P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

(4) For mixed loads, Distance X is based on the rocket having the greatest range for the highest expected launch angle. d. Tube-launched, optically-tracked, wire-guided missile surface danger zone. For TOW antitank guided missiles contained in chapter 7, these apply to basic TOW, Improved TOW, TOW 2A and TOW 2B missiles fired from Army and Marine Corps helicopters. 11–10. HELLFIRE missile (semi-active laser) designation criteria a. Due to the large size of the HELLFIRE WDZ /SDZ and the limited range of the designators, it may be necessary to place designator operators within HELLFIRE WDZ s/SDZs during training operations. Remote laser designation will take place from a position at least 150 m laterally from the launch aircraft to target line, while adhering to the designator zone requirements. Three designator zones have been established within the WDZ /SDZ and are depicted in figures 11–4, 11–5, 11–6, 11–7, and 11–8. (1) Prohibited designator zone. No designator operators are allowed in this zone because of the unacceptable probabilities associated with the following hazards: (a) The missile seeker can track the laser backscatter energy at the exit aperture of the designator or along the path of the laser beam. (b) The probability of random missile engagement errors is the highest within this zone. (2) Protected designator zone. Designator operators are not vulnerable to a normally functioning missile tracking the laser backscatter energy in this zone. However, there is a possibility that the missile will track and impact an obstruction such as trees, grass, or hills near the designator operator if it is accidentally illuminated by the laser beam. There is a possibility of a random missile failure impacting within 150 m of a designator operator in this zone. Therefore, the number of personnel in this area must be kept to a minimum consistent with mission requirements. (a) Only ground designator operators will occupy the protected designator zone. Ground designator operators will wear approved flak jackets/IBA, protective helmets, and laser eye protection, and be located in protected positions such as surrounded by sand bags that enclose the designator operator. (b) The designator will have a clear, unobstructed line of sight to the target. Ensure designator line of sight is unobstructed across the entire path of a moving target during the time of missile flight to impact. (c) Ground designator operations must ensure that they do not inadvertently lase through battlefield obscurants such as smoke, obstacles, or dust caused by other personnel, vehicles, and so forth. (3) Unprotected designator zone. Although designator operators are not vulnerable to a normally functioning missile tracking backscatter or false targets in this zone, there is still a possibility of being injured by a random missile failure. (a) As a minimum, ground designator operators will wear approved flak jackets/IBA, protective helmets, and laser eye protection. (b) Airborne designator operators must ensure that they are either over ground conditions that do not create dust or are at an altitude where rotor downwash does not create dust. (c) Ensure designator line of sight is unobstructed across the entire path of a moving target during the time of missile flight to impact. b. The angle formed between the designator target line and the MTL shall never be greater than 60 degrees (see fig 11–9). Designator operators will be inside this 60 degree angle. c. If the missile appears to fly straight up (errant missile), stop lasing the target. d. Potential hazard areas depicted in the latest safety of use messages (SOUMs) identify missile fly-out zones of greater than 10 -6 probability. e. Firing conditions for all non-mission-essential personnel will be located outside HELLFIRE missile WDZs/SDZs. (1) The position of the launch platform and designator operators is critical to the safe use of the HELLFIRE missile weapon system. Controls must be established to ensure proper launcher direction, designator direction, designator boresight, and target coordinate verification prior to missile launch. (2) When firing in the lock-on-after-launch (direct/indirect mode), the angle between the designator target line and the MTL will be 30 degrees. If the lock-on-after launch (direct-fire mode) is required, the target must be visible to the launch crew to assure proper aircraft alignment. (3) Ground designator rain hood and port covers must always be used when supplied as a system option to reduce clear air laser energy backscatter (reflected laser energy) emitted from the designator toward the missile. f. Laser danger zone parameters outlined in MIL–HDBK–828B apply to designators being used with HELLFIRE missiles. g. Compliance with the HELLFIRE designator exclusion zone as described in Joint Publication (JP) 3–09, is required to preclude the designating platform from being targeted by the missile. All HELLFIRE gunnery participants, including UAS operators, must be aware of and comply with this exclusion zone. Pilots in command are responsible for ensuring missiles are not launched while a designator is in the exclusion zone. 144 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014