FM6-55 4.5 Inch Multiple Rocket Launcher M21, Towed
FM6-55 4.5 Inch Multiple Rocket Launcher M21, Towed
FM6-55 4.5 Inch Multiple Rocket Launcher M21, Towed
ROCKitM
M21, TOWED
2 TAGO 1992C
CHAPTER 1
GENERAL
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TAGO 1992C $
rection in which the tubes point. However, for de-
termining the right or left of the launcher, coupled
or uncoupled, the front is the direction in which the
tubes point.
e. Right (left). The direction right (left) is the
right (left) of one facing to the front.
3. References
Publications pertaining to the 4.5-inch multiple
rocket launcher M21, and auxiliary equipment, cov-
ering related matters not discussed in detail in this
manual are listed in appendix I.
6 TAGO 1992C
CHAPTER 2
ORGANIZATION
TAGO 1992C 7
(4) Preparation of field fortifications for pro-
tection of equipment, ammunition, and per-
sonnel.
(5) Camouflage discipline; local security; and
radiological, biological, and chemical se-
curity discipline.
(6) Maintenance of the gun book.
(7) Police of the section area.
b. Gunner. The gunner is the assistant to the
section chief in carrying out the duties specified in a
above. The gunner's specific duties are prescribed
in the appropriate chapters of this manual.
c. Rocketeers. Rocketeers perform duties as listed
in this manual, and any other duties that the chief
of section prescribes.
d. Driver. The driver's primary duty is the driv-
ing of the prime mover of the section. He also per-
forms maintenance and such other duties as are pre-
scribed by this manual, by the technical manual for
the vehicle, or as may be prescribed by the chief of
section.
8 TAGO 1992C
CHAPTER 3
SECTION DRILL
Section I. GENERAL
6. Objective
The objective of section drill is the attainment of
efficiency-maximum precision coupled with high
speed.
7. Instructions
a. To develop maximum efficiency and to prevent
injuries to personnel and damage to equipment, the
drills prescribed in this manual must be observed.
Section drill should be conducted in silence except
for commands and reports. The section must be
drilled until reactions to commands are automatic,
rapid, and efficient.
b. Mistakes are corrected immediately. Each
member of the section must be impressed with the im-
portance of reporting promptly to the chief of sec-
tion any mistakes discovered after the command to
fire has been given. The chief of section will report
mistakes immediately to the platoon commander.
c. Battery officers supervise the drill to insure that
instructions are carried out and that maximum effi-
ciency is obtained.
d. Duties should be rotated during training so that
each member of the launcher section can perform all
the duties within the section. In addition, battery
TAGO 1992C 9
overhead personnel not assigned specific duties dur-
ing drill periods should be trained in the funda-
mentals of section drill in order that they will be
capable of functioning efficiently with a launcher
section if required.
10 TAGO 1992C
9. Posts of the Section
The command is 1. ROCKETEERS, 2. POSTS. The
command is general and is applicable whether the
section is in or out of ranks and at a halt or march-
ing. All movements are executed at double time and
are terminated at the position of attention. Higher
numbered rocketeers, if present, take posts as pre-
scribed by the chief of section.
a. Launcher Coupled. The section moves to posts
as shown in figure 3. All personnel face to the front
and are alined 2 feet outside of and parallel to the
sides of the prime mover.
b. Launcher Uncoupled, Not Preparedfor Action.
The section moves to posts as shown in figure 4. All
personnel face to the front and are alined 2 feet out-
side of and parallel to the wheels, except for the
chief of section who stands 3 paces to the rear of the
trail.
c. Launcher Prepared for Action. The section
moves to posts as shown in figure 5. All personnel
face to the front except the chief of section who faces
the executive unless otherwise indicated.
10. To Change Posts
To acquaint the members of the section with all
duties and to lend variety to drill, posts should be
changed frequently. The section being in formnation
the commands are 1. CHANGE POSTS, 2. MARCH, or 1.
SECTION, CHANGE POSTS, 2. MARCH.
a. At 1. CHANGE POS'IS, 2. MARCH, all numn-
bered rocketeers except No. 3 (or the highest num-
bered rocketeer) take two left steps thus placing
them at the post of the next higher numbered rock-
eteer. No. 3 moves at double time in rear of the sec-
TAGO 1992C 11
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12 TAGO 1992C
FigtreaJr. Posts of section, lautnchler uncoupled, not prepared
for action.
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Figure 5. Posts of section, launl/cher prepared for action.
11. To Mount
The comalnllds are 1. PREPARE TO MOUNT, 2.
MOUNT, or MOUNT. If any members of the sec-
tion are to remain dismounted, their designations are
announced with the caution "stand fast" given be-
tween the preparatory command and the command
of execution. For example: 1. PREPIARE TO MIOUNT,
"driver stand fast" 2. MOUNT.
14 TAGO 1992C
a. 1. PREPARE TO MOUNT, 2. MOUNT. At the
preparatory command, the section moves at double
time to positions shown in figure 6. At -tlie com-
mand of execution, the gunner and rocketeers mount
in order and take seats as in figure 7. They are
assisted in mounting by the man behind or in front
or by the chief of section and driver to insure
promptness and prevent injuries. Before mounting,
the chief of section and the driver verify thlat the
launcher is properly coupled, that personnel and
equipment are aboard, and that the tail gate and
safety straps are secure.
b. MOUNT. At the command MOUNT, the sec-
tion executes without pausing all that is prescribed
for the commands 1. PREPARE TO MOUNT, 2. MOUNT.
12. To Dismount
The commands are 1. PREPARE TO DISMOUNT, 2.
DISMOUNT, or DISMOUNT.
a. 1. PREPARE TO DISMOUNT, 2. DISMOUNT. Exe-
cution is as follows: At the preparatory command,
members of the section assume positions from which
they can dismount promptly; at the command of
execution, they jump to the ground and at double
time take posts as shown in figure 3.
b. DISMOUNT. At the command DISMOUNT,
the section executes without pausing all that is pre-
scribed for the command 1. PREPARE TO DISMOUNT, 2.
DISMOUNT.
13. To Fall Out
a. At Drill. When it is desired to give the per-
sonnel a rest from drill or to relieve them tem-
porarily from a formation or post, the command
FALL OUT is given. The command may be given
TAGO 1992C 15
Figure 6. Section prepared to mount.
16 TAGO 1992C
' II'II I
Figure 7. Section mounted.
18 TAGO 1992C
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15. Direction
a. Action Front. If the command ACTION
FRONT is given, the chief of section engages the
left handbrake after the launcher is uncoupled. The
gunner with Nos. 1, 2, and 3 then turns the launcher
1800 in a clockwise direction and lowers the trail
to the ground. Then the chief of section releases
the handbrake.
b. Action Right (Left). The command is AC-
TION RIGHT (LEFT). The movement is execu-
ted as in ACTION FRONT, except that after the
launcher is uncoupled, the trail is turned until the
launcher points in the appropriate direction.
16. Movement of Launcher by Hand
The commands are 1. LATUNCHER(S) FORWARD
(BACKWARD), 2. MARCH. At the command
LAUNCHER (S) FORWARD (BACKWARD) the trail is lifted
by the chief of section and Nos. 2 and 3. The gun-
ner and No. 1 operate the left and right handbrakes
as necessary and push on the tires to assist in the
movement (fig. 9).
