Introduction
When materiel is delivered to the Swedish Armed Forces, technical documentation is an integral part of the delivery.
Within the Swedish defence materiel system, FMV uses different types of materiel publications to support the operation, maintenance and through-life management of the materiel.
The publications required depend on the function and complexity of the materiel, the maintenance concept and the specific requirements of the project.
This article provides an overview of some of the main types of materiel publications used within the Swedish defence materiel system:
- Book publications
- Materiel maintenance schedules
- Materiel lists
- Technical orders
There is no standard package
A common misconception is that every materiel system must be delivered with the same set of documentation.
This is not the case.
A relatively simple product may only require an instruction manual and a spare parts catalogue, while an advanced vehicle or weapon system may require a large number of publications covering operation, maintenance, logistics and modifications.
The required publications therefore need to be identified based on the materiel, its intended use and the requirements of the specific project.
Book publications
Book publications contain information used to operate and maintain the materiel. They are intended for different audiences depending on their content and technical level.
Instruction publications
Instruction publications are among the most common types of materiel publications intended for operators.
They describe how to operate the materiel safely and correctly and normally include safety information, operating instructions, descriptions of functions and basic maintenance procedures.
Examples include the instruction manual, known as IBOK in certain domains, and BÅTHANDBOK, used for naval materiel.
Repair publications
Repair publications are intended for technicians and other qualified technical personnel.
They describe how to troubleshoot, disassemble, repair, reassemble and functionally test the materiel.
An example is the repair manual, known as RBOK.
System description
The system description provides an overall understanding of how the materiel system is structured and how it functions.
It is often used as a supplement to other publications.
Operating instructions (BANV)
Operating instructions are primarily used for less complex materiel where a complete instruction manual is not required.
Materiel maintenance schedules (MVSCH)
Materiel maintenance schedules describe preventive maintenance and help ensure that the materiel retains its functionality and operational availability throughout its life cycle.
Common schedules include:
- MVSCHD – Materiel maintenance schedule for daily inspection
- MVSCHS – Materiel maintenance schedule for special inspection
- MVSCHG – Materiel maintenance schedule for general inspection
- MVSCHF – Materiel maintenance schedule for storage inspection
- SMSCH – Lubrication schedule
- ROSKSCH – Corrosion protection schedule
- SPSCH – Flushing schedule
- MVIF GEM – Common materiel maintenance instructions
The maintenance schedules required depend on the design, intended use and maintenance needs of the materiel.
Materiel lists
Materiel lists are primarily used for logistics, spare-parts supply and through-life management.
Spare parts catalogue (RDK)
The spare parts catalogue identifies spare parts using exploded views, item position numbers and part numbers.
It is used during maintenance and when ordering spare parts.
List of accessories (TL)
The list of accessories identifies the equipment and accessories associated with the materiel.
It helps ensure that the correct equipment accompanies the materiel throughout delivery, use and life-cycle management.
Kit list (SL)
The kit list describes the components included in a particular kit or equipment set.
It is used to ensure that complete kits can be delivered and supplemented when required.
Technical orders (TO)
Technical orders are used when materiel that has already entered service needs to be modified or inspected, or when new instructions need to be introduced after delivery.
In some cases, technical orders may also be included in the initial delivery if the materiel requires immediate instructions concerning commissioning, safety or maintenance.
They are normally divided into the following categories:
- TO AF – General technical order
- TO DF – Operational technical order
- TO MF – Modification technical order
- TO UF – Maintenance technical order
Unlike most other materiel publications, technical orders are normally used to control changes throughout the materiel’s life cycle.
The right publication for the right audience
Operators, technicians, instructors and logistics specialists all require different types of information.
A documentation delivery therefore often consists of several materiel publications that complement one another.
The publications to be produced are determined by:
- the materiel and its complexity
- the intended users
- how the materiel will be operated and maintained
- the maintenance concept
- the project’s specific requirements
Summary
Materiel publications serve different purposes, but they share a common objective: to provide the right information to the right audience at the right time.
Identifying the required publications early in the planning process is essential for an efficient documentation delivery.
