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Now that you are familiar with some of the basic characteristics and capabilities of the M202Al rocket launcher, you are ready to prepare the M202Al for operation. However, before placing the launcher into operation, you should perform a preoperational inspection and function check.
a. Visually inspect the exterior of the launcher for damaged, loose, or missing parts; dents; cracks; separations; and loose fiberglass. Also, check next to the data plate, on the left side of the launcher, to insure that both MWOs have been apphed. If so, there will be a number two (2) stamped after the MWO number. If not, turn the launcher in to maintenance for application of the MWO.
b. Check the reflecting sight for defects such as dents and missing or loose parts. Insure that the sight lock (18, fig 1-1) can be placed into both the firing and stowed positions. With the sight in the firing position, lift the lens cover. Sight through the lens and check for improper alinement of the reticle, obscured vision, or a broken reticle.
After you have completed the exterior examination, you must perform a function check.
a. Unfasten the latch on the rear dust cover and rotate the cover down. Insure the latch, hinge, and cover are serviceable.
b. Check the front cover trigger-handle interlock system as described below:
(1) Unfasten the latch on the front dust cover (2, fig 1-1),rotate the front cover handle (1, fig 1-1) outward until it stops, and rotate the front cover down below the launcher tubes, applying sufficient pressure to -release the trigger-handle (14, fig 1-1) from its retracted position.
NOTE: | If the trigger-handle will not release, check to insure the front cover is in a fully locked position. |
(2) Pull the trigger-handle assembly down and lock it into position.
NOTE: | The firing pins will not operate while the firing pin mechanism assembly is in the retracted position. |
(3) To prevent an accidental firing when pressing on the rocket clip to insure it is locked onto the firing pin housing, check that the firing pins do not extend more than I/8-inch past their -rubber seals.
c. To check the firing pin mechanism assembly (fig 2-1) and trigger safety (fig2-2), proceed with the following steps:
(1) Grasp the firing pin mechanism housing (4, fig 2-1) and fully extend it from the launcher, holding it firmly. Do not allow the firing pin housing to rotate.
(2) Place the trigger safety to the rear (fire) position and pull the trigger.
(3) Upon firing, the firing pin should protrude from the housing. This may be observed from the rear of the launcher.
(4) Move the trigger safety to the forward (safe) position. Pull the trigger. The trigger should not operate.
(5) Retract the firing pin housing back into the launcher.
Figure 2-1. Firing pin mechanism assembly.
Figure 2-2.Placing safety in the SAFE position.
d. Inspect the interior of the launch tubes for dents or cracks; raveled, frayed, or loose fiberglass; or visible signs of bums in any tube. Check for sand, dirt, or other foreign matter which could damage the rocket warhead when fired.
When satisfied with the inspection and functioning of the rocket launcher, inspect the rocket clip for defects such as leaking rockets, loose warheads, bail not under spring tension, dented rocket cannister, rust or corrosion, or other foreign matter such as sand or dirt. Insure the clip latch is present and each rocket has a retainer. If the clip latch (6, fig 1-2) is missing from the clip manifold (9, fig 1-2), a spare latch is stored in the rear cover of the launcher (10, fig 1-1).
Once you are satisfied with the inspection of the rocket clip, you are then ready to load the launcher. The following procedures should be used in loading the clip into the launcher.
a. Place the trigger safety in the "SAFE" position (fig 2-2).
b. Position the launcher on the ground, resting on its (closed) front cover with the front cover handle in the stowed position (fig 2-3).
c. Open the rear cover(5,fig1-1) by releasing rear-cover latch and rotate it down and beneath the launcher.
d. Supporting the launcher with the left hand on the sight, partially insert the rocket clip into the rear end of launcher tubes (with bail toward rear dust cover) using rocket warheads as guides.
e. Grasp the end of clip support strap nearest two black snaps (3, fig 1-2) and pull it outward to remove the strap and spacers from the clip.
f. Once the support strap has been removed, depress the launcher clip lock button (9, fig 1-1). This will allow you to fully insert the rocket clip into the launcher. (You should hear a "click" as the clip latch locks onto the firing pin assembly. If not, press firmly on the rear of the rocket clip; the clip latch should lock onto the firing pin assembly. To check, pull outward on the bail. If the firing pin assembly remains attached to the clip latch manifold, the firing pin assembly is locked in position.)
