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3. MAINTENANCE, TROUBLESHOOTING, AND DESTRUCTION

 

Section I. MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING

 

3-1. GUNNER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

As an M202Al rocket launcher gunner you have no responsibility for replacement of parts on the weapon. This is accomplished by the unit armorer. You are, however, responsible for preventive maintenance checks, services, and troubleshooting. Listed below are some tips for keeping your launcher in top operating condition and a troubleshooting table to assist you in identifying probable cause of malfunctions and the corrective actions.

a. Keep your launcher free of sand, mud, moisture, or any other foreign matter.

b. If your launcher becomes dirty or wet, wipe it off with a clean, dry cloth particularly inside the launcher tubes).

c. Protect your launcher from ice and snow.

d. Observe the operating temperature limits of -32 Celsius to +60 degrees Celsius (-25 degrees Fahrenheit to +140 degrees Fahrenheit).

e. When temperature and humidity are excessive or when salt air is present, inspect and clean your launcher daily.

f. During sand and dust storms, keep your launcher covered as much of the time as the situation permits.

Table 3-1. Operator Troubleshooting


Item No Malfunction Probable Cause Corrective Action

1 Trigger does not release
firing pins during
operation check.
Defective
mechanism
Return launcher to
organizational maintenance.
       
2 Trigger handle does not
stay in retracted position.
Worn toggle. Return launcher to
organizational maintenance.
       
3 Trigger safety does not
function.
Defective mechanism. Return launcher to
organizational maintenance.
       
4 Inaccurate launcher
firing.
Sight not
boresighted properly
Return launcher to
organizational
maintenace for
boesighting

 


3-2. ARMORER'S RESPONSIBILITIES.

Organizational maintenance is performed by the unit armorer.

a. He can remove/replace the sight, remove/replace the sling, boresight and spot paint the launcher. See table 3-2 for a troubleshooting guide.

 


Item No. Malfunction Probable Cause Corrective Action

1 Inaccurate launcher
firing.
a, Sight marks
not alined properly.
Realine marks.
       
    b.Damaged
sight.
Replace sight and
boresight launcher.
       
2 Inability to sight
launcher.
Damaged or
missing optical eyeshield.
Replace.
       
3 Nonadjustable sling
assembly.
Damaged strap,
buckles, or snap.
Replace hooks.

b. He will evacuate the M202A1 to DS maintenance if a visual inspection reveals any of the following conditions:

(1 ) Dented tubes.

(2) Cracked tubes.

(3) Unraveled, frayed, or loose fiberglass in any tube.

(4) Visible signs of burns on inside of any tube.

 

Section II. DESTRUCTION TO PREVENT ENEMY USE

3-3. AUTHORIZATION TO DESTROY WEAPON.

Destruction of the rocket launcher and/or rocket clip to prevent capture or abandonment in a combat zone must be authorized by the unit commander (TM 9-1300-206).

3-4. DESTRUCTION PROCEDURES.

a. The rocket launcher should be destroyed by striking the launcher tubes, firing mechanism, and sight with an axe. The launcher can be run over by a vehicle, or, in extreme emergencies, destroyed by firing rifle or pistol rounds through the launch tubes, firing mechanism, and sight.

b. The rockets should be destroyed by fired demolitions 800 meters from friendly troops whenever possible. When not possible, place the rockets in a foxhole and detonate them with a hand grenade. All personnel within 750 meters should be in covered positions.

3-5. PRIORITY OF DESTRUCTION.

If you are unable to destroy the rocket launcher and the rocket clip at the same time, priority of destruction will be given to the rocket launcher.