17. To Prepare for Action
The launcher being in position uncoupled, the
command is PREPARE FOR ACTION. If PRE-
PARE FOR ACTION has not been ordered by the
platoon commander before the launcher is estab-
lished in the firing position, the command is habitu-
ally given by the chief of section as soon as the
launcher has been uncoupled. When the section has
attained a high degree of proficiency, the command
UNCOUPLE may be omitted. In this case, at
PREPARE FOR ACTION the section will per-
20 TAGO 1992C
Figure 9, Moving the launcher to the rear.
TAGO 1992C 21
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TAGO 19920 23
form the duties prescribed in table I and without
hesitation continue with the duties for PREPARE
FOR ACTION as listed in table II. After com-
pletion of designated duties, personnel take posts
as shown in figure 5. If PREPARE FOR ACTION
is not desired, the caution "do not prepare for ac-
tion" must be given.
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by its prime mover, only such of the opera-
tions incident to march order are performed
as are necessary for the movement of the
launcher and for the care and security of the
equipment.
(2) If the command MARCH ORDER is given
after the launcher is coupled, the operations
pertaining to march order are completed.
(3) If coupling is not desired, a warning is in-
cluded in the command as follows: MARCH
ORDER "do not couple." In this case only
sequences 1 through 4, table III, are per-
formed.
19. To Couple
The command is COUPLE. This command is
given if the launcher is uncoupled and not prepared
for action. The section takes stations as for un-
coupling and performs the duties for uncoupling
(table I) in reverse.
28 TAGO 1992C
CHAPTER 5
DUTIES IN FIRING
30 TAGO 1992C
b. Detailed Description,of Duties.
(1) To lay for elevation when the gunner's
quadrant is used.
(a) The command QUADRANT (SO
MUCH) indicates that the gunner's quad-
rant is to be used.
(b) An elevation of quadrant 361.8 for
example, is set on the gunner's quadrant
(fig. 12) as follows: The upper edge of
the index plate is set opposite the 360
mark of the graduated frame, and the
micrometer on the index arm is turned to
read 1.8. Care must be taken to use the
same side of the quadrant in setting both
the index plate and the micrometer knob.
TAGO 1iu2C 31
(c) The announced elevation having been set
on the gunner's quadrant, and the
launcher loaded, the gunner's quadrant is
set on the leveling surface atop the cluster
(par. 34). The words line of fire must
be at the bottom of the quadrant and the
arrow pointing in the direction of fire.
The chief of section must be sure to use
the arrow which appears on the same
side of the quadrant as the scale that he
is using. He stands squarely opposite
the side of the quadrant and holds it
firmly on the leveling surface, parallel
to the axes of the tubes. It is important
that he take the same position and hold
the quadrant in the same manner for each
subsequent setting.
(d) The chief of section then directs the gun-
ner to elevate or depress the launcher un-
til the bubble is centered, being careful
that the last motion is in the direction in
which it is more difficult to turn the hand-
wheel. The chief of section cautions the
gunner when the bubble is approaching
the center, in order that the final center-
ing may be performed accurately.
(e) Normally, special and calibration cor-
rections will be added algebraically at the
fire direction center and are included
in the command NO. (SO-AND-SO),
QUADRANT (SO MUCH).
(2) To measure site to the mask.
(a) The command is MEASURE THE
SITE TO THE MASK. The chief of
32 TAGO 1992C
section has the gunner center the cross-
level bubble. Then, sighting along the
lowest element of the lowest center tube,
he directs the gunner to traverse and ele-
vate the cluster until the line of sight just
clears the crest at its highest point in the
probable field of fire. He then directs
the gunner to measure the elevation.
The chief of section verifies the elevation
set on the elevation scale and micrometer
and reports to platoon commander, "No.
(so-and-so), site to mask, (so much)."
(b) If use of the elevation scale on the tele-
scope mount is impractical, the chief of
section may measure the site to the mask
by using the gunner's quadrant on the
leveling surface on the cluster.
(c) When the platoon commander announces
the minimum elevation the chief of sec-
tion records it in a notebook and directs
the gunner to chalk the minimum eleva-
tion on a convenient place on the launcher.
(3) To measure the elevation. The command
is MEASURE THE QUADRANT ELE-
VATION (QUADRANT). The launcher
having been laid, the chief of section causes
the gunnerto center the cross-level bubble
and the longitudinal-level bubble. The
chief of section then reads the elevation set
on the elevation scales and:reports "No.
(so-and-so), quadrant elevation, (so
much)." If the command was-MEASURE
.THE: QUADRANT, thg chief of section
TAGO 1992C 35
t
36 TAGO 1992z
section will not give the signal or command
to fire until all personnel are clear of the
danger zone in front, rear, and sides of the
launcher (TM 9-392A).
(10) To report mistakes and other unusual inci-
dents of fire to the platoon commander. If
for any-reason the launcher cannot be fired,
the chief of section will report promptly
that fact to the platoon commander, and the
reasons therefor; for example, "No. (so-and-
so) out, broken lanyard" or "Misfires in
tubes 7, 8, and 10." Whenever it is discov-
ered that the launcher has been fired with a
mistake in laying, the chief of section will
report that fact at once; for example, "No.
(so-and-so) fired 40 mils right." Whenever
the gunner reports that the aiming posts are
out of alinement with the sight, the chief of
section will report that fact and request per-
mission to realine them if the misalinement
is due to progressive shifting of the launcher
caused by firing. Likewise, he promptly re-
ports other unusual incidents that affect the
service of the launcher.
(11) To conduct prearranged fres. Whenever
the execution of prearranged fires is or-
dered, the chief of section will conduct the
fire of his section in conformity with the
prescribed data.
(12) To record basic data. The chief of section
will record data of a semipermanent nature
in a notebook. This includes such data as
minimum elevations; aiming points used and
their deflections; prearranged fires when
TAGO 1992C 37
section data sheets are not furnished; safety
limits in elevation and deflection; number
of rounds fired, with the date and hour; and
calibration and special corrections when
appropriate.
(13) To observe and check functioning of the
materiel. The chief of section closely ob-
serves the functioning of all parts of the
materiel during firing. He promptly re-
ports to the platoon commander any evi-
dence of malfunctioning (TM 9-392A).
(14) To assign duties when firing with reduced
personnel. Whenever the personnel of the
section serving the launcher is temporarily
reduced in numbers below that indicated in
this manual, the chief of section makes such
redistribution of duties as will best facili-
tate the service of the launcher. Under-
strength units, loss of cadremen, casualties,
and various details will necessitate sections
operating with a reduced number of per-
sonnel to the extent that it is almost normal
for rocketeers to double up on duties. When
around-the-clock firing is to be rendered,
rocketeers must split up and work in shifts
so that provision can be made for relief.
Two sets of duty combinations are-
(a) Section of four men. Duties which may
be combined are-
Chief of section (no other duty)
Gunner (no other duty)
No. 1 and No. 2
No. 3 and Driver.
38 TAGO 1092C
(b) Section of three mnen.
Chief of.section and gunner
No. 1 and No. 2
No. 3 and Driver.
(15) To verify the adjustment of the sighting
and fire control equipment. See chapter 7
and TM 9-392A for detailed instructions on
testing and adjusting sighting and fire con-
trol equipment.
(16) To designate the location of the section
amnmunition. The location of ammunition
will normally be determined by the policy
of the battery commander. When circum-
stances make necessary a departure from
normal locations, the. platoon commander
will inform each chief of section of the loca-
tion of the ammunition or authorize each
chief of section to select the location for his
section (par. 70).
