Expedient Vehicle Classification
E-9. This expedient procedure to estimate the MLC is available and effective when the situation requires an immediate determination. During the classification process, vehicles are divided into two categories—those with trailers (vehicle combination class number [CCN]) and those without (single vehicle classification number)—and calculated accordingly.
E-10. When a vehicle tows another vehicle at a distance less than 30.5 meters and the vehicles are not designed to operate as one unit, the combination is referred to as a nonstandard combination. A temporary vehicle MLC number may be assigned to this combination. The classification number assigned is nine tenths the sum of the normal vehicle classification numbers if the total of both classifications is less than 60. If the sum of the two military classification numbers is 60 or over, the total becomes the MLC number for the nonstandard combination.
CCN = 0.9 (A + B) if A + B < 60 |
CCN = A + B if A + B > 60 |
where— |
A = class of first vehicle |
B = class of second vehicle |
E-11. The expedient classification for a wheeled vehicle is estimated to be 85 percent of its total weight. Therefore, you must determine the vehicle’s gross weight. Multiply the air pressure in the tires (in pounds per square inch [psi]) by the total area (in square inches) of the tires in contact with the ground. If a gauge is not available, use 75 psi as an average value. This yields an approximate weight of the vehicle in pounds. Convert this figure to tons and find 85 percent of the weight in tons. The resulting figure is the expedient classification.
WT = ATPTNT / 2,000 |
where— |
W T = gross weight of vehicle, in tons |
AT = average tire contact-area (hard surface), in square inches |
PT = tire pressure, in psi |
NT = number of tires |