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CHAPTER 5

MUNITIONS FOR HELICOPTER WEAPON SYSTEMS

The training munitions discussed in this chapter should be available through the logistical system. Combat, or service munitions, may not be found in a particular theater of operations. The theater command or, in some cases, a specific geographical area may require different types of munitions and/or different packaging configurations. Some Department of Defense ammunition codes are listed with the munitions that are described. Additional identification codes may be necessary to distinguish the type of munitions, series, warhead and fuze combinations, grouping sequence, packaging, package quantity, and availability. Any munitions that cannot be positively identified will not be loaded onto an aircraft, into a weapon, or into the feed system. All munitions must be identified at the ammunition supply or transfer point before receipt and distribution to the unit.

Section I. Linked Ammunition

5-1. 7.62 MILLIMETER FOR M60/M60D MACHINE GUN

Figure 5-1. 7.62mm munitions

5-2. .50 CALIBER FOR OH-58D KIOWA WARRIOR

Table 5-1. M33 projectile ballistic data

Range to Target
(meters)

Time of Flight
(seconds)

Ballistic Drop
(mils)

1,000

1.5

9

1,500

2.7

18

2,000

4.3

33

Figure 5-2. .50-caliber munitions

NOTE: Only M2 and/or M9 closed loop links are used with the M2 machine gun.

5-3. 20-MILLIMETER FOR AH-1E/F

Figure 5-3. 20mm munitions

Table 5-2. Hull and turret thickness of selected vehicles

Vehicle

Thickness of Hull

Thickness of Turret

BTR-70

.40 inches

10 mm

.28 inches

7 mm

BRDM 2

.56 inches

14 mm

.28 inches

7 mm

BMP

.76 inches

19 mm

.92 inches

23 mm

BMD

.60 inches

15 mm

1.0 inch

25 mm

ZSU 23-4

.37 inches

9 mm

.35 inches

9 mm

NOTE: Rechambering live ammunition is prohibited. The chambering action could loosen the projectile in the cartridge case and break the waterproof seal. A broken seal could contaminate the propellant and primer and cause a misfire or hangfire.

Table 5-3. Approximate time of flight/ballistic drop 20mm,

M56 HEI fired from hover.

Range to Target
(meters)

Time of Flight
(seconds)

Ballistic drop
(mils)

1,000

1.5

9

1,500

3

21

2,000

5

42

NOTE: The M197 cannon and feed system requires M14A2 linked 20mm ammunition.

5-4. 30 MILLIMETER FOR THE AH-64 M230 CANNON

The 30mm ammunition for the M230 cannon is electrically primed; chamber pressure has been measured at 40,600 to 44,950 psi. Muzzle velocity is 2,640 feet per second for both the TP and HEDP. Table 5-4 shows the approximate times of flight and approximate ballistic drop of the 30mm projectile. Types of 30mm munitions available are discussed below and shown in Figure 5-4.

Table 5-4. Approximate time for flight and approximate ballistic drop

for 30mm ammunition (HE fired from hover)

Range to Target
(meters)

Time of Flight
(seconds)

Ballistic drop
(mils)

1,000

2

15

1,500

3.7

32

2,000

5.8

60

2,500

8.6

100

3,000

12.2

160

Figure 5-4. 30mm munitions

Section II. Rockets

5-5. 2.75-INCH ROCKETS

Figure 5-5. MK 66 rocket motors

Table 5-5. Rocket motor comparison data

CHARACTERISTIC

MK 66

MK 40

Length without warhead

41.7 inches

39.3 inches

Weight before firing

13.6 lbs.

11.0 lbs

Motor burn time (77F)

1.05 - 1.1 sec.

1.55 - 1.69 sec.

Average thrust

1,300-1370 lbs.

720 lbs.