(17) T'o checck, before it is placed in containers,
all ammunition not fired that has been pre-
pared for firing. The chief of section
checks, before it is placed in containers, all
ammunition not fired that has been prepared
for firing. He insures that safety shorting
strips have been replaced, that the lot num-
ber on the ammunition corresponds to the
lot number on the container, and that fuzes
have been handled in accordance with pre-
scribed safety precautions (par. 23). It is
imperative that all ammunition be returned
to 'its original condition and packaging and
that this ammunition be marked so that it
may be expended before other ammunition
TAGO 1992C 39
is prepared for firing in order that stocks
of opened packages may be kept to a
minimum.
22. Gunner
a. List of Duties.
(1) Loads the launcher.
(2) Centers the bubbles on the telescope mount.
(3) Sets or changes the deflection.
(4) Lays the launcher for direction.
(5) Sets the quadrant elevation.
(6) Lays the launcher for quadrant elevation.
(7) Sets a common deflection on a common aim-
ing point after the launcher has been laid.
(8) Refers the launcher.
(9) Alines aiming posts.
(10) Makes corrections for aiming post dis-
placement.
(11) Prepares the launcher for firing and fires
the launcher.
b. Detailed Description of Duties.
(1) To load the launcher. Before loading the
launcher the gunner elevates the launcher
to 90 to 100 mils elevation to facilitate load-
ing. He then stands in front of the
launcher, receives the rockets from the
rocketeers (fig. 14), and loads them in the
tubes (fig. 15). When partially loading
the launcher, he loads in the order of firing
sequence (TM 9-392A). To receive the
rocket, he grasps the fuze end with his right
hand and rests the motor end in his left arm.
After inserting the motor end of the rocket
in the front of the tube he slides the rocket
40 TAGO 1992C
to its seated position against the stop at the
rear of the cluster. Rockets must not be
rarmnled into the tubes against the stops as
this will crush the flange and short the
rocket. Rockets should be pushed in slowly
and firmly to seat against the stops.
42 TAGO 1992C
and results in moving the tubes to the left
when the launcher is laid with the new de-
flection. Similarly, he is taught that turn-
ing the azimuth micrometer knob in a
counterclockwise direction decreases the de-
flection and results in moving the tubes to
the right when the launcher is laid. If for
example the command is DEFLECTION
2850, the gunner turns the azimuth microm-
eter until the azimuth scale is set at 28
(2800) and the azimuth micrometer scale
reads 50. He then levels the cross-level
bubble and traverses to the aiming point as
in (4) below. If a command requires a de-
flection change of several hundred mils the
gunner sets the deflection by disengaging
the worm gear with his left hand and with
his right hand turns the rotating head of
the sight to the even hundred mil reading
on the azimuth scale. He releases the
throwout lever and with his left hand turns
off the remaining mils on the azimuth
micrometer scale.
(4) To lay the launcher for direction. The de-
flection having been set, the gunner brings
the vertical hair of the telescope on the aim-
ing point by traversing the launcher. To
traverse the launcher the gunner releases
the traversing handwheel brake, rotates the
handwheel to position the launcher, and
then sets the handwheel brake to prevent
movement of the cluster during firing. If
the amount of movement necessary is
greater than can be obtained by traversing,
TAGO 1092C 43
the trail must be shifted. To have the trail
shifted the gunner commands or signals
CLUSTER RIGHT (LEFT). The rock-
eteers remove the wheel and trail stakes and
shift the trail so that the cluster moves in
the indicated direction. They stop when
directed to stop by the gunner and then re-
place the stakes. The gunner then coin-
pletes the laying by bringing the vertical
hair of the telescope on the aiming point
by traversing, being careful that the last
motion is such as to cause the hair to ap-
proach the aiming point from the left. He
verifies that the cross-level bubble is level,
that the deflection is set, and that the verti-
cal hair is still on the aiming point.
(5) To set a quadrant elevation. The gunner
is first taught to read quadrant elevations
set and then to set announced quadrant
elevations. The scale is read opposite the
elevation scale index and the micrometer
opposite the micrometer index. The quad-
rant elevation is set by turning the eleva-
tion knob clockwise to increase the eleva-
tion, and counterclockwise to decrease the
elevation. The quadrant scale is graduated
into 100-mil divisions and is numbered
every 200 mils.' The elevation micrometer
scale on the elevation knob is graduated
in 2-mil divisions and is numbered every
10 mils. It has two successive scales of 100
mils each. One complete turn of the eleva-
tion micrometer makes a 200 mil change in
the elevation setting. The gunner grasps
44 TAGO 1992C
the elevation knob in his right hand and
turns it until the announced elevation is
shown, making sure that the last motion is
in the direction of increasing elevation. He
must interpolate to set quadrant elevations
ending in odd numbers. To set a command
of QUADRANT ELEVATIO()N 273, the
gunner rotates the elevation knob in the
appropriate direction until the space be-
tween 200 and 300 on the scale is opposite
the index. He refines the setting by turn-
ing the elevation knob until 73 is opposite
its index (fig. 16). The last motion should
always be in the direction of increasing
elevation.
Note. Interpolation between 72 and 74 is neces-
sary in this case.
(6) T'o lay the launcher for quadrant elevation.
The quadrant or quadrant elevation having
been set, the gunner levels the longitudinal-
level bubble or the bubble on the gunner's
quadrant by elevating or depressing the
tube cluster with the elevating handwheel.
The last motion of the cluster is in the di-
rection in which it is most difficult to turn
the handwheel. To elevate the cluster he
releases the elevating handwheel brake, ro-
tates the elevating handwheel to set the
launcher at the desired elevation, and then
sets the elevating handwheel brake to pre-
vent movement of the cluster during firing.
(7) To set a common deflection on a common
aiming point after the launcher has been
TAGO 1992C 45
Figure 16. Quadrant elevation 27S.
50 TAGO 1992C
Figure 21. Slipping the azimuth micrometer scale to zero.
TAGO 1992C 51
POSTS, DEFLECTION 2800, REFER.
At this command the gunner sets the sight
at deflection 2800 and, with hand signals,
directs No. 3 in the alinement of the posts
(par. 29) with the vertical hair of the reticle
(fig. 11). If, because of the nature of the
terrain, the posts cannot be set out at de-
flection 2800, the gunner turns the azimuth
micrometer knob until the outer azimuth
scale is on another even hundred-mil gradu-
ation where the posts can be set out. He
alines the posts at this new deflection. The
chief of section reports the altered deflection
to the platoon commander, "No. (so-and-so)
aiming posts at (so many hundred), de-
flection 2800 in lake (or other reason)."
The platoon commander will then command
NO. (SO-AND-SO) DEFLECTION 2800.
At this command the gunner loosens the
wing nut, and slips the index ring to 2800.
He tightens the wing nut and verifies the
adjustment.
(10) 'Tomake corrections for aiming post dis-
placement. For details of correcting for
aiming points displacement, see para-
graph 29.
(11) To prepare the launcher for firing and to
fire the launcher. The gunner insures that
the control box cover is closed and latched.
He rotates the firing switch index pointer
to engage the shaft and sets the pointer at
the desired position (TM 9-392A). He at-
taches the lanyard to the firing switch lever
(fig. 22), insuring that the lanyard has
52 TAGO 1992C
been extended its full 50-foot length to the
side. To fire the launcher from the left
side, the lanyard is clipped to the upper
hole in the firing switch lever and is placed
in the left guide. To fire the launcher from
the right side, the lanyard is clipped to the
lower hole in the firing switch lever and is
placed in the right guide. After he makes
certain that all personnel are clear of the
danger zone, he inserts the firing switch
safety plug in its control box socket in the
position that corresponds to the type of elec-
trical power to be used (generator or bat-
tery). He stations himself at the end of
the lanyard (fig. 13), calls "Ready," and
at the command of the chief of section to
fire, pulls the lanyard in rapid successive
pulls until the ripple has been fired. To
operate the firing switch generator fast
enough to provide current for firing, the
lanyard must be given quick pulls. Each
pull of the lanyard must operate the firing
switch lever to its stopping point to assure
proper firing switch operation and proper
indexing of the firing switch distributor.