Figure 2-3. Loading the clip into the launcher.
g. Make a manual and/or visual check to insure that the prongs of the clip latch are fully seated in the clip attachment slot of the firing pin mechanism assembly (fig 2-4). The launcher is now loaded. If the launcher is not to be fired right away, close and latch the rear cover, and the rocket system is ready for you to carry until an appropriate target is available. With the rocket clip in the forward position and the rear cover closed, the weapon is in a "safe" condition. Before you shoot the weapon, you must prepare it for firing.
Figure 2-4. Clip latch positioned for firing.
a. Open the rear cover, grasp the bail handle, and pull the rocket clip outward until it is fully extended and locked into position (you should hear a "click" indicating the rocket clip is locked). Then release the bail handle, insuring that it folds against the rear edge of the clip in the downward position (fig 2-5).
Figure 2-5. Preparing the weapon for firing.
b. Position the weapon on the right shoulder so that the rear cover acts as a shoulder rest in front of the right shoulder. Place the right hand under the launcher to support it, while using the left hand to unlatch the front cover and rotate the handle outward until it stops. Then rotate the front cover down until it locks into position (fig 2-6). This action release the trigger handle assembly which is located beneath the launcher. If the trigger handle assembly does not extend, pull it downward until it locks into position. The front dust cover must be held in the open position.
Figure 2-6. Locking front cover into position.
NOTE: | DO NOT attempt to pull trigger handle assembly down if front dust cover is not locked in the open position. To do so will prevent the dust cover from locking in the open position which will prevent the weapon from firing. |
c. With thumb and forefinger, grasp the trigger-handle assembly immediately behind the locked front cover. Extend the trigger-handle, insuring it is fully seated in the firing position and the safety switch is in the SAFE position. Check the area to the rear of the launcher to insure that all personnel, material, and obstructions that would interfere or present a safety hazard are clear of the rear danger zone. Paragraph 2-14 provides additional information on safety. Next, extend the sight by depressing the sight lock, and moving it to the rear detent position. Raise the protective lens cover and the launcher is ready to fire (fig 2-7).
Figure 2-7. Launcher ready to fire.
a. Reflecting sight assembly (fig 2-8). The sight is boresighted at the factory and by organizational maintenance personnel as necessary. TM 31055-456-12 gives a detailed explanation of the procedure used by organizational maintenance personnel for boresighting. The reflecting sight assembly consists of the--
(1) Sight. The reflection sight has a ladder type reticle pattern (fig2-9) with curved stadia lines on both sides of the vertical center line. Current sighting prodedures do not require use of the stadia lines to obtain approximate target distance. Paragraph 2-8 discusses techniques of range detrermination /estimation. The vertical rangeline is graduated in 100-meter increments from 0 to 500 meters from the top to the bottom of the sight reticle. On either side of the vertical rangeline are horizontal lead lines which aid the gunner in engaging moving targets.
(2) Sight lock(11, fig2-8). The sight lock is a spring lock is a spring loaded arm used to lock the sight in either the stowed or firing position.
(3) Mounting plate (1, fig2-8). The mounting plate contains an elevation adjustment plate which has two notches for placing the sight in the stowed or firing position. Also the plate allows adjustment to be made on the sight.
Figure 2-8. Sight.
Figure 2-9. Sight and center vertical line.
b. Selection of an aiming point.
(1) Point-type targets. The center of visible mass is the aiming point for point-type stationary targets (fig 2-10).
Figure 2-10. Aiming point for point-type stationary target.
(2)Area-type targets. When engaging area-type targets, the weapon which poses the greatest threat should be engaged first. When the "greatest" threat is eliminated or does not exist, engage the target at the center of the near half of the target (fig 2-11).
Figure 2-11. Aiming point for area-type target.
c.Sight picture. A proper sight picture is obtained by centering the target within the sight reticle at the appropriate range. Figure 2-12 depicts the sight picture for a stationary target at 150 meters.
Figure 2-12. Sight picture
d. Applying lead. Each lead line or space represents 8 kph (5 mph) of apparent speed. Lead is applied to targets moving across the gunner's front. Determination of range and speed is discussed in paragraphs 2-8 and 2-9.
(1) Targets moving directly across the gunner's front (fig 2-13 and 2-14). Estimate the target's speed as either slow (8 kph or less) or fast (9 kph or more). For slow moving targets locate the proper range mark on the vertical rangeline, locate the lead line which is horizontal to the range mark, place one lead line distance on center of mass of the target and fire. For fast moving targets use the same procedure as for slow targets except that the lead line is placed on the front leading edge of the target.
