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--46 Change 4 5--4 PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED d. Projectiles — Continued (1) Verifies that the projectile is the type designated by the fire commands. NOTE A projectile with a burred rotating band will be put aside until the burrs can be removed with a file. (2) Removes grommet and examines rotating band to ensure that it is free from all dirt and burrs. (3) Cannoneer removes lifting plug and gasket and examines the fuze well for leaks or damage to the filler. If any high-explosive filler residue clings to the threads of the fuze well, the round is rejected and another one is used to complete the fire mission. WARNING Dirt or grease left on the projectile rotating band could cause failure of the projectile to seat properly in the forcing cone. Firing of an unseated projectile could result in inbore explosion causing injury or death to personnel. NOTE Any sand, dirt, oil, or grease left on the projectile will cause wear, scratches, or gouges in the bore. (4) Cannoneer examines the entire projectile for defects and checks to see that the projectile is not damaged or corroded and is free of dirt, grease, sand, and oil. Slight rust on the projectile is acceptable. (b) Cannoneer holds the projectile upright for fuzing and fuze setting. (1) If required, cannoneer holds the projectile firmly while another cannoneer fuzes the projectile and sets the fuze. (2) When directed, cannoneer reads and announces the time set on the fuze. WARNING Care must be exercised in placing the ammunition in the hull to prevent damage to the rotating band or fuze and bodily harm to the ammunition handler. (c) Cannoneer carries fuzed projectile to the howitzer and places it where it will be convenient for loading. e. Special Preparation of the M483A1 and M864 Projectiles for Use in the Self-Registration Mode When the command for use of the M483A1 or M864 ICM projectile includes the self-registration mode, the expulsion charge inside the nose of the projectile must be removed and a projectile spotting charge threaded on the fuze as follows. 1 Remove the fusible or universal lifting plug (1) with attached gasket. When lifting plug is removed, the compressed coiled pull-wire (2) on the bagged expulsion charge assembly (3) will expand and protrude beyond the fuze well of the projectile ogive. If the projectile is assembled with the cylindrical plastic expulsion charge assembly (4), the tab (5) will pop up.