What is a technical manual?

Answer 1

Technical manuals (maintenance, user, training, and operations manuals) are increasingly published in electronic format rather than paper because they offer interactivity, convenience, and ease of use. Traditional paper-based technical documentation is no longer the best option for delivering information about complex machinery and systems. This modern digital format is called an Interactive Electronic Technical Manual (IETM).

The computer-controlled IETM display device can function interactively in providing procedural guidance, navigational directions, and supplemental information. It can also provide assistance in carrying out logistic-support functions supplemental to maintenance. Studies concluded that the Interactive Electronic Training Manual was significantly superior to the traditional paper-based technical manuals under operationally realistic conditions.

It contains all the necessary information required by the technicians in the Maintenance Organisations to service, repair and overhaul the equipment. It also contains circuits, block diagrams and pictorial views to explain various parts of the equipment.

Part IV of the Technical Manual shall include identification of all active & passive electronic components by means of layout diagrams. It shall also include identification of mechanical/electrical components of all electrical and mechanical assemblies by means of blowups, photographs, isometric views or line diagrams, taking into consideration the cost effectiveness.