TM 5-3610-294-13&P
SECTION III. TECHNICAL PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
1-13.
PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION. The Finishing Section provides the MPS with additional finish processing
capacity of a 30.5 in. electronically controlled paper cutter. Printed material produced by Modules A and B are sent to
the Finishing Section for cutting, rolling, and distribution.
a.
Printing and Production. The Modular Printing System provides printing and production capabilities for
Psychological Operations (PSYOP) battalions. These capabilities include sustained direct printing operations,
photographic processing, layout of negatives, photolithographic plate processing, and bindery 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 S-280 shelters, each mounted on a 2-1/2 ton
truck. The Photomechanical/Editorial Shelter contains typesetting, art work presentation, 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 ISO shelter. Each shelter is equipped with a two-color offset printing press,
environmental 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
ISO shelter equipped with a programmable electronic paper cutter, platemaker, light table, environmental controls,
storage cabinets, and work tables. Two ISO to ISO connectors allows passage between the three ISO units.
e.
Power Requirements and Distribution. Power for the entire system is provided by a 60 KW trailer-mounted
generator. 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.
f.
Movement of MPS. Movement of Modules B and C is accomplished by two five- ton cargo trucks with the
shelters mounted on ISO mobilizers.
1-14.
ADDITIONAL REFERENCE MATERIAL. Detailed information relating to commercial equipment used in the
shelter is available in the respective commercial technical manuals listed in Appendix A and will not be repeated in this
manual. Where applicable, the reader will be directed to refer to the appropriate commercial technical manual.
Change 1 1-13/(1-14 Blank)
