scope:

This specification sets forth the minimum requirements for the preparation of technical manuals covering all ordnance and support equipment, except avionics manuals. Technical manuals are prepared to provide the detailed and general knowledge required for effective utilization of equipment and systems under the cognizance of the Bureau of Naval Weapons or other authorizing activity. In the preparation of SWOP's, this specification supplements but does not replace MIL-M-20800. Manuals described herein are operational documents, which exclude factory acceptance, operational or technical evaluation of equipment or systems, or procedures performed by civilian personnel in support of Fleet equipment

This specification considers every technical manual end-product which is purchased to fall within four interlocking descriptive categories or classifications. Each product can be classified according to edition, quality, type, and product procured. The following paragraphs describe each of the classifications.

The history of every complete technical manual contains a number of stages or editions. This specification considers the normal editions to be as follows. Definitions are provided in Section 6.

Outline

Writer's Draft

Review Draft

Preliminary Copy

Formal Copy

There is only one acceptable grade of quality relating to editorial standards. Artwork and production standards shall be specified by the Procuring Activity. Artwork shall conform to the types exemplified in Figures 3-1 through 3-8.

The broad subject matter covered in a technical manual determines the specific-type of the manual. The basic specification provides general requirements applicable to all types. Specific

TMSS 7610

requirements for each type are provided in the type specifications MIL-M-81273/1A through MIL-M-81273/7A. The following types of manuals are identified in these type specifications.

Assembly and test manuals are provided for use by personnel charged with preparing and readying equipment for Service use. They may also provide information on actual use of the equipment.

A user's manual stresses operating procedures and is oriented toward a specific task or required assignment. A user's manual is frequently arranged in handbook style with informal textual presentation.

An encyclopedic manual contains related information on a wide variety of similar equipments (mines, chemical munitions, etc.). They are written for personnel who are required to select one or more items from among many such items available. As such they summarize pertinent features of the equipment. They also are used to document simple items which are not complex enough to require individual manuals. In this latter case, operating and assembly procedures may be required.

A weapon system manual provides the information required to understand the operational concepts of a complete weapon system. Tactical or strategic uses are covered, as are logistics, operational characteristics, etc.

A maintenance manual provides information to personnel charged with maintenance and repair of previously assembled equipments and their spared components.

Electronics manuals are written to a variety of levels to cover operation, maintenance, etc. of electronic equipment. MIL-M-81273/6A provides for five distinct levels of coverage: a specification for small electronics equipments; medium and large equipments; systems; fixed installations; and special support equipment. These terms and their scope are explained in the introductory specification, Guides for Use of Specifications for Electronic Equipment (MIL-M-81273/6A Part I).

General purpose manuals are prepared for personnel needing fundamental or advanced knowledge of a specific area of ordnance or weaponry. Typical subjects covered are degaussing, safety, fire control, magnetics, etc.

In many cases, it may not be desirable to procure a complete manual. In such cases, the Procuring Activity may direct the preparation of one or more of the following partial products or may specify a particular partial product not listed in order to meet the needs of a special situation.

a. Volume

b. Part

c. Chapter

d. Section

e. Appendix

f. Supplement

g. Index

h. Glossary