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 5-78 Change 4 5-12 MAINTENANCE — CONTINUED i. Destroying MACS Charge Increments — Continued 6 Light the end of the igniter trail, then move away from the MACS propelling charge increments. 7 While increments are burning, be alert for sparks or burning fragments caught by the wind. 8 When increments are through burning, be sure all flames are extinguished and no smoldering ashes remain. Be sure ashes are completely burned. 5-13 STORAGE a. Temperature Limits WARNING • Ammunition exposed directly to sunlight, or in unventilated containers, enclosures, shelters, freight cars, closed vehicles, and similar structures exposed to direct sunlight may reach temperatures exceeding upper storage limits. Avoid exposure of ammunition components to direct sunlight. Do not store ammunition assembled with tetrytol–loaded bursters (i.e., 155 mm projectiles: M110 WP (smoke) projectiles and M110 (H or HD) persistent projectiles) at temperatures exceeding 125° F (52° C). • Do not store ammunition under trees or near tall buildings that attract lightning. When ammunition must be stored in the open, select a storage site free of power lines, electric cables, and flammable materials. Sites should not be adjacent to reservoirs, water mains, etc. Do not store ammunition near a large concentration of personnel to prevent injury. 1 Except as otherwise specified, observe the following limits. (a) Lower limit is -80° F (-62° C) for a period of not more than 3 days. (b) Upper limit is 160° F (71° C) for a period of not more than 4 hours per day. 2 Store or transport M110 series and M825 projectiles containing WP at a temperature below the melting point (111.4° F (44° C)) of the WP filler. If this is not practicable, store or transport such projectiles on their bases so that, should the WP filler melt, it will resolidify with the void in the nose of the M110 series projectile. This restriction does not apply to the M825A1 WP projectiles. 3 Protect proximity fuzes and proximity rounds from long exposure to high humidity. Store M728 series fuze in temperatures between -65 to 145° F (-54 to 63° C) and M732 series fuze in temperatures between -60 to 160° F (-51 to 71° C). b. Sites Store ammunition in the firing area so that it is protected against accidental explosions. Sites should be level and well drained. c. Provisions NOTE A hardstand of blacktop or gravel and sand is preferable to excessive use of dunnage. 1 Use heavy, well supported dunnage to keep bottom tier of stack off the ground and to prevent it from sinking into the ground. 2 Allow at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) of space beneath the pile for air circulation. Dig trenches to prevent water from flowing under pile. 3 Provide nonflammable covers (e.g., tarpaulin) for all ammunition. Maintain air space of approximately 18 inches (45.72 cm) between cover and ammunition. Keep cover at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) from pile on ends and sides to permit circulation of air.