From: DDoyle9570@aol.com
Date: Wed Feb 18 2004 - 16:07:52 PST
The M246 was purpose-built to tow a long, relatively low-capacity trailer-as I recall an M270. It function was to recover downed aircraft, both fixed and rotary winged. Hence, no need for a rear winch (airframes are light enough for the boom to pick up), but a definate need for a fifth wheel (so the M246 could do the job of both a wrecker crane and a tractor).
The boom of the M246 is a three-piece telescoping affair, whereas the contemporarily-designed M62 had a two-piece telescoping boom. The booms are not interchangeable. The boom of the M62 can be extended and retracted hydraulically while under load. The M246 boom, however only extendeds the intermediate segment hydraulically under load. The outer reach is extended using a pusher bar and the intermediate segement, then it is secured in place and boom extension and retraction is done exclusively with the intermediate segment. When recovery is completed, the outer reach is retracted in the same manner.
Beware, the R6602 is a powerful engine, but a gas-hog.
Hope this helps,
David Doyle
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