ATP-3-09-42 Fire Support for the Brigade Combat Team Download
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Appendix A A-6 ATP 3-09.42 1 March 2016 M30, M31, AND M31A1 GUIDED-MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM ROCKET A-11. The M30 guided-multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) integrates a global positioning system-aided inertial guidance and control package into a dual purpose improved conventional munitions MLRS rocket. Unlike the traditional free-flight M26-series rockets, whose accuracy degrades as the range to the target increases, the guided-MLRS provides consistent improved accuracy from a 15-kilometer minimum range to a maximum range of 84 kilometers. Improvements in accuracy increase lethal effects, while reducing rocket expenditures and reducing the risk of collateral damage that is normally associated with free-flight munitions. Each M30 guided-MLRS rocket contains 404 product improved M77 submunitions effective against personnel and soft-to-lightly armored targets. The M31 and M31A1 guided-MLRS unitary rockets contain 51.5 pounds of explosive in a preformed fragmentation high explosive warhead. In addition to providing point detonating, delay and proximity fuzing options, a vertical attack trajectory option exists to enable employment in urban environments and in maximizing effectiveness of delay and proximity fuze modes. M39 ARMY TACTICAL MISSILE SYSTEM BLOCK I AND M39A1 BLOCK IA A-12. The Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block I can engage unarmored stationary targets to a range of 165 km; the Block 1a extends the range to 300 km. The M270A1 or M142 high mobility artillery rocket system (HIMARS) launchers can fire the ATACMS Block 1a. One M270-series launcher holds two missiles. The second missile can be shot within 20 seconds of the first and at a different target. The M142 launcher holds and fires a single missile. M48 Quick Reaction Unitary or M57 Unitary Army Tactical Missile System A-13. The M48 or M57 ATACMS unitary missile (containing a 500 pound-class blast fragmentation warhead) is a highly responsive, near all weather, long-range jam resistant, global positioning system- aided, inertially guided missile with a 300 kilometer range. ATACMS unitary adds a precision strike capability to attack targets in areas of dense foliage, deep snow cover, and built-up urban and protected areas. While the M48 employs a semi-ballistic trajectory, the M57 uses a vertical attack trajectory that is useful in urban and mountainous environments having intermediate crest or target masking situations. MULTIPLE LAUNCH ROCKET SYSTEM DANGER CLOSE AND RISK-ESTIMATE DISTANCES A-14. The danger close distance for MLRS precision munitions is 600 meters (see ATP 3-09.32). MLRS risk estimate distances for precision munitions are published in ATP 3-09.32. Actual classified risk estimate distances are determined by using the classified JMEM JWS in compact disc format. Note: Risk estimate distances are no longer classified for the guided-MLRS Unitary rocket. As soon as the guided-MLRS Alternative Weapon is characterized, its risk estimate distances along with ATACMS risk estimate distances will be declassified for the field. CAUTION Do not fire rockets when friendly forces are located beyond the target along the launcher-target line, as rocket debris will extend beyond the target area. SECTION II - MORTARS GENERAL A-15. Maneuver unit mortars provide close, immediate responsive fire support for committed battalions, companies, and troops. These fires can deceive, delay, destroy, disrupt, divert, neutralize, and suppress