For speed in firing the gunner may use a
rhythmic up and down waving motion of
his arm. The necessary pull is exerted at
the top and bottom of the motion while the
lever is allowed to recover at the middle of
the arc described by the waving motion.
Each pull of the lanyard fires one rocket
and positions the firing switch for firing the
next rocket. In the event of misfires pro-
TAGO 1992C 53
ceed as prescribed in paragraph 71. If no
misfire occurred remove the firing switch
safety plug from the control box socket.
23. No. 1
a. List of Duties.
(1) Examines rockets.
(2) Fuzes rockets.
(3) Makes the prescribed setting of fuzes.
(4) Passes ammunition to gunner.
(5) Cleans and inspects the tubes.
(6) Removes fuzes from rockets.
54 TAGO 1992C
b. Detailed Description of Duties.
(1) To examine rockets. No. 1, assisted by Nos.
2 and 3, removes the packing and inspects
the rocket for serviceability (TM 9-1950).
He examines the rocket to see that the plas-
tic closing disk is in place and that the rocket
is free of foreign matter, sand, mud, mois-
ture, frost, snow, ice, or grease. If rockets
are dirty or wet they should be wiped off
with a clean, dry cloth. If the plastic clos-
ing disk is loose, it may be replaced and the
rocket fired if it can be ascertained that no
moisture or foreign matter has entered the
motor. Should evidence be found of mois-
ture corrosion which would adversely affect
the igniter or propellant, the rocket should
be disposed of as unserviceable.
(2) T'o fuze rockets. With the rocket on its side,
No. 1 loosens the setscrew in the adapter
(when present) with a screwdriver or the
end of the fuze wrench. Using the appro-
priate fuze wrench or any suitable wrench,
he unscrews the nose plug and examines the
fuze threads and cavity in the rocket head;
examines for the presence of the supple-
mentary charge; and if necessary removes
the cardboard spacer. If the supplementary
charge is required and none is present, No.
1 inserts the charge with the felt-pad end
innermost and the lifting cloth tape loop
outermost. If the charge is present and not
required, No. 1 removes the charge. He then
removes the fuze from its packing and ex-
amines the fuze threads to insure that they
TAGO 1992C 55
are in good condition. Components with
damaged threads are not used. He screws
in the fuze by hand. If binding occurs No.
1 reinspects the fuze cavity and the threads
of both the rocket head and the fuze, reject-
ing whichever is at fault. Next, he tightens
the fuze securely to the rocket head using
the appropriate fuze wrench (fig. 23). Fuze
wrench M7A1 or M18 may be used for tight-
ening the point-detonating fuze but only the
special fuze wrench M18 issued with boxes
of VT fuzes may be used to tighten VT
fuzes. He uses only such force as can be
applied by hand to the fuze wrench handle.
If the fuze cannot be tightened to form a
good seat between the shell and fuze, the
component at fault is rejected. Do not use
a hammer or an extension handle on the
fuze wrench; use only manual force. Fi-
nally, No. 1 tightens the setscrew firmly in
the adapter, if one is present.
(3) To set fuzes. When using point detonating
fuze, if the command is FUZE QUICK No.
1 verifies that the slot on the setting sleeve
is alined with the letters S. Q. If the com-
mand is FUZE DELAY he turns the slot
to aline with the word DELAY (fig. 24).
He resets to S. Q. any unfired fuzes that
have been set to DELAY. No. 1 turns the
slot to the appropriate index mark by using
the screwdriver end of the fuze wrench or
a similar tool. In the dark this can be done
by feeling the position of the slot.
56 TAGO 1992C
Figure 23. Fuzing a rocket.
TAGO 1992C 57
Figure 24. Settirg a fuze.
58 TAGO 1992C
right hand and support the motor end in
his left arm.
(5) To clean and inspect the tubes. No. 1 will
clean the tubes when directed to do so. He
inspects the tubes after each ripple is fired
and reports misfires. Checking the tubes
after firing is done from a position to the
side of the launcher rather than from the
front or rear.
(6) To remove fuzes from rockets. If for any
reason a projectile that has been fuzed is not
to be fired, the fuze is removed. The opera-
tion of inserting a fuze is reversed. Sup-
plementary charges will be replaced, pro-
vided the projectile was issued with the
charge. Booster cotter pins, if required,
are replaced. Point detonating fuzes are
reset to superquick ((3) above). All fuzes
are returned to their original condition and
packing and marked for priority use in or-
der that opened packages will be kept to a
minimum. The nose plugs are replaced in
the fuze sockets of the rockets.
24. Nos. 2 and 3
a. List of Duties.
(1) Remove ammunition from containers.
(2) Assist No. 1 in preparing ammunition for
firing.
(3) Pass ammunition to gunner.
(4) Sets out aiming posts (No. 3).
b. Detailed Description of Duties.
(1) To remove ammunition from containers.
When directed to do so, Nos. 2 and 3 remove
TAGO 1992C 59
ammunition from containers. Only the re-
quired number of rockets and fuzes should
be opened because explosives, especially
rocket propellants, are adversely affected by
moisture and high temperature. As the
rockets are unpacked they are arranged on a
clean tarpaulin with the nose plugs facing
in the direction which would result in the
least damage should the propellant be ac-
cidentally ignited. Packing is not disposed
of until after the rockets have been fired
because unfired rockets must be restored to
their original condition and packing (TM
9-392A).
(2) To assist No. 1 in preparation of ammuni-
tion for firing. Nos. 2 and 3 assist No. 1
in fuzing and inspecting rockets (fig. 23)
and they remove the safety shorting strips
from rockets before they are carried to the
gunner for loading.
(3) To pass ammunition to the gunner. Nos. 2
and 3 pass ammunition to the gunner as
prescribed for No. 1 in paragraph 23.
(4) To set out aiming posts. No. 3 sets out
aiming posts as directed by the gunner
(par. 29).
Section II. DIRECT FIRE
25. General
Direct fire is not considered a normal role for the
multiple rocket launcher. Should the necessity to
defend the position arise, however, sections must be
trained in the method of delivering direct fire.
60 TAGO 1992C
Training for direct laying is based on the same tech-
nique involved in indirect laying. Enemy targets
taken under direct fire by the section are usually
those capable of returning fire on the launcher sec-
tion at point-blank range, therefore, the speed and
accuracy required in indirect laying becomes even
more important for direct fire missions. In static
situations plans for position defense should be pre-
arranged, making each section responsible for the
defense of an assigned sector. The section will op-
erate as an independent unit in the defense of its
assigned sector. In addition to defending his own
sector, the chief of section should be prepared to fire
on targets in other sectors as well. The sectors of
fire for the launcher should, if possible be cleared of
all obstructions that might endanger battery person-
nel when the launchers are fired or that might hinder
observation. Care should be taken that such clear-
ance does not give away location of the position.
