P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

will be conducted in accordance with TC 25–8, TC 3–04.11, TC 3–04.35, FM 3–04.140, and appropriate air crew training manuals. 11–4. Firing conditions, specific requirements a. Running fire. When conducting running fires, cockpit displayed graphics, ground markers, or prominent terrain will be used to mark start and cease fire lines. b. Hover fire. When conducting hover fire, the firing position will be marked. If possible, hover fire should be conducted over level terrain free of flight hazards (for example, dust, brush, trees, blowing debris). Natural or manmade features will be used to aid in the establishment of range boundaries and control measures. c. Markers. When used, markers will be illuminated and/or thermalized when thermal weapons sights are used to ensure proper target area identification at times of limited visibility when required. Additional ground markings will be used at the discretion of the commanding officer or the range OIC. Adjacent ranges within a range complex that support aviation live-fire should be marked or lighted to facilitate aircrew identification of their assigned range. d. Rotary wing flanking fire. (1) RW gun and rocket weapon systems will be used to provide flanking fire, as shown in figure 11–1, when a minimum lateral distance of 100 m or 15 degrees between exposed troops and firing aircraft gun target line is maintained. Additionally, exposed troops must be positioned outside the WDZ/SDZ footprint. (2) Positive means will be employed to ensure that the firing unit knows the location of the maneuver units while fire support is being provided. (3) Only non-explosive projectiles will be used for RW flanking fire. (4) The route and location of maneuver units and the firing aircraft providing flanking fire support will be described and briefed in detail. The use of cockpit displayed graphics, and/or recognizable natural/manmade terrain features, and other means of friendly position marking in accordance with table 11–1 will be used by exposed troops. (5) Firing aircraft must positively identify the front line trace of exposed troops prior to engagement. e. Rotary wing/tilt rotor door gunnery operations. (1) Door gunnery operations will be conducted according to the appropriate gunnery manuals ( FM 3–04.140 for the Army). Marine Corps units will follow the procedures established in the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One (MAWTS–1) Aerial Gunnery Manual and appropriate tactical manuals for the specific type aircraft. (2) All personnel on the aircraft will wear at least single-hearing protection when firing weapons. f. Rockets. (1) Training operations. Training operations conducted in conjunction with aerial rocket firing must be suspended if winds or gusts exceed 30 knots. (2) Rotary wing aerial rockets. The launch angle in degrees equals launcher QE in mils divided by 17.7 plus the aircraft pitch in degrees. For articulating launchers, use the maximum articulated QE possible plus the aircraft pitch in degrees. (a) Maximum launcher QE shall not exceed 160 mils. (b) Maximum range of the 2.75-inch rocket with the MK66 motor is 12,000 m launched at 45 degrees and below standard air density. (c) Firing of the M267 multipurpose sub-munition practice rocket is prohibited if crosswinds exceed 20 knots. The M75 practice sub-munition may be either inert or have an explosive spotting charge. Inert M75 sub-munitions are painted blue and have no ram air decelerator. M75 sub-munitions with explosive spotting charges are painted blue with a brown band and have bright yellow ram air decelerator. The dud M75 has a clean underside. The functioned M75 has soot and burn marks on the underside of the sub-munition body. An armed M231 fuse for the M75 is identified by a slider that sticks out from the sub-munition body about 1.3cm. This slider has a red tip and a "V" notch. (d) Firing of the M261 HE multipurpose sub-munition rocket is prohibited in training by the Army only, and/or on Army ranges. (e) Units using the 2.75" (70mm) aerial rocket are authorized to fire the M255A1 Flechette service munition on range complexes (such as a multipurpose range complex, multipurpose training range, digital multipurpose range complex, digital multipurpose training range, or digital air/ground integration range that support the SDZ. There is no requirement to limit firing of the M255 flechette into permanently dudded impact areas. The M255A1 presents a hazard similar to the M267 training rocket and is not inherently hazardous. Prudent safety measures and operational practices can minimize risks and burdens to range personnel. RMAs (Army), RCOs (Marine Corps) should identify specific moving armor targets and stationary armor targets for flechette engagements. Aviation crews will typically engage while conducting running fire and close to a range of 1,500 m to launch the munition. Selected targets should be in the most downrange third of the range complex. This will minimize expended flechette damage to vehicle tires and risks to range personnel. RMAs (Army), RCOs (Marine Corps) may employ magnet sweepers to clear expended flechettes from highly travelled service roads. Flechette rockets that fail to function should be marked upon discovery and referred to EOD personnel for removal. 138 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014