Be sure to select the left or right lead line which places the vertical center line in front of the target.
NOTE:
Figure 2-13. Target moving across gunners Front (slow target). |
Figure 2-14. Target moving across gunner's Front (fast target) |
(2) Target moving at an angle toward or away from the gunner (fig 2-15 and 2-16). If more of the vehicle's side is visible than its front or rear, engage the target as if it were moving directly across your front. The fast or slow speed determination will be based upon the target's speed straight across your line of fire. If more of the front or rear is visible engage the target as if it were a slow target moving directly across your front.
Figure 2-15. Target moving at an angle Toward gunner (slow target) | Figure 2-16. Target moving at an angle toward gunner (fast target). |
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The probability of hitting any target with the M202Al rocket launcher is greatly increased if the gunner actually knows the range of the target. It is important that methods of range determination be taught and frequently used by all soldiers who may have to employ the M202AI. Some of the methods of determining the range to targets are rangefinders, measurement of the distance by map inspection, intersection using compasses, pacing, use of direct fire weapons such as machineguns, or visual range estimation. Visual range estimation is the least desirable method due to its inaccuracy; however, in the offense or in a hasty defense, it may be necessary to use this method. Therefore, all troops should receive training and frequent practice in the methods of visual estimation of range. Two methods, are:
a.100-meter unit-of-measure method. To use this method, the soldier must be able to visualize the number of 100-meter increments on the ground between his position and the target. A more detailed explanation of this method can be found in FM 23-9, para 6-8c(2)(a).
b.The appearance-of-objects method. It is often impossible to see all of the terrain to the target, which makes it impractical to apply the 100-meterunit-of-measure method. Ranges must then be estimated by the appearance of-objects method. To use this method, the soldier, must learn through practice how familiar-objects look at various known ranges. For example, he studies the appearance of a man standing 100 meters away and fixes his appearance firmly in mind--his size and the details of his uniform and equipment. Next, he studies the man in a kneeling position, then in a prone position. This same procedure is followed at various known ranges out to 500 meters. By comparing the appearance of the man in these positions at known ranges, the soldier can establish a series of mental images which will help him to estimate range on unfamiliar terrain out to 500 meters. Training should also include the appearance of other familiar objects such as weapons and vehicles. Factors which affect the appearance of objects are shown in table 2-1.
Table 2-1. Factors Affecting Range Estimation.
Factors to be considered in estimating range by eye. | Objects appear nearer than they really are and ranges are underestimated. | Objects appear more distant than they really are and ranges are overestimated. |
The target: Its clearness of outline and details. | When most of the target is visible and offers a clear outline. | When only a small part of the target may be seen or target is small in relation to its surroundings |
Nature of terrain or position of the observer | When looking across a depression, most of which is hidden from view | When looking across a depression, all of which is visible |
When looking downward from high ground | When looking from low ground toward high ground. | |
When looking down a straight, open road or along a railroad track. | When vision is narrowly confined as in streets, draws or forest trails. | |
When looking over uniform surfaces like water, snow desert, or grain fields | ||
Light and atmosphere | In bright light or when The sun is shining from behind the observer | In poor light such as dawn and dusk in rain, snow, for or when the sun is in the observer's eyes |
When the target is in sharp contrast with the background or is silhouetted, by reason of size, shape, or color. | When the target blends into the background or terrain. | |
When seen in the clear Atmosphere of high altitudes |
a. Although the M74 rocket was designed primarily as a flame/ antipersonnel round for use against stationary targets, it may be used effectively against enemy vehicles carrying troops, ammo, or other supplies. Normally, these targets are in motion and accurate engagement depends upon the gunner's ability to determine speed as well as range.
b. The ability to determine speed is developed by constant practice.The soldier should begin by determining the speed of vehicles at known ranges and moving in a constant direction. As the soldier improves, the range, direction, and type of vehicles can be varied.
c. One method of determining target speed is to compare the speed of the target with the speed of a running man. If the target is traveling at the speed of a jogging man or slower, its speed is about 8 kph or less and the gunner should use the slow speed lead. If the target is traveling at the speed of a slow running pace or faster (9 kph or more), the gunner should use the fast speed lead. Due to the difference in size between a man and a vehicle, a gunner may tend to underestimate the vehicle's speed, but this can be corrected with practice.
a. Targets at a range of 500 meters or less. When firing on targets at 500 meters or less and the first round misses, the burst-on-target technique of fire should be used to gain a second round hit. The burst-on-target technique is very easily applied by following the procedures below:
(1) After firing the weapon, hold your original sight picture until the rocket impacts.