26. Range Card
When the section occupies a position for a period
longer than that required to prepare the launcher
and fire the mission, the chief of section should pre-
pare a range card (fig. 25). As soon as possible after
moving into the position, the chief of section meas-
ures or estimates the ranges to critical points in likely
avenues of approach, for enemy personnel and ve-
hicles. He notes these ranges and their correspond-
ing quadrant elevations on the card. If there are no
prominent terrain features, stakes may be driven into
the ground at critical points for reference. As time
permits, the range card is improved by replacing
estimated ranges with more accurate data obtained
TAGO 1992C 61
by pacing, taping, vehicle speedometer reading, map
measurement, or other survey.
64 TAGO 1992C
launcher is laid, the chief of section removes
the sight, steps clear of the weapon, and
signals the gunner to fire. Based on the ob-
served effect, the chief of section makes ap-
propriate changes in settings on the launcher
to adjust the fires of the launcher where they
are desired.
TAGO 1992C 67
(3) Since the telescope is mounted at consider-
able distance from the center of rotation
of the launcher, large changes in deflection
will cause misalinement of the aiming posts.
Placing the aiming posts to the left front
at a deflection of approximately 2800 when
the launcher is in the center of traverse will
keep this misalinement to a minimum and
still allow for maximum visibility.
d. Correction for Displacement of Aiming Posts.
When the gunner notes that the vertical hair of the
telescope is displaced from the line formed by the
two aiming posts (or aiming post lights), he lays
the launcher so that the far aiming post (light) ap-
pears exactly midway between the near aiming post
(light) and the vertical hair (fig. 26). If the dis-
placement is due to traversing the launcher, the gun-
ner continues to lay as described above. If the dis-
placement is, due to progressive shifting of the
launcher from shock of firing or other cause, the
gunner will notify the chief of section, who, at the
first lull in firing, will notify the platoon commander
and request permission to realine the aiming posts.
To realine, the launcher is laid with the far post
midway between the near post and the vertical hair
(fig. 26). The far aiming post is moved into aline-
ment with the vertical hair of the telescope and then
the near aiming post is alined. If terrain condi-
tions make it impracticable to move one of the two
aiming posts, the launcher is laid for direction and
referred to the aiming post which cannot be moved.
This deflection is recorded and reported to the pla-
toon commander. The other post is alined and the
68 TAGO 1992C
0
,-'
so </X,/ o~
(300
P.
TAGO 1992C
TAGO 69
69
azimuth micrometer scale is slipped to retain the
same deflection that was used prior to realinement of
the aiming posts.
30. Preparation of Position for Emplacement of
Launcher
a. General. For detailed information on the
preparation of the launcher position, see FM 5-15
and FM 6-140. The launcher should be emplaced
on level ground to insure stability in firing and to
reduce the probability of error due to cant.
b. Fire Precazutions. To prevent fires, inflammable
material is cleared from a fan-shaped zone ahead
of and behind the launcher. The areas to be cleared
of material capable of burning should extend 50
yards to the front and 50 yards to the rear of the
launcher and should fan out from the launcher to
widths of 50 yards.
c. Spade P'it. When the ground is sandy, loose,
or very soft the spade plate should be bolted to the
spade to provide more spade area and reduce the
possibility of creeping. The spade plate can be
bolted to the spade most easily before uncoupling
the launcher from the prime mover (TM 9-392A).
d. Trench for Firing. If there is a possibility
that direct fire must be delivered it will be advisable
to provide a trench adjacent to the left side of the
launcher to afford the chief of section some protec-
tion as he performs duties in connection with laying
the launcher. Th3 trench should be L-shaped (fig.
27) so that the chief of section can be partially pro-
tected from enemy fire while laying the launcher
and have an earth barrier between his position and
the launcher when it is fired.
70 TAGO 1992C
POSITION
FROM WHICH
SIGNAL
TO FIRE
IS GIVEN
I XOSI
l'gt
' l.
ION
tei
Tl"77/~ fo irc fl
FROM WHICH1
~,LAUNCHER!
IS LAID \|
· 'AGO 1992C
31. Blast Deflector
The blast deflector is a toboggan-shaped sheet of
metal that deflects the blast of firing at the most con-
centrated area beneath the launcher. On dry
ground where an excessive amount of dust will be
churned up by firing, the deflector will serve to mini-
mize the size and intensity of the dust cloud. It
will not arrest the flash-back sufficiently to prevent
fires in tinder-like foliage behind the launcher. The
area behind the launcher must be cleared (par. 30b)
even if the blast deflector is used. The deflector is
secured to the launcher by means of five chain hooks
(fig. 28) that wrap around the axle. The deflector
must be removed prior to traveling.
32. Traveling With Launcher Loaded
Traveling with the launcher loaded requires ex-
treme care. The added weight of the rockets places
the launcher under stresses that might result in dam-
age to it. Particular care must be exercised in tra-
versing rough terrain. Speeds must be slow. The
launcher should not be towed loaded unless the rocket
retaining pins are in place and the elevating lock and
the traveling lock are engaged. When preparing to
fire after traveling with the launcher loaded, the
rocket retaining pins must be removed and the seat-
ing of rockets rechecked.
33. Bore Sights
Bore sights are not currently issued for use with
the launcher and must be improvised. Suitable bore
sights are illustrated in figure 29. These bore sights
were fashioned from 41/2-inch (outside diameter)
plastic tubing. The rear bore sight contains a small
72 TAGO 1992C
C4,lt"
iXX
2\ At~~~~~~~~~~.
C
/~~~ cc;
0
N
AZC
TAGO 1992C 7
hole in its center and the front bore sight contains
the cross hairs. When emplaced in the upper left
tube the bore sights should fit snugly against the
four lands.
MIL SCALE
NOT TO S.CALE
20 10 5 0 10 tO20
76 TAGO 1992C
e. For use in leveling or canting the test target
(par. 45) either the two tube diagrams are alined or
a mil scale inscribed at the bottom of the target may
be used. A small nail at the top should mark the
center from which the arc was drawn and will pro-
vide a hook from which to suspend the plumb line
(fig. 31) when the target is canted (par. 45).
f. Vertical reference lines may be drawn vertically
parallel to the centers of each of the diagrams (fig.
31). These lines may be used when the trunnions
cannot be leveled to set the test target with the cant
angle of the launcher. The target is rotated until
the line of sight through the top left tube tracks
between the reference lines when the launcher is ele-
vated or depressed. Similarly the telescope should
be adjusted so that the vertical hair of its reticle
tracks between the appropriate reference lines when
the tube is elevated or depressed.
g. To facilitate bore sighting in darkness bore a
1 6-inch hole through the mounted testing target at
the center of each aiming diagram. A flashlight
held against the target behind the appropriate hole
provides an aiming point for use in blackout condi-
tions. Fasten patches of felt padding on the back of
the target covering the regions of each hole so that
light from the flashlight will not escape. The flash-
light must be lighted only after it is placed firmly in
position. Care must be taken to prevent disturbing
the position of the testing target.
36. Cease Firing
The command CEASE FIRING is normally given
to the section by the chief of section, but in emer-
gencies anyone present may give the command. At
TAGO 1992C 77
this command, regardless of its source, firing ceases
immediately. If the launcher is loaded, the chief
of'section reports that fact to the platoon com-
mander. The platoon commander acknowledges this
report by saying, "No. (so-and-so) loaded." If
CEASE FIRING came from the fire direction cen-
ter, firing is resumed at the announcement of the
quadrant or quadrant elevation. If CEASE FIR-
ING came from within the platoon the platoon com-
mander will investigate the condition that caused the
command to be given. When the condition has been
corrected, firing is resumed by the platoon com-
mander's announcement of the quadrant or quadrant
elevation.
