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 5-1 CHAPTER 5 U.S. AMMUNITION Section I. GENERAL 5-1 GENERAL Ammunition for the 155MM howitzer cannon is the separate–loading type. The loading of each complete round into the howitzer cannon requires three separate operations: loading the fuzed projectile, the propelling charge, and the primer. These components are shipped separately; therefore, the cannon crew must know how to store, unpack, inspect, prepare, and load each complete round every time the weapon is fired. The chief of section supervises duties of the crew during loading. The chief of section must also see that the cannoneers and driver are cross–trained in the specific duties of the care, handling, unpacking, inspection, preparation, and loading of the ammunition components in order to sustain a 24–hour operation or to operate with a reduced crew. It is planned that future ammunition for all new 155MM weapons will be interchangeable. This will enable projectiles and propelling charges of one NATO nation to be fired from the 155MM weapons of all others. Current items of interchangeability are contained in Chapter 6. For maintenance of ammunition, see Section III of this chapter. WARNING Until safety and reliability testing is completed, the use of ammunition other than prescribed in this manual is prohibited. Refer to paragraph 5-13 for information about the Loose Projectile Restraint System (LPRS), which is a divider rack for securing loose unfuzed projectiles for transportation with field artillery companion vehicles. This does not pertain to the M992.