Average spin rate

9 - 10 rps

1 rps

Motor burn out

1280 feet (397 m)

1460 feet (445 m)

Velocity at motor burnout

2425 fps

1965 fps

Maximum range at QE 43
degrees (MPSM warhead
ground launch)

10,425 meters

8,080 meters

5-6. ROCKET WARHEADS (TACTICAL AND TRAINING)

Figure 5-6. Approximate target coverage of one M261 warhead

Figure 5-7. 70mm warheads in production

5-7. FUZES

Figure 5-8. 70mm fuzes

Table 5-6. DODIC/NSN cross reference for select HYDRA-70,

2.75-inch rocket items

COMPLETE ROUNDS
DODIC

NSN

CONFIGURATION

PACK

H154

1340-01-371-8611

M278/M442/MK66-2

6

H165

1340-01-269-1447

M261/M439/MK66-3

4

H181

1340=01-249-7721

M257/M442/MK66-1

3

H182

1340-01-249-7720

M257/M442/MK66-2

3

H183

1340-01-268-7175

M257/M442/MK66-3

3

H184

1340-01-289-4719

M264/M439/MK66-3

4

H462

1340-01-309-5799

M255/M439/MK66-3

4

H463

1340-01-108-8849

M267/M439/MK66-1

4

H464

1340-01-108-8850

M261/M439/MK66-1

4

H582

1340-01-269-9122

M151/M433/MK66-3

4

H583

1340-01-269-9123

M151/M423/MK66-3

4

H642

1340-01-309-8300

M229/M423/MK66-2

4

H973

1340-01-238-2068

M274/ N/A /MK66-2

4

H972

1340-01-238-2067

M274/ N/A /MK66-1

4

H974

1340-01-268-7174

M267/M439/MK66-3

4

H975

1340-01-269-1446

M274/ N/A /MK66-3

4

H163

1340-01-108-8851

M151/M423/MK66-1

4

H164

1340-01-110-2672

M151/M433/MK66-1

4

NOTE: Due to the various models of rockets, warheads, and fuze combinations possible and the number of those that are undergoing classification or awaiting production contracts, a comprehensive list is not possible. TM 43-0001-30 gives additional information on rockets and rocket systems, fuzes, and motors. To obtain additional information about the Hydra 70, 2.75-inch rocket, write the US Army Armament, Munitions, and Chemical Command, ATTN: AMSMC-ASH, Rock Island, IL 61299-6000.

Section III. Missiles

5-8. MISSILE CONFIGURATIONS

The Hellfire surface attack guided missile is currently available in three configurations: dummy, training, and tactical. All Hellfire missiles are 7 inches in diameter, and have a wingspan of 13 inches. The missile weighs 99.5 pounds and is 64 inches long except for the AGM-114F that is 7 pounds heavier and 7 inches longer. Color codes and data markings for the Hellfire missile are as follows:

NOTE: If a training missile is on a launcher rail, live missiles cannot be launched.

NOTE: When A-Code is used with the AGM-114K, the missile counter-counter measure switch should remain OFF for both electronic counter measure and non-ECM environments. This procedure is not applicable if PRF coding is used.

Figure 5-9. Hellfire profile

5-9. MISSILE PERFORMANCE CAPABILITIES

Table 5-7. HELLFIRE Designation Times

Range
(meters)

Max
Delay
Time
(sec)

Offset
Lasing
Time
(sec)

Transition
Time
(sec)

On
Target
Time
(sec)

Total
Lasing
Time
(sec)

Temp (OC) and Approximate
TOF (sec)

-32O     +21O       +52O

2000

2*

0

0

4

4

7

6

6

3000

2*

0

2

6

8

11

10

10

4000

5

1

2

6

9

15

14

13

5000

7

3

2

6

11

21

18

17

6000

10

5

2

6

13

28

23

22

7000

12

8

2

7

17

36

29

27

8000**

15

12

2

8

22

45

37

34

All times are from missile separation. Add an additional second for time from trigger pull.

* This is also the minimum time.

