TM-9-2350-311-10 M109 Operator's Manual for M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 and M109A5 Download
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TM 9--2350--311--10 2--160 2--12 PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED 2--12.1 Pre-Firing Emplacement — Continued b. Laying the Howitzer Using the M2/M2A2 Aiming Circle — Continued 4 Sighting through M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36), gunner rotates head by turning azimuth knob (44) until vertical crosshair (45) is centered on lens of M2/M2A2 aiming circle (46). Horizontal crosshair (47) alinement is obtained by turning elevation knob (48). 5 When M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36) crosshairs (45 and 47) are alined on M2/M2A2 aiming circle (46) and all bubbles are level, gunner announces to gunnery sergeant, “NUMBER (SO AND SO), AIMING POINT IDENTIFIED.” 6 Gunnery sergeant determines azimuth reading to howitzer and announces, “NUMBER (SO AND SO), DEFLECTION (SO MUCH).” 7 Upon announcement of deflection, gunner repeats deflection by announcing “NUMBER (SO AND SO), DEFLECTION (SO MUCH),” and rotates azimuth knob (44) until announced deflection appears on azimuth counter (35). 8 Operating traversing mechanism assembly and sighting through M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36), gunner traverses weapon until crosshairs (45 and 47) are centered on reflector of M2/M2A2 aiming circle (46), ensuring that pitch level (37) and cross-level (38) bubbles are centered. 9 Gunner announces to the gunnery sergeant, “NUMBER (SO AND SO), READY FOR RECHECK.” 10 Gunnery sergeant determines a new azimuth reading to howitzer and announces, “NUMBER (SO AND SO), DEFLECTION (SO MUCH).” 11 Upon announcement of new deflection, gunner repeats deflection and difference between new deflection reading and reading on azimuth counter (35) to gunnery sergeant by saying, “NUMBER (SO AND SO), DEFLECTION (SO MUCH), (SO MANY), MILS.” 12 Gunner then rotates azimuth knob (44) until new deflection appears on azimuth counter (35). 13 Operating traversing mechanism assembly and sighting through M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36), gunner traverses the weapon until crosshairs (45 and 47) are centered on reflector of M2/M2A2 aiming circle (46) with pitch level (37) and cross-level (38) bubbles centered. 14 Gunner and gunnery sergeant repeat recheck steps 9 through 13 until difference between azimuth reading to M117/M117A2 panoramic telescope (36) and reading on azimuth counter (35) is zero mils. Gunnery sergeant then announces, “NUMBER (SO AND SO) IS LAID.” 15 Upon the command, “LAID,” gunner records value appearing on azimuth counter (35). The cannon tube is now oriented for direction and will not be moved until an aiming point is established.