operational
geographical locations and other factors, commanders
limitations and/or operational guidance.
Familiarity
must establish the frequency of air cleaner service to
through practice and experience will result in controlling
accommodate their peculiar environmental condition.)
these characteristics and avoid unnecessary problems.
Some of the AR/ AAV M551 characteristics and
c. Operation of the vehicle in water
necessitates observation of all precautions normally
conditions under which they occur or are more
required in the operation of waterborne vessels.
pronounced have been included herein for training and
operational guidance.
Vehicle speed in still water is approximately 3.8 MPH
and maneuverability and control are good. In moving
1-12.
Automotive
water where the water speed approaches vehicle
maximum speed, maneuverability and control are
a
Under certain conditions, noise from the
substantially affected. Water operation requires special
engine turbocharger and the "rooster tail' of exhaust
training as outlined in TM 21-306, Manual for the
smoke during vehicle acceleration will be more
Tracked Combat Vehicle Driver.
noticeable. By comparison, the M551 total noise and
exhaust smoke, because of its smaller engine is much
d. On early production vehicles (under serial
less than larger track laying vehicles. The possibility of
number 140), the main gun, coaxial machine gun, and
these conditions occurring are more probable when:
grenade launchers should not be fired with the swimming
barrier erected due to the possibility of damage to the
(1) Operating the vehicle before the engine has
barrier. In later production, a quick release mechanism
warmed sufficiently.
for the whole forward surfboard/barrier system is
provided which, when released, allows firing of the main
(2) Engine lacks power due to restricted air
gun or coaxial machine gun within a 90 degree sector to
induction system, leakage in the air induction
the direct front.
system affecting the airfuel ratio, or other
mechanical malfunction.
e. When operating in jungle or heavy
underbrush, vegetation can clog the air intake grilles and
(3) Improper driving techniques such as lugging the
the radiator resulting in overheating and engine damage.
engine,
fanning
the
accelerator
pedal
Specific attention to cleaning at the halt and after daily
unnecessarily and/or applying instant thrust of
operation will minimize the possibility of damage from
throttle pedal (floor boarding).
overheating.
(If sudden overheating under combat
conditions is experienced, use of a lower gear range or
(4) Racing a free engine, throttle fanning, and
running engine for a few moments at idle speed may
operating in improper gear range will result in
correct the condition.)
more noticeable turbocharger whine.
1-13.
Missile
b. During operation under extremely dusty
conditions (zero visibility), the engine air cleaner may
clog within one hour and should be frequently checked
a. Temperature
changes
may
cause
and cleaned or replaced as necessary. Under such
misalignment of the tracker. When temperature changes
extreme
conditions,
it
in excess of 30OF occur, the tracker should be checked
and re-aligned as necessary.
b. Missile must not be fired when vehicle is in
motion because it cannot be controlled.
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