Polyester straps ease move of helicopters overseas
ALEXANDRIA, Va. (USTCNS) --- It will be easier for Warfighter task forces to deploy overseas in the future thanks to two MTMC Transportation Engineering Agency engineers.
Because of the work of Jennifer Napiecek and Sharon Huff, helicopters being shipped overseas may now be tied down with polyester straps.
The polyester straps have a lot going for them. They are more available and economical. In addition, unlike similar restraints, the polyester straps do not stretch under tension and do not loose strength when wet.
Even better, MTMC port units will now supply the straps - easing the requirements on deploying military units.
"This new policy was established to standardize the lashing gear used for marine movement of helicopters," said Napiecek.
"Polyester straps, when equipped with a wire hook on one end, have the added advantage of being able to interface nicely with the cloverleaves and ISO fittings on ship's decks."
The new strap policy was formally adopted Feb. 2 with the issuance of Fragmentation Order 01-01.
The proper restraint for helicopters and their availability has been an issue in recent MTMC shipments. The Aviation & Missile Command approved the change for maritime transport.
"Current procedures required the use of an MB-1 chain restraint device that was both costly and not readily available," said Huff.
The two Newport News, Va., engineers got to see their work in practice Feb. 15.
Napiecek and Huff observed the loading of a peacekeeping task force for Bosnia in Savannah. Ga. - the first time helicopters were transported under the new polyester strap order.
In all, 16 OH-58 Kiowa and 19 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 82nd Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., were loaded on the MV Saudi Diriyah.
Two days prior to loading, Napiecek and Huff found the helicopters were already shrink-wrapped and ready to be loaded.
However, a complication developed. Because the Kiowa helicopters were equipped with the Rapid Deployment Landing Gear, they could be secured using the four tie-downs at the top of the strut legs. However, this procedure only secured the skids to the deck - not the main airframe.
A brigade unit movement officer, Chief Warrant Officer Jim Israel, told the engineers his unit has been wrapping straps around the Universal Weapons' Pylons to add more restraint to the airframe.
Although not a published procedure in the Kiowa shipping manual, Napiecek and Huff thought that it sounded like a good approach to the problem. They quickly coordinated with the Aviation & Missile Command and got their approval.
"The whole experience was yet another example of the teamwork that continues to be invaluable among the Department of Defense and its industry partners," said Huff.
The electronic version of MTMCTEA 98-55-21, available at www.tea.army.mil/dpe/pdf/helo.pdf, has been updated to incorporate the use of polyester straps as a suitable tie-down material.
Also, because the strength of the polyester straps is comparable to that of the MB-1 chains, they may be substituted, one-for-one, when using the existing tie-down configurations shown in MTMCTEA Reference 98-55-21, "Lifting and Tiedown of U.S. Military Helicopters for Marine Transport." (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
Because of the work of Jennifer Napiecek and Sharon Huff, helicopters being shipped overseas may now be tied down with polyester straps.
The polyester straps have a lot going for them. They are more available and economical. In addition, unlike similar restraints, the polyester straps do not stretch under tension and do not loose strength when wet.
Even better, MTMC port units will now supply the straps - easing the requirements on deploying military units.
"This new policy was established to standardize the lashing gear used for marine movement of helicopters," said Napiecek.
"Polyester straps, when equipped with a wire hook on one end, have the added advantage of being able to interface nicely with the cloverleaves and ISO fittings on ship's decks."
The new strap policy was formally adopted Feb. 2 with the issuance of Fragmentation Order 01-01.
The proper restraint for helicopters and their availability has been an issue in recent MTMC shipments. The Aviation & Missile Command approved the change for maritime transport.
"Current procedures required the use of an MB-1 chain restraint device that was both costly and not readily available," said Huff.
The two Newport News, Va., engineers got to see their work in practice Feb. 15.
Napiecek and Huff observed the loading of a peacekeeping task force for Bosnia in Savannah. Ga. - the first time helicopters were transported under the new polyester strap order.
In all, 16 OH-58 Kiowa and 19 UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from the 82nd Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C., were loaded on the MV Saudi Diriyah.
Two days prior to loading, Napiecek and Huff found the helicopters were already shrink-wrapped and ready to be loaded.
However, a complication developed. Because the Kiowa helicopters were equipped with the Rapid Deployment Landing Gear, they could be secured using the four tie-downs at the top of the strut legs. However, this procedure only secured the skids to the deck - not the main airframe.
A brigade unit movement officer, Chief Warrant Officer Jim Israel, told the engineers his unit has been wrapping straps around the Universal Weapons' Pylons to add more restraint to the airframe.
Although not a published procedure in the Kiowa shipping manual, Napiecek and Huff thought that it sounded like a good approach to the problem. They quickly coordinated with the Aviation & Missile Command and got their approval.
"The whole experience was yet another example of the teamwork that continues to be invaluable among the Department of Defense and its industry partners," said Huff.
The electronic version of MTMCTEA 98-55-21, available at www.tea.army.mil/dpe/pdf/helo.pdf, has been updated to incorporate the use of polyester straps as a suitable tie-down material.
Also, because the strength of the polyester straps is comparable to that of the MB-1 chains, they may be substituted, one-for-one, when using the existing tie-down configurations shown in MTMCTEA Reference 98-55-21, "Lifting and Tiedown of U.S. Military Helicopters for Marine Transport." (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).
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