37. To Unload
a. Unless military necessity dictates otherwise,
once a live rocket is loaded it should always lbe fired
in preference to being unloaded. In the event of a
misfire, the procedures in TM 9--392A must be fol-
lowed. If a rocket must be unloaded, the command
is UNLOAD.
b. Unloading should be under the direct super-
vision of an officer. As few personnel as possible
should be in the immediate vicinity of the launcher
during unloading.
c. The steps to be followed in unloading are-
(1) Insure that the firing switch safety plug has
been removed from the control box socket.
(2) Depress the cluster to approximately 90 mils
elevation.
(3) With a mattock handle the gunner, stand-
ing to the flank pushes forward on the base
of the rocket (fig. 32) until a rocketeer,
78 TAGO 1992C
standing to the flank, can grasp the rocket
as it emerges from the launcher.
(4) Misfire rockets (par. 71) are kept separate
from other rockets as they must receive spe-
cial handling (TM 9-392A). Rockets that
are merely unloaded (not misfires) are re-
packed for future use.
80 TAGO 1992C
39. Section Data Board
When positions are occupied for more than a few
hours, data boards may be used by each section for
recording such items as deflections to aiming points,
minimum elevations, data for barrages and counter-
preparations, and other data that may be needed
quickly.
Section I. GENERAL
40. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this chapter is to outline the pro-
cedures for bore sighting and making basic periodic
tests of on-carriage fire control equipment. The pro-
cedures covered will include only those that may be
accomplished at battery level.
41. Equipment
The following equipment is needed for performing
bore sighting and periodic tests:
a. Bore Sights. Improvised front and rear bore
sights (par. 33) are necessary for both bore sighting
and testing.
b. D'esting Targets. A testing target or suitable
substitute is required for both bore sighting and test-
ing. If a testing target has not been prepared (par.
35) a clearly defined aiming point 2,500 or more
yards from the launcher may be used to accomplish
approximately the same purpose as the testing target.
c. Plumb Line. Although not essential for bore
sighting, it is necessary that a plumb line be used in
the basic periodic tests in order to obtain maximum
accuracy. The farther from the launcher that the
plumb line is placed, the longer the line must be.
For example, to be effective at 5 feet in front of the
launcher tubes, the line must be approximately 25
82 TAGO 1992C
feet long. To keep such a long plumb line taut it
may be necessary to add weight to it. Wrenches or
rocks may be used. The tendency of the weight to
swing may be decreased by placing a bucket contain-
ing water or other liquid under the plumb line so
that the plumb bob or other weight is partially im-
mersed in the liquid. If a convenient means of sus-
pension is not readily available, a pole may be em-
ployed. A plumb line strung from a building or
tree as in figure 33 is more desirable and should be
used if possible. Units in garrison may find it con-
venient to rig a plumb line on a building. The line
may then be nailed in place so that it can be used
permanently.
TAGO 1992C 85
Figure 3JI. Scribed lines for positioning motunt.
86 TAGO 1992C
b. Methods. Three methods of bore sighting the
4.5-inch multiple rocket launcher are-
(1) Distant aiming point.
(2) Testing target.
(3) Aiming circle.
44. Distant Aiming Point Method
a. General. This method consists of alining the
line of sight through the top left tube and the tele-
scope on a common point at least 2500 yards from
the launcher. Because the lines of sight converge on
a single point, accurate cross leveling of the trun-
nions is unnecessary when bore sighting on a distant
aiming point. Normally the cluster will not be level,
so the scribed lines (fig. 34) will be matched.
b. Procedure. The steps to be followed are-
(1) Insert the bore sights (par. 33).
(2) Match the scribed lines (par. 42).
(3) Bring the matching index lines on the elbow
telescope into coincidence.
(4) Bring the matching index lines between the
elbow telescope and the telescope holder
bracket into coincidence.
(5) Sight through the upper left tube and trav-
erse and elevate until the line of sight
through the axis of the tube is on the aim-
ing point.
(6) Sight through the telescope and'with the
azimuth and elevation micrometer knobs
place the cross hairs of the telescope on the
aiming point.
(7) If the azimuth micrometer scale does not
read zero, loosen the azimuth micrometer
slipping clamp (fig. 20), slip the azimuth
TAGO 1992C 87
micrometer scale to zero (fig. 21), tighten
the clamp, and verify the adjustment.
(8) Note the other azimuth scale zero alinement
with the index. If it is not in alinement,
loosen the wing nut, slip the scale to zero,
and tighten the wing nut. Open the door
and verify that the inner azimuth scale is
at zero.
(9) If the elevation micrometer scale does not
read zero, loosen the three clamping screws,
slip the elevation micrometer scale to zero
and retighten the screws. Verify the ad-
justment.
(10) Note the elevation scale zero alinement
with the index. If it is not in alinement,
loosen the two elevation scale clamping
screws, slip the elevation scale to zero, and
tighten the screws.
45. Testing Target Method
a. General. This method consists of making the
line of sight of the telescope parallel to the axes of
the tubes, usinlg the aiming diagrams of the testing
target (par. 35) as aiming points. The testing tar-
get is placed about 50 yards in front of the launcher.
.Cant in the launcher trunnions must be duplicated
in the testing target and if the cluster is not level
longitudinally, the testing target must be tilted so
that its face is perpendicular to the line of sight
through the axes of the tubes.
b. Procedure. Steps to be followed:
(1) Insert the bore sights.
(2) Level the trunnions as exactly as possible.
In no case should more than 20 mils cant be
88 TAGO 1992C
present. If the trunnions cannot be leveled,
match the scribed lines (fig. 34) ; if the truin-
nions can be leveled, level the cross-level
bubble. If the trunnions are not level in-
troduce the proper amount of corresponding
cant in the testing target.
(3) Using the gunner's quadrant, level the clus-
ter. If the cluster cannot be leveled longi-
tudinally, tilt the testing target as in a
above.
(4) Proceed as in (3) through (10) in para-
graph 44b, except the telescope cross hairs
and the bore sights are brought to their re-
spective aiming diagrams on the testing tar-
get instead of on the distant aiming point.
46. Aiming Circle Method
a. General. The aiming circle method may be
used when weather or terrain conditions prohibit the
use of the distant aiming point method or the testing
target method. The aiming circle method makes no
provision for longitudinal adjustment. If, by the
aiming circle method, misalinement is discovered and
corrected it should be verified at the earliest oppor-
tunity, by bore sighting with a distant aiming point
or the testing target. To facilitate bore sighting
with the aiming circle certain preparatory steps must
be performed. These operations, described in b be-
low, should be performed after a basic periodic test
(par. 47) when the sighting equipment is in correct
adjustment.
b. Preliminary Operations.
(1) The greatest care must be exercised in all
phases of these operations. All final move-
TAGO 1992C 89
ments of the instruments must be made so
that the vertical hairs in the reticles ap-
proach the final position from left to right
in order to eliminate the effects of lost mo-
tion in the gears.
