P-385-63 Range Safety Pamphlet Download

Chapter 6 Antitank Rockets 6–1. Firing conditions a. General. (1) All loading and unloading for separate loading rockets (for example, 35mm training practice rocket and 66mm M74 incendiary rockets) will be on the firing line with the muzzle pointed downrange. Procedures and precautions in TM 3–23.25 and appropriate TMs will be observed in all preparation and firing operations. (2) Personnel will not stand or have any portion of the body directly in front of or behind a loaded rocket launcher. (3) Before firing, the SDZ to the rear of the launcher (Area F) will be cleared of personnel, materiel (including expended cartridge cases), and readily combustible vegetation. Area F for antitank rockets is a cone with the apex at the breech and radius corresponding with a rearward extension of the rocket target line. (4) The use of manned target vehicles is prohibited when firing HE or high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) ammuni- tion. Moving target vehicles must be operated by remote control. Unprotected operating personnel shall be located outside the SDZ. (5) Approved single hearing protection will be worn by personnel within 390 m of the firing point when firing antitank rockets. Approved single hearing protection will be worn by personnel within 500 m of the firing point when firing HE, HEAT, TP, smoke and illumination from the multi-role anti-armor antipersonnel weapons system (MAAWS). The gunner and all other personnel within a 100 m radius of the MAAWS must wear properly inserted foam earplugs as well as properly fitting ear muffs (double hearing protection). (6) Gunners and other personnel within 20 m will wear personal protective gear such as improved body armor (IBA), ballistic eyewear, and helmets. Sleeves should be down and collars up. For the Marine Corps, a minimum PPE Level 1 must be worn (see table 2–2). Eye protection is encouraged when firing shoulder-launched multipurpose assault weapons (SMAW). (7) During training with the SMAW, the gunner and assistant gunner are authorized to fire only five rounds per day because of sound pressure levels. (8) All personnel are required to wear approved hearing protection when firing the M72AS light anti-tank weapon (LAW) training system. b. Special firing conditions. (1) SMAW-common practice round (CPR) HX–07 Areas A and B are not required. (2) All personnel within 100 m of the SMAW launcher will wear, at a minimum, PPE Level 1, Marine Corps only. Eye protection is encouraged. Refer to table 2–2. (3) For SMAW MK80 novel explosive (SMAW NE) (DODIC HA34), SMAW–MK6 high explosive anti-armor assault (HEAA) (DODIC HX06), SMAW–MK3 HEDP (DODIC HX05), and SMAW–MK7 CPR (SMAW) (DODIC HX–07), danger zone occupation could result in fatalities or serious casualties including severe burns, eye damage, or permanent hearing loss. The hazards are base plate fragments, debris, fireball, high noise levels, and overpressure. (4) When the M72 LAW is fired in temperatures below freezing, all back blast areas (Area F) will be doubled. Operating personnel should wear approved face protection during firing. (5) Extending the M72 weapon system too slowly can result in a failure to cock the weapon. (6) All M72AS 21mm training system weapons will be visually inspected for damage before firing. Damaged weapons will be destroyed per standard EOD procedures. (7) Rockets, MAAWS, or the M136 AT4 shoulder-launched munition will not be fired from within buildings unless fired in accordance with ATTP 3–06.11 or within 50 m of a vertical or nearly vertical backstop, barrier, or obstacle due to the risk of debris ricochets. (8) Prone or foxhole firing of HE AT4 (M136) is not authorized. In training, an individual may fire one round from the sitting position or three rounds from the standing or kneeling positions in a 24-hour period. (9) Prone firing of HE or TP ammunition in the MAAWS is not authorized due to overpressure hazards. (10) The firing of antitank rockets over unprotected troops from a moving vehicle or aircraft is not authorized. (11) For HE ammunition, limit the number of daily firings by any individual (gunner or personnel within 20 m) to four. There is no limit for the M72AS 21mm LAW training system. 6–2. Surface danger zone a. Surface danger zone requirements including minimum target engagement distances for antitank rockets are in tables 6–1 and 6–2 and figures 6–1 and 6–2. 54 DA PAM 385–63 • 16 April 2014