TM-9-2350-311-10 M109 Operator's Manual for M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 and M109A5 Download
Page 575 of 775
TM 9--2350--311--10 Change 6 5--43 Section II. PREPARATION FOR FIRING 5--3 GENERAL WARNING To prevent projectile malfunction and possible bodily injury, ensure that projectile upper temperature limit stays below 125° F (52° C). Shade projectiles when weather is expected to be hot, i.e., the outside temperature is expected to exceed 100° F (38° C) during the day. a. Temperature Limits Unless otherwise specified, observe the following limits when firing. 1 Lower limit is --40° F (--40° C). 2 Upper limit is 125° F (52° C). b. Temperature Check Procedures for Modular Artillery Charge System (MACS), M231 and M232/M232A1 NOTE Temperature will be taken using the standard issue M1A1 powder thermometer. The operating temperature of MACS is --50_F through +120_F. 1 Lift the edge of the red seal on either end of the increment and peal the seal back. WARNING Do not jab the round end igniter bag with thermometer or any other object that may be used to break through the edge of the red seal. Black powder is impact sensitive and forceful impact of the bag may cause an accidental ignition. NOTE Do not puncture the combustible case since this makes the increment defective. 2 Lift the edge of the igniter bag and insert the powder thermometer under the cloth igniter bag and down along the inside of the center core. 3 The thermometer must stay in the increment until the temperature stabilizes. c. Packing and Unpacking Ammunition Components Retain packing materials for repackaging, as required. WARNING The M82 primer is the only authorized primer to be used in the M109A2/M109A3/M109A4 M185 and M109A5 M284 cannon assemblies. Do not use the MK2A4 primer in these cannon tubes. The propellant may not ignite. 1 The M3 series propelling charges are packed two per metal container, with or without the MK2A4 primer. The M4A1, M4A2, M119A1, M119A2, M203, and M203A1 propelling charges are packed one per metal container. 2 The M231 is packed with four increments (two per extraction sleeve) in each metal container and the M232/M232A1 is packed five per metal container. Increments in extraction sleeves that are not full will be combined to reduce the number of partially loaded containers. These increments will be repacked into their correct type of extraction sleeve and the repacked sleeves returned to their correct container (correct type and lot number) using the following procedure: (a) Place one of the end cushions into the end of the extraction sleeve and lock in place using the velcro strap.