(2) Parallax. Parallax in the aiming circle
and the telescope must be eliminated. This
is done with the aiming circle after focusing
by placing in front of the eyepiece lens a
dark-colored cardboard or metal parallax
shield of the same diameter as the eyepiece
lens housing. The shield should have a ver-
tically and horizontally leveled slot 1/46 inch
wide and '4 inch long. It is placed in front
of the eyepiece with the slot in the vertical
position and may be held in place with a
piece of adhesive tape around the edge of
the focusing sleeve. To eliminate parallax
in the telescope, a shield of the same diam-
eter as the eyepiece lens housing and hav-
ing an exactly centered hole 1/16 inch in
diameter is mounted in front of the eyepiece
lens (fig. 35). A more permanent parallax
shield may be constructed of brass or bronze
shim stock. When constructed of metal a
series of fingers approximately 3/1, inch
wide and 1/4 inch long separated by 4-inch
spaces should extend beyond the perimeter
of the shield. These fingers should be bent
along the circumference of the circie until
they form an angle of 90 ° with the surface
of the shield. They serve as a means of
clipping the shield in place quickly and per-
mit easy removal. Where the eyepiece has
90 T'AGO I192C
Figure 35. Parallax shield.
94 TAGO 1992C
(2) Place the quadrant on the leveling surface
atop the cluster, the line-of-fire arrow point-
ing toward the front, and center the quad-
rant bubble by elevating the cluster.
(3) Set the index arm at zero on the graduated
are and turn the micrometer one revolution
to read 10 mils.
(4) Reseat the quadrant on the leveling surface.
The bubble should center.
Caution:Do not disturb the laying of the
cluster.
(5) If the bubble does not center, the micrometer
is in error and must be adjusted by ordnance
personnel.
d. Comparison Test. Compare readings taken at
low, medium, and high elevations with all of the
gunnler's quadrants of a platoon on a single launcher
that has been accurately cross leveled. Any quad-
rant differing from the average by more than 0.4 mil
at any elevation should be sent to an ordnance unit
for adjustment.
e. Correction. When a gunner's quadrant requires
a correction as determined by the end-for-end test,
this correction is not carried during firing but is
applied only when making sight tests and adjust-
ments.
49. Test of Telescope and Mount
a. General. The purpose of this series of tests is
to determine whether the fire control equipment cor-
rectly transmits the motion of the cluster to the line
of sight through the telescope at all elevations. They
check the adjustment and mounting of the various
fire control components and reveal whether the
TAGO 1992C 95
launcher operates within prescribed tolerances. Test
b (below) may be performed with the trunnions
either level or canted. It is a general test that re-
veals total errors of the entire mechanism. Because
compensating errors of various parts of the mount
may result in the launcher testing out properly with
test b, the other tests specified in c through f should
be performed regardless of the result of test b. Total
errors discovered by test b may then be reduced to
errors in specific parts.
b. General Test of Telescope Mount.
(1) With the bore sights in place in the top
left tube, the cluster near zero elevation, and
the plumb line (par. 42) suspended in front
of the top left tube; traverse so the line of
sight through the tube is on the plumb line.
(2) Level the telescope mount in both direc-
tions by centering both the cross-level and
longitudinal-level bubbles.
(3) Place the intersection of the reticle hairs
of the telescope on a sharply defined aiming
point near deflection 2800 and note the de-
flection set.
Note If longitudinal displacement of the sight
is necessary to place it on the aiming point, it is
obtained by rotating the telescope in the holder
bracket so the level of the bubbles is not disturbed.
(4) Elevate the cluster from zero to maximum
elevation (or limit of the plumb line) in
100 nril steps. At each step, traverse the
weapon (if necessary) to bring the line of
sight through the top left tube back on the
plumb line. If the line of sight through
the tube tracks the plumb line at all eleva-
96 TAGO 1992C
tions, the trunnions are level. If it is neces-
sary to traverse to bring the line of sight
back to the plumb line, the trunnions are
not level.
(5) After placing the line of sight through the
top left tube back on the plumb line relevel
the bubbles at each 100 mil elevation and
check for deviation of the line of sight from
the aiming point. If the vertical line is
off the aiming point, it is brought to the
aiming point by turning the azimuth mi-
crometer knob and the deviation is meas-
ured on the azimuth micrometer. If the
horizontal line is off, it is brought to the
aiming point with the elevation micrometer
knob and the longitudinal-level bubble dis-
placement is noted.
(6) If the vertical line deviates from the aim-
ing point by more than 112 mils from the
original deflection at any elevation tested,
or if the correction for the deviation of the
horizontal line causes the longitudinal-level
bubble to travel in excess of one vial gradu-
ation, some component of the on-carriage
fire control equipment is out of adjustment.
The weapon must be referred to authorized
ordnance maintenance personnel for adjust-
ment or correction.
c. Cross-Level Test.
(1) If the trunnions are not level, as noted in
b(4) above, level them, removing soil from
beneath one wheel if necessary, so that the
line of sight through the top left tube tracks
the plumb line at all elevations.
TAGO 1992C 270493--53-7 97
(2) Center the longitudinal-level bubble.
(3) Center the cross-level.
(4) Elevate the cluster to maximum elevation
keeping the longitudinal-level bubble
leveled, noting the cross-level bubble.
(5) If the cross-level bubble does not remain
centered within one vial graduation, either
the telescope mount is misalined or the
cross-level vial is incorrectly set. Refer the
mount to authorized ordnance personnel for
adjustment.
d. Longitudinal-Level Test.
(1) Level the cluster longitudinally with the
gunner's quadrant.
(2) Center the longitudinal-level bubble.
(3) Operate the cross-leveling knob through-
out the limits of motion; the longitudinal-
level bubble should remain centered within
one vial graduation. If the bubble moves
in excess of the' tolerance, either the level
vial or the sight mount is not alined cor-
rectly and the launcher should be sent to an
ordnance unit for adjustment.
e. Telescope Mount Alinement Test.
(1) With the cluster level center the cross-level
bubble.
(2) Without elevating or traversing the cluster,
operate the elevation micrometer knob
throughout the limits of motion, noting the
cross-level bubble.
(3) If the cross-level bubble does not remain
centered within one vial graduation, either
the mount is misalined or the cross-level
vial is incorrectly set. Refer the mount to
98 TAGO 1992C
authorized ordnance personnel for adjust-
ment.
f. Elevation Mechanism. Test.
(1) Level the cluster longitudinally with the
gunner's quadrant.
(2) Level cross-level and longitudinal-level
bubbles.
(3) Check to see that the elevation scale and
elevation micrometer read zero.
(4) Repeat this check of quadrant settings
against quadrant elevation settings at low,
medium, and high angles of elevation.
(5) If the elevation scale does not agree with
the elevation set on the gunner's quadrant
within 11/2 mils at any of the elevations
compared, the launcher should be sent to an
ordnance unit for adjustment.
50. Ordnance Check
It is not contemplated that using units will have
the necessary facilities, tools, or skilled mechanics
to perform the more precise tests and adjustments
of sighting and fire control equipment. When de-
ficiencies recur or when defects cannot be corrected
in the field, ordnance checks should be scheduled.
TAGO 1992C 99
CHAPTER 8
MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION
51. General
Maintenance and inspection is essential to insure
that the section is prepared to carry out its mission.
Systematic maintenance and inspection drills pro-
vide the best insurance against unexpected break-
down at the critical moment when maximum per-
formance is essential.
52. Disassembly, Adjustment, and Assembly
Disassemblies and adjustment of the weapon au-
thorized to be performed by battery personnel are
prescribed in TM 9-392A, supplemented by instruc-
tions contained in Department of the Army Supply
Manuals. Nc deviation from these procedures is per-
mitted unless authorized by the responsible ordnance
officer.
53. Records
a. The principal records pertaining to the weapon
are the Artillery Gun Book (00 Form 5825), a field
report of accidents (SR 385-310-1), the "Unsatis-
factory Equipment Report" (DA Form 468), and
"Preventive Maintenance Roster" (DA Form 460).