(2) Note the point on the sight reticle where the round burst appears (fig 2- 17) and move this point onto the center mass of the target (fig 2-18).
(3) Fire again. This should give you a target hit; if not, apply the same principle (steps 1 and 2) and fire again--this time you should have a target hit.
Figure 2-17. Burst-on-target aiming technique.
Figure 2-18. Center of mass of target.
b. Targets at ranges beyond 5OO meters. At ranges beyond 5OO meters and out to 700 meters, the M202Al rocket launcher can be used to suppress enemy troops in fortified positions or wooded areas with smoke and flame. To sight on target areas beyond 500 meters, the gunner should center the target in the bottom of the sight (fig 2-19 and 2-20). If he misses with his first round he should observe the round burst on his sight and try to move that point onto his target. Since the reticle is graduated only out to 500 meters, the burst may appear within the sight but not within the sight reticle itself.
Figure 2-19. Woodline at 600 meters![]() |
Figure 2-20. Woodline at 700 meters.![]() |
The gunner must hold the M202A1 steady while firing to obtain an accurate first round and to properly employ the burst-on-target technique. The following principles of steady hold should be applied.
a. Whenever possible, fire from a supported position. A stable weapon delivers a more accurate shot.
b. Don't breathe during aiming and firing. Chest movement in and out will make aiming difficult.
c. Relax; muscle strain or tension causes trembling.
d. Pull the trigger; don't jerk it. Jerking will pull the weapon off target.
e. With the left hand, hold the weapon so that the rear dust cover rests snugly against the right shoulder.
Now that you know the sighting procedures, how to adjust fire, and understand the principles of holding the weapon steady, you are ready to fire the weapon (fig 2-21). To do this, release the trigger safety by moving the switch to the rear, then using two fingers and applying a smooth and steady rearward pressure, squeeze the trigger fully. After each rocket has fired, relax your fingers to allow the trigger to return to the fully forward position. This method must be repeated to fire each of the rockets. Only one rocket can be fired with each trigger squeeze.
Figure 2-21. Firing the weapon.
If all rockets are not fired, or none are fired, take the following steps when keeping the weapon loaded:
a. Position trigger safety switch on SAFE.
b. Close sight cover, position sight lock in forward detent, and fold sight assembly in against the launcher.
c. Press trigger release button unlocking the trigger handle and rotate it upward, engaging the interlock and releasing the front cover.
d. Close and latch front cover.
e. Place your left hand under the launcher and your right hand around the lower right clip tube and lift the launcher from your shoulder. Position it on the ground resting on the front cover.
f. Depress clip lock button and push on the rear of clip assembly, retracting the clip into the launcher. Before closing and latching the rear cover, perform a visual and/or manual -check of clip latch, insuring it is firmly engaged in the clip attachment slot of the firing pin mechanism assembly.
To unload the rocket launcher, place it on the ground, resting on the front and rear dust covers. Insure the rear dust cover folds down against the rocket clip for stabilization. Remove the rocket clip latch using the combination tool provided.
a. Depress the clip lock button, grasp one of the top two rocket tubes, and remove rocket clip by pulling rearward.
b. Reinsert the firing pin housing into the launcher by rotating the firing pin housing slightly so it will slide back into the launcher. Close and lock the rear cover.
Figure 2-22. Removing clip latch from clip manifold | Figure 2-23. Removing the rocket clip. |
A failure to fire may be caused by a faulty firing mechanism or a faulty element in the propelling charge explosive train.
When a misfire occurs, you should take the following actions:
CAUTION: | Do not assume that an initial failure of a round to fire is a complete misfire--it could be a hangfire or a mechanical delay. However, the misfire procedures outlined below are appropriate for either a complete misfire or a hangfire. |
a. In combat.
(1) Squeeze the trigger four times after the last misfired rocket. If this clears the weapon, remove the empty clip and inspect the launcher before firing again.
(2) If this does not clear the weapon, place the trigger safety in the SAFE position, keeping the weapon pointed toward the enemy, lower it from your shoulder and place it on the ground, resting on the front and rear dust covers.
