TM 10-5410-284-13&P
TM 10602A-13&P
LIGHTWEIGHT MAINTENANCE ENCLOSURE (LME)
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THEORY OF OPERATION
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THEORY OF OPERATION
The LME is a self contained, portable enclosure intended to accommodate wheeled and tracked vehicle
field maintenance operations. It is a frame supported enclosure that can be erected without the use of
special tools. A system of guy ropes and tie-downs enhances structure stability in high winds. Access to
the structure is gained through a vehicle door as well as personnel door at each end.
The fabric is coated white on the inside to enhance light distribution and woodland green or desert tan on
the outside for camouflage and low visibility. The structure, when properly closed, is light secure and
weather-proof. Duct connectors incorporated into the side walls near ground level allow heating or air
conditioning duct attachment as required, or can be closed when not used.
Windows on each side of the structure can be opened for ventilation, leaving a screen in place, or can
have a clear plastic section installed using hook and pile fasteners to admit daylight. A fabric cover on
the outside of each window can be rolled down and secured using hook and pile fasteners to maintain
light security.
The modular design of the LME permits complexing of multiple structures to accommodate a variety of
operational requirements and uses such as staging areas or as emergency shelter in disaster relief
operations.
The frame structure consists of lightweight components that are locked together using attached quick
release pins and turn-and-lock mechanisms. The components fold for storage and shipping in the
transport covers provided. The arch frame assemblies consist of upper arch, lower arch and lower leg
subassemblies that are locked together using attached quick release pins. The header and sider
assemblies provide lateral strength to the frame assemblies.
Purlins are used to space the arch frame assemblies apart. As each frame assembly is erected, the
purlins are used to join them into self standing bays. The structure is completed when all the bays are
standing. Door header assemblies are used at each end of the structure and cable header assemblies
are used on the frame assemblies in the middle of the structure. Sider assemblies provide strength to the
eave sections of the arch assemblies.
Four fabric panels enclose the LME. Two large intermediate fabric panels form the roof section and are
held together using becket lacing and hook and pile wind flaps for security. Two end fabric panels
enclose the ends of the structure and provide access through vehicle or personnel doors. The vehicle
access doors can be secured open using buckles provided in the fabric panels.
External electrical power is provided to the LME through a power distribution box which is mounted on
the frame structure. The distribution box contains a lighted switch to control the string of fluorescent
lights that provide interior lighting. Four ground fault protected convenience outlets for power tool use
have separate circuit breakers. The fluorescent lights are secured to the structure using straps provided.
END OF WORK PACKAGE
