TM 5-3610-293-13&P
SECTION III. TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
1-13. PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION. The Press Section provides the MPS with additional printing capacity of up to
8,000 sheets per hour per Press Section. Because Module B contains only a printing press, it must rely upon the editorial
capabilities of Module A to provide printing and photograph plates. The product of the Press Section is printed sheets
which are then moved to the Finishing Section, Module C for cutting, collating and other finishing processes as required.
Module B is comprised of two identical Press Sections, each capable of providing an additional 8,000 sheets
per hour printing capacity to the MPS. The MPS can function with one or both of the Press Sections.
a.
Printing and Production. The Modular Printing System provides printing and production capabilities for
Psychological Operations (PSYOPS) battalions. These capabilities include sustained direct printing operations,
photographic processing, layout of negatives, photolithographic plate processing, and packaging functions. The MPS is a
transportable, self-contained printing plant (including its own power generator)
capable
of
world-wide
deployment
under all weather conditions. See Figure 1-1.
b.
MPS System Equipment. The MPS consists of three modules: (1) Printing Plant, Module A; (2) Press
Section, Module B; (3)
Finishing Section, Module C. Module A is comprised of two 5-280 shelters, each mounted on a 2
1/2 ton truck. The Photomechanical/Editorial Shelter contains typesetting, art work preparation, darkroom and plate
making capabilities. The Press Shelter contains limited capacity printing and paper cutting capabilities.
c.
MPS Press Section (Module B). Module B is comprised of two Press Sections, each of which is a two-
sided expandable 8' x 8' x 20' tactical rigid wall 150 shelter. Each shelter is equipped with a two-color offset perfecting
printing press, environment controls, sink, lithographic layout cabinet, work tables and storage space for printing supplies.
d.
MPS Finishing Section (Module C). Module C is comprised of one Finishing Section which is also a two-
sided 150 shelter equipped with a programmable hydraulic paper cutter, environmental controls, storage cabinets and
work tables. Two IS0-to-IS0 connectors allow passage between the three 150 units.
e.
Power Requirements and Distribution. Power for the entire system is provided by a 60 KW trailer-mounted
power plant. Module A, when operated in a stand alone configuration without Modules B and C, has its own power
source of two 15 KW generators that are part of the standard Lightweight Printing Plant configuration. When Module A is
configured with Modules B and C, the two 15 KW generators are replaced by the single 60 KW power plant providing
power for the entire system. A Power Distribution Box Assembly provides central power distribution and control to the
five units of the MPS.
1-13