(3) Grasp the side of one clip tube and remove the clip latch to separate the firing pin mechanism from the clip. If separation does not occur, carefully insert a knife blade between the firing pin mechanism and clip manifold and apply pressure to obtain at least a 1 -inch separation between the two.
(4) Depress the clip lock button, grasp either of the top two rocket tubes,and remove the clip.
NOTE: | Failure to depress the clip lock button will cause damage to the launcher. |
(5) Place the rocket clip on the ground as far away from your position as practical (60 meters desirable). Dispose of the rocket clip as described in paragraphs 3-3 to 3-5.
(6) Inspect the launcher prior to loading again.
In a training environment
(1) Shout "MISFIRE" to warn all personnel that you have a misfire. Keep the launcher pointed at the target.
(2) Squeeze the trigger four times after the last misfired rocket. if this clears the weapon, remove the empty clip and inspect the launcher before firing again.
(3) If this does not clear the weapon, place the trigger safety in the SAFE position and keep the weapon on your shoulder pointed down range for 1 minute.
(4) Keeping the weapon pointed down range, lower it from your shoulder and place it on a firm surface resting on the front and rear dust covers.
(5) Grasp the side of one clip tube and remove the clip latch to separate the firing pin mechanism from the clip. If the separation does not occur, carefully insert a knife blade between the firing pin mechanism and clip manifold and apply pressure to obtain at least a 1-inch separation between the two.
(6) Depress the clip lock button, grasp either of the top two rocket tubes, and remove the clip.
NOTE: Failure to depress the clip lock button will cause damage to the launcher.
(7) Dispose of the rocket clip in accordance with your installation/unit SOP, AR 75-1, and TM 3-1055-456-12.
(8) Inspect the launcher prior to reloading.
A leaking rocket is characterized by burning fuel coming out of the rocket warhead. This can happen in three different situations:
a. Before loading the rocket clip--immediately take cover at least 60 meters from the rocket clip. Do not move in front or to the rear of the rocket clip. Wait until the rocket clip stops burning.
b. While loaded in the launcher without the clip being extended--place the launcher on the ground. Evacuate the area at least 60 meters and take cover. Do not move in front of the launcher or into the rear danger-zone area.
c. When the rocket is fired--keep the launcher pointed toward the target area and pull the trigger to clear the weapon. If this clears the weapon, and triethylaluminum (TEA) is on the launcher, place the launcher on the ground and allow the TEA to bum itself out. If the weapon cannot be cleared of all rockets follow the procedures in 2-17b above.
a. If in combat the rockets become damaged by shrapnel or small arms firethe following actions should be taken:
(1) Defense--drop the launcher in the fighting position and move to an adjacent position.
(2) Offense-drop the launcher on the ground and continue the attack.
b. In a training situation, insure that all personnel take cover as far as possible from the damaged rocket. Let the rocket burn out and then dispose of the unexpended rounds in accordance with local SOP.
a. Backblast area (fig 2-24). Propellant gases escaping to the rear of the launcher can cause severe injury to personnel and damage to equipment located close to the firing position. The total backblast area extends 40 meters to the rear with a base of 38 meters.
Figure 2-24. Backblast area.
(1)The danger zone extends 15 meters to the rear with a base of 15 meters. All personnel, equipment, and flammable materials must be kept clear of this area.
(2) The caution zone extends an additional 25 meters with a base of 38 meters. Personnel in this area could be injured from secondary missiles thrown to the rear by the blast.
(3) In a tactical situation, it is unlikely that the backblast area will be completely clear. Consequently, the launcher may be fired without injury to the firer as long as any rear vertical obstructions are at least 5 meters away from the launcher. Friendly troops providing security must be protected in a fighting position, behind a solid object, or lying prone with steel helmets facing the firing position.
Additional Safety considerations.
(1) The firer's body must be clear of the front and rear of the weapon while firing.
(2) Do not engage hard targets less than 20 meters from the firing position.
(3) Ear plugs must be worn by the firer as well as other troops in the immediate area.
(4) The firer should exercise care when firing the launcher near bushes and trees. Rocket impact with a heavy branch may detonate the rocket warhead.
(5) Targets at ranges greater than 200 meters should not be engaged from the prone firing position. The launcher elevation could cause exhaust gases and material to deflect from the ground and injure the gunner.