** Indirect only.

 

Figure 5-10. Minimum Cloud Ceiling - LOBL

Figure 5-11. Minimum Cloud Ceiling - LOAL

Figure 5-12. Maximum Designator Offset Angle

Figure 5-13. Designator avoidance area

Table 5-8. Minimum LOAL target engagement range

MISSILE

AZIMUTH
TARGET
OFFSET
(degrees)

MINIMUM LOAL ENGAGEMENT RANGE
(KM)
LAUNCH ALTITUDE < 50' ABOVE TARGET ALTITUDE

    LOAL - DIR                  LOAL - LO                    LOAL - HI

AGM-114A

0O

7.5O

2.0

2.5

2.0

3.0

3.5

4.5

AGM-114C

0O

7.5O

2.0

2.5

2.0

3.0

3.5

4.5

AGM-114F

0O

7.5O

2.0

2.5

2.5

3.5

3.5

4.5

AGM-114K

0O

7.5O

1.5

1.7

2.0

2.5

3.5

3.5

50' - 400' Increase minimum range by 0.5 KM.

401' - 800' Increase minimum range by 1.0 KM.

Table 5-9. Minimum LOBL target engagement range.

MISSILE

MINIMUM RANGE (KM)

0O Target Offset in Azimuth

MINIMUM RANGE (KM)

20O Target Offset in Azimuth

AGM-114A

0.8

1.2

AGM-114C

0.8

1.2

AGM-114F

1.4

1.5

AGM-114K

0.5

0.7

Table 5-10. Maximum Missile Altitude

MODE

LOBL

LOAL-DIR

LOAL-LO

LOAL-HI

TARGET RANGE (KM)

3

5

7

7

8

8

LASER DELAY (SEC)

0

0

0

2

12

4

15

4

15

MISSILE TYPE

MAXIMUM MISSILE ALTITUDE INCLUDING

RANDOM TRAJECTORY (FEET)

AGM-114A

400

1000

1700

1700

1000

1900

1400

2300

2200

AGM-114C

500

1100

1800

1200

500

1500

900

1800

1500

AGM-114F

400

1000

1700

1200

300

1300

700

1600

1300

AGM-114K

400

600

700

600

500

900

800

1500

1500

5-10. MISSILE PERFORMANCE DISTRACTERS

NOTE: This symbology is only correct in this case if the aircraft is pointing directly at the target.

NOTE: If primary channel track is achieved and the symbology indicates "OUT-OF-CONSTRAINTS", the missile cannot be launched by pulling the trigger to the first detent but can be launched by pulling the trigger to the second detent. The missile should not be launched by pulling the trigger to the second detent when "OUT-OF-CONSTRAINTS" is indicated, because it will result in a low probability of hitting the target. If the LOBL constraints box is intermittently switching "in-and-out" of constraints, then a marginal target condition exists and the missile should not be launched.

NOTE: Even a small number of overspilled or underspilled laser pulses can cause the missile to follow false signals. If either of these conditions occur just before missile impact, the probability of hit is seriously degraded.

5-11. TOW MISSILE

Table 5-11. Characteristics of the TOW missile family

CHARACTERISTICS

BASIC
TOW

I-TOW

TOW 2

TOW 2A

TOW 2B

Missile weight (lb)

41.5

42

47.3

49.9

49.8

Weight in container (lb)

56.3

56.5

61.8

64

64

Prelaunch length (in)

45.8

45.8

45.9

45.9

46

Standoff probe (in)

NA

14.6

17.4

17.4

NA

Max velocity (fps/mps)

981/299

970/296

1079/329

1079/ 329

1010/309

Warhead diameter (in)

5

5

6

5

5(2x)

Explosive filler (lb)

5.4

4.6

6.9

6.9

-

Max range (m)

3000

3750

3750

3750

3750

Table 5-12. Encased missile color codes

 

HE (BGM)

Training (BTM)

Basic color

Olive drab

Olive drab

Data markings

White

White

Code on aft end

Four brown 2 inch squares 90 apart or 2 inch brown stripes

Same as HE

Code on warhead end

Four yellow 2 inch squares 90 apart or 2 inch yellow stripes

Four blue 2 inch squares 90 apart or 2 inch blue stripes

Figure 5-14. TOW Missile Flight Profile

5-12. AIR-TO-AIR STINGER

Table 5-13. Characteristics of the Stinger missile

Basic
Color

1 Inch
Squares

Data
Markings

2 1/2 Inch
Squares

Shipping and storage container

Forest
green

 

Yellow

Yellow

Missile round

Olive drab

Yellow

 

 

Field-handler trainer

Forest
green

 

White

Bronze