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 5-12 MAINTENANCE — CONTINUED h. Excess Explosive Components 1 2 3 Pack supplementary charges removed from projectiles prior to assembling long intrusion proximity fuzes in containers from which these proximity fuzes were removed. Properly mark containers and return to ammunition supply personnel for disposition. Never bring excess powder increments back to the howitzer or ammunition carrier. Severe burns to personnel may result from accidental ignition of excess powder increments. Destroy any unused powder increments or expelling charges left over after round has been fired by performing the following steps. (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) Locate proper burning area. Area should be 200 feet (60.96 m) from any combustible material. Ensure proper firefighting equipment and personnel are present. Lay out powder increments (1) stacked one high, parallel to wind direction in 12-inch (30.48-cm) wide column. Lay out an igniter trail (2) at the downwind end of the line of powder increments (1) by opening one powder bag and making a trail of powder at 90° to the powder increments. The igniter trail should be approximately 16.40 feet (5 m) long and 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide. Light the end of the igniter trail (2), then move away from the powder increments(1). While powder increments (1) are burning, be alert for sparks or burning fragments caught by the wind. 5-76