Group

Vehicle sustainment

Vehicle in-field repair is the act of conducting repairs outside of a VRP or other secure location. This may occur during active combat or in environments where enemy contact is possible.

The purpose of in-field repair is to restore key vehicle functionality rather than full operational capability. This may include enabling the vehicle to move under its own power to exit a danger area or restoring essential weapon functionality on emplaced systems. In-field repairs may be conducted without a supporting repair vehicle or repair station.

Effective coordination with combat elements is important to ensure adequate cover, concealment, and outward suppression for personnel conducting repairs.

Above: An IFV deploying smoke screen as Maintenance Technician provides in-field repairs

Vehicle components are commonly categorized as follows:

• Fuel Storage: Fuel tank(s)
• Main Weapon: Cannon, autocannon, machine gun, turret
• Propulsion: Engine, tracks, wheels
• Protection: Hull, countermeasures
• Secondary Equipment: Commander turret, commander machine gun, radar

Unless otherwise directed by vehicle crew or leadership, in-field repairs should prioritise restoring working condition in the following order:

1. Fuel storage
2. Propulsion
3. Main weapon
4. Protection
5. Secondary equipment

This prioritisation supports restoring mobility and combat capability as efficiently as possible.

• Identify damaged vehicle components.
• Prioritise repairs based on tactical situation and vehicle role.
• Use ACE Full Repair only when individual components cannot be repaired directly and when near a repair vehicle or facility.

If a vehicle component cannot be repaired due to a mod or technical issue, and the vehicle is in a situation where that component should be repairable under normal conditions, the Mission Support Team (MST) must be informed immediately.

The MST is responsible for providing an appropriate resolution, such as facilitating repair through administrative tools or providing an alternate vehicle.

Full Repair is the act of restoring a vehicle to complete functionality by repairing all damaged components.

Full Repair is available near designated repair facilities and certain repair vehicles, depending on mission settings. The process may take a significant amount of time, as it simulates repairing each component sequentially.

Full Repair also restores components that may not have dedicated repair nodes, such as windows or headlights.

To replace a wheel or track:

1. Remove the damaged wheels using ACE Interact on the component node
2. Move the removed wheel to a safe storage
3. Place the new track/wheel close to component node
4. Replace the new track/wheel using ACE Interact on the component node 

Wheel patching is the act of repairing a damaged wheel in the field. A wheel must first be removed from the vehicle and placed on the ground before it can be patched by an engineer.

A patched wheel can be restored to full condition. The process may take up to a minute depending on the level of damage.

Wheel patching is time-consuming and should be conducted in secure environments away from enemy contact. Depending on the tactical situation, it may be preferable to return to a friendly location and replace damaged wheels rather than conduct repairs in the field.

• Identify the number and condition of vehicle wheels.
• Conduct field wheel patching when safe and tactically appropriate.
• Replace damaged wheels at logistical or repair facilities when available.

To tow a vehicle:

1. Position the vehicle that will perform the tow close with its rear towards to vehicle to be towed
2. Deploy the tow ropes from the vehicle that will perform the tow
3. Attach the tow ropes to the vehicle to be towed
4. Drive at a reasonable speed while avoiding any obstacles by a wide margin

To refuel a vehicle:

1. Place the fuel container or fuel vehicle alongside the vehicle in need of fuel
2. Take the fuel nozzle from the fuel container/vehicle
3. Insert the fuel nozzle into the vehicle requiring fuel
4. Monitor fueling progress
5. Detach the fuel nozzle and return it to the fuel container/vehicle

Small fuel bladders or fuel barrels may be used to transport and distribute fuel without requiring a dedicated refuel vehicle.

These are commonly used during in-field repairs, as they can be carried inside smaller vehicles and provide sufficient fuel for a stranded vehicle to return to a refuel point, even after fuel tank damage.

Small fuel storage containers may also be refuelled from other sources, allowing them to be reused without immediately returning to a logistics hub.

To rearm a vehicle:

1. Place the ammo container or ammo vehicle alongside the vehicle in need of rearm
2. Communicate with the vehicle crew to determine whatever ammo might be needed and what to prioritize
3. Announce what ammo will be taken to avoid others taking the same
4. Take the ammo from the ammo container/vehicle and put it into the vehicle in need of a rearm
5. Return any excess ammo to the ammo container/vehicle