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 2-13 FIRING THE CANNON — CONTINUED Procedure — Continued To prevent injury during firing, use at least a 3 foot (0.91 m) lanyard. NOTE • The howitzer is fired only upon verbal and/or hand signal from the chief of section. • The cannon assembly can be fired from either side. The firing mechanism assembly manual control lever can be rotated to any one of eight positions on the firing mechanism assembly. Push on eyelet end of manual control lever and rotate. The illustration shows manual control lever in correct position for firing from left side. • Cannon tube position (specifically elevation) should be rechecked prior to firing. 1 Chief of section verifies all personnel are in place and commands, “HOOK-UP,” then “STAND-BY.” After stand-by command, cannoneer no. 1 attaches 3 foot (0.91 m) or longer lanyard (1) to eyelet of firing mechanism assembly (2) manual control lever (3). Chief of section reports, “NUMBER (SO AND SO) READY” or presses ready button on gunner display unit. Chief of section then commands, “FIRE” by dropping arm or commands, “FIRE.” 2 At the command “FIRE,” cannoneer no. 1 fires howitzer with a continuous pull on lanyard (1). Assure that water remaining in cannon tube after swabbing is kept to a minimum. 3 After cannon returns to battery position, cannoneer no. 1 swabs and inspects gas check seat, propellant chamber, and outside of spindle assembly. After looking through cannon tube and finding no obstructions, cannoneer no. 1 announces “BORE CLEAR.” 4 If howitzer fails to fire, refer to paragraph 2–15. 2-231