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 2–204 Change 3 2–12 PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED 2–12.5 Loading the 155MM Cannon — Continued a. Loading — Continued WARNING Never forget to put operating handle back to stowed position. If left down while closing breechblock, it can cause serious injury to personnel. Make it a practice never to let go of operating handle until you return it to stowed position. CAUTION Lock pin should be in closed position before opening breechblock. 7 Cannoneer no. 1 opens breechblock (2) (first round only) by depressing operating handle (3) detent plunger (4) and pulling operating handle rearward until operating crank assembly (5) roller (6) is engaged in operating cam (7). Cannoneer no. 1 then returns operating handle to stowed position (forward). NOTE During combat emergency missions the cannon tube may be loaded between –53 mils and +756 mils to meet operational requirements. CAUTION • Always place rammer in stowed position when elevating cannon more than 800 mils to avoid damaging rammer. • If rammer is left in ramming position when elevating above 800 mils, the rammer will strike the floor and bend the rammer support shaft. 8 Assistant gunner ensures that cannon tube is at loading elevation (+300 to +400 mils). 2 3 4 5 6 7