The purpose of this research is to determine the actual loads imparted on the pintle hooks, attaching hardware and the trailer tow bar while using 30,000 lb rated pintle hooks during towing and backing operations with the goal of determining current adequacy of fielded equipment.;Ideally, pintle hooks and attaching hardware should be able to withstand the environments in which they are used without damage or deformation if used as intended. This is not the case with a particular pintle hook used in the United States Air Force. Computer modeling and field-testing supported that an induced transient dynamic load was critical when the moment of the pintle hook and the lunette is restrained by contact in two places. This contact only occurs when the tractor is either backing or decelerating and changing directions. The drop pin coupling device will retrofit current configuration and meet safety factors and dynamic load requirements.
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