MIL-STD-38784 Manuals, Technical: General Style And Format RequirementsThis standard covers the general style and format requirements for the preparation of standard Technical Manuals \(TM\) and changes thereto intended for military applications. This includes all technical documents assigned a TM identification number and controlled by a TM management information system, or subject to requisition from an inventory control point. This standard provides for Standard Generalized Markup Language \(SGML\) Document Type Definition \(DTD\) usage \(see Appendices B through E\) required for electronic data delivery, including PDF. This standard supplements the performance of detail specifications used for specific TM types and related publications, but does not deliver any technical data. Unless specified otherwise herein, the examples at the end of this standard are typical and may be adapted to fit the specific equipment or situation being covered. All appendices are intended for compliance when applicable.

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MIL-STD-38784A

4.6.3 Diagrams/wire lists. Diagrams/wire lists shall be arranged functionally. When wiring diagrams are

included in a manual, wire lists shall not be included.

4.6.4 Exploded views. Exploded views of the equipment shall be used in parts breakdowns and for

reference in disassembly/assembly instructions. Index numbers (see 3.2.16) shall be used to identify parts. If

the equipment is of such a nature that it cannot be adequately illustrated by a single exploded view, it shall

be exploded by subassemblies as separate views. In such cases, an exploded view showing the complete

equipment exploded into its major subassemblies shall be shown irst. Parts which attach and connect the

major assemblies together shall be shown on this illustration. These views and those in parts breakdowns

shall be the same, with the sequence of index numbers in the order of disassembly.

4.6.5 Engineering drawings/wire lists. Engineering drawings/wire lists are acceptable only if they meet the

content, arrangement, legibility and format requirements of the contract and detail speciication, and the style,

format and production requirements contained in this document. They must have all unnecessary data

removed that would reduce the comprehension or clarity of the illustration. When wiring diagrams are

included in a manual, wire lists shall not be included.

Print presentation: Engineering drawings/wire lists must be reduced or redrawn to meet foldout restrictions.

4.6.6 Multisection illustrations. Each section of a multisection illustration shall be identiied by a capital

letter see igure 19. Sections may or may not be captioned, but if one section is captioned, all shall be

captioned. Each caption, with the identifying letter as its irst character, shall be centered with respect to

the section to which it applies. Where captions are not used, the identifying letters shall be centered.

Identifying letters and captions shall be larger and bolder than any other lettering on the illustration.

Sections shall be separated by lines. Separation by shading shall not be used.

4.6.7 Cartoons. (M) (N) When speciied (see 6.2.bc.), the use of animated drawings and other visual

techniques are permitted. Animated drawings shall not include copyrighted cartoon characters. Such

presentations must serve a functional purpose.

4.6.8 Other types of illustrations. Depending on the type of information to be shown, a manual may

contain illustrations such as frontispiece (assembled view), functional, cutaway, procedural, operational,

exploded, location view, lubrication, waveform, etc. See igures 20, 21, 22 and 23.

4.6.9 Color in illustrations. Print presentation: When color is used (see 6.2.bd.), it shall be held to the

minimum absolutely necessary to clarify functional operations. The number of colors shall be kept to a

minimum by use of tints, patterns, cross-hatching, dots, etc. When color is required, the primary colors (red,

blue, yellow) shall be used irst. Yellow shall not be used by itself.

(F) (M) Electronic presentation: Limited use of color is authorized, unless restricted by the detail

speciication. The color red shall be used to identify hazardous areas, such as in danger zones, the color

yellow shall be used to identify areas of potential hazard, the color green shall be used to identify safe

areas. Unless otherwise speciied by the acquiring activity (see 6.2.be.), color shall be used to distinguish

low patterns on complex hydraulic, fuel, bleed, airlow, and electrical diagrams. Color illustrations portraying

multi-function components, i.e. glass cockpit, and other displays, such as color weather radar shall be

representative of the actual display. When used, color shall not be used for decorative or non-essential

purposes. Use of color shall not detract or distract from the information conveyed in the illustration.

4.6.10 Border rules. Border rules shall not be used for single illustrations, but shall be used to separate

multi-section illustrations on the same page see igure 19.

4.6.11 Use of the human igure. Where it is necessary to illustrate an operation, procedure, or installation,

illustrations may include a human igure or parts of the body. Jewelry shall not appear in any illustration.

The human igure shall not be permitted to obscure details of the equipment necessary for a complete

understanding of its operation. The human igure shall be clothed as designated by the acquiring activity. A

cross section of races and sexes shall be used.

4.6.12 Credit lines. The artist s name shall not appear on any artwork; neither shall a manufacturer s name,

symbol, or trademark appear on artwork for the purpose of identifying the illustration. A contractor s

identiication number may be used. When used, such numbers shall be in approximately 4- to 6-point