Information on the purpose and use of these records
may be found in the forms themselves.
b. The chiefs of sections, platoon commander, bat-
tery executive, and battery commander should keep
100 TAGO 1992C
semipermanent records on their weapons for their
information and guidance.
54. Maintenance
For detailed instructions concerning maintenance
of the 4.5-Inch Multiple Rocket Launcher M21, see
TM 9-392A and the lubrication order for the weapon.
For detailed instructions concerning maintenance of
the vehicle being used as a prime mover, see the tech-
nical manuals and lubrication orders pertaining to
that vehicle.
55. Inspections
Regular inspections are required to insure that
materiel is maintained in serviceable condition.
a. The chief of section is responsible for the equip-
ment within his section. He should inspect it thor-
oughly each day. If he sees the need for repair or
adjustment, he notifies the platoon commander im-
mediately so that the necessary action may be taken.
b. The platoon commander, accompanied by the
artillery mechanic, should make a daily spot check
inspection. Each day they should inspect different
parts of the weapons to insure complete coverage
every few days. At least once a month the executive
and platoon commander make a thorough mechani-
cal inspection of weapons, auxiliary equipment,
tools, and spare parts.
c. Battery, battalion, and higher commanders
should make frequent command inspections to assure
themselves that the equipment in their commands is
being maintained at prescribed standards of condi-
tion, appearance, and completeness.
d. For details on inspecting the 4.5-inch launcher,
see TM 9-392A. For details on inspecting the vehicle
TAGO 1992C 101
being used as a prime mover, see the appropriate
technical manual for that vehicle. Deficiencies found
during inspections should be corrected promptly.
e. Duties of individuals in performing the neces-
sary. inspections and maintenance of the gun are out-
lined in paragraphs 56 through 61. Work must be
made routine. thorough, and rapid by following the
drill outlined in these paragraphs. When the section
is reduced in strength, the chief of section must re-
assign duties to insure that all maintenance steps are
completed.
56. Duties in Inspection Before March
The inspection performed before operation is a
final check on materiel prior to leaving the motor
park for training in the field, the bivouac area for
combat, or before displacement. After inspection,
and when all deficiencies have been corrected, the sec-
tion is ready to go into action. Responsibilities and
duties of section personnel are as follows:
a. Chief of Section.
(1) Commands PERFORM BEFORE
MARCH INSPECTION. Supervises in-
spections by members of the gun section in
all sequences.
(2) Verifies that launcher is properly coupled
and equipment installed.
(3) Verifies that the parking brakes are re-
leased.
(4) Verifies presence of proper supply of gaso-
line, oil, water, and emergency rations.
(5) Verifies presence of technical manuals and
lubrication orders for prime mover and
launcher, trip ticket, driver's accident re-
102 TAGO 19ti2C
port form, vehicle identification card, and
gun book.
(6) Inspects loading of section equipment for
completeness and security.
(7) Inspects ammunition for lot number, con-
dition, and stowage.
(8) Receives reports of personnel of his section
upon completion of their duties in in-
spection.
(9) Reports to platoon commander when section
personnel have completed their duties, "Sir,
No. (so-and-so) in order," or reports any
defects which the section cannot remedy
without delay.
b. Gunner.
(1) Assisted by No. 1 removes the overall cover.
(2) Inspects condition, completeness, and se-
curity of contents of the control box.
(3) Verifies that the elevating lock is engaged.
(4) Checks to see that the right parking brake
is released.
(5) Assisted by No. 1 replaces the overall cover
and assures himself that all fastenings are
secured.
(6) Reports, "Gunner ready."
c. No. 1.
(1) Assists gunner in removing the overall
cover.
(2) Verifies presence and security of rocket re-
taining pins.
(3) Verifies that the traveling lock is engaged.
(4) Checks to see that the left parking brake is
released.
DECONTAMINATION OF EQUIPMENT
62. General
Equipment that has been contaminated by chemi-
cal, biological, or radiological agents constitutes a
danger to personnel. Contaminationmeans spread-
ing of an injurious agent in any form and by any
means. Persons, objects, or terrain may be con-
taminated. Decontaminationis the process of mak-
ing any contaminated place or object safe for un-
protected personnel. This can be done by covering,
removing, destroying, or changing into harmless sub-
stances the contaminating agent or agents. Gen-
erally, only equipment contaminated by persistent
agents need be decontaminated.
63. Decontamination for Chemical Agents
a. Ammunition. With rags, wipe off visible con-
tamination from rockets. Apply DANC (decon-
tamination agent, noncorrosive, M4), wipe -with
gasoline-soaked rag, then dry. If DANC is not
available, scrub with soap and cool water. Slurry
(equal weights of water and chloride of lime) can
be used on contaminated ammunition containers, but
it must not be allowed to penetrate to the ammuni-
tion itself.
b. Instruments. If exposed to corrosive gases,
clean instruments as soon as possible with alcohol
112 TAGO 1992C
(or gasoline, if no alcohol is available), and apply
a thin coat of light machine oil. A rag dampened
with DANC may be used, followed by drying with
a clean rag and then applying a coat of machine oil.
DANC damages plastic or hard rubber surfaces.
e. Weapons. Remove dirt, dust, grease, and oil.
Do not apply wet mix but allow surfaces to air after
soil and dirt have been removed. DANC can be
used on all metal surfaces, except the lands and elec-
trical contacts. Also effective on metal are hot
water, cleaning solvent, or repeated applications of
gasoline on swabs. If the emergency use of gaso-
line-soaked swabs is made (FM 21-40), extreme care
must be taken to insure that the gasoline does not
spread the contamination and that no gasoline in
liquid or vapor form remains. This excess would
be ignited when the launcher is fired. Do not use
DANC or gasoline to clean the bellows. After de-
contamination, weapons are dried and oiled.
d. Automotive Equipment. Light contamination
from spray can be neutralized by exposure to air.
For heavier contamination use DANC on interior
or exterior surfaces that personnel are likely to
touch. For larger area decontamination, wash ve-
hicle with water and scrub painted surfaces with
soap and water.
64. Decontamination for Biological and Radiological
Agents
a. General. After a contaminating attack, recov-
ery of equipment may be achieved either by waiting,
to permit the decay of contamination, or by active
decontamination, to reduce danger to a level where
it is no longer a significant hazard to operating per-
TAGO 1992C 270493°-53-8 113
sonnel. Decontamination may be either rough or
detailed, depending on the urgency of the military
situation. The procedure adopted will be a com-
mand decision.
b. Rough D)econtamination. Rough decontamina-
tion is performed when urgency is the main factor.
Its purpose is to reduce contamination sufficiently
to permit personnel to work with, or close to, equip-
ment for limited periods. Rough decontamination
may be achieved by means of water or steam if avail-
able. Soap or other detergent used in conjunction
with water or steam aids in decontamination.
c. Detailed Decontamination. Detailed decon-
tamination, in which the emphasis is on thorough-
ness) will be carried out in rear areas and repair
bases and' includes procedures of surface decontami-
nation, aging and sealing, and disposal.
65. References
For further information on decontamination see
FM 21-40, T.M[ 3-220, and TF 3-1407.
66. General
a. Tactical situations may arise in which it is nec-
essary to abandon equipment in the combat zone. In
such a situation all abandoned equipment must be
destroyed to prevent its use by the enemy.
b. The destruction of equipment subject to capture
or abandonment in the combat zone will be under-
taken only upon authority delegated by a division or
higher commander.
c. All batteries must prepare plans for destroying
their equipment in order to reduce the time required
should destruction become necessary. The principles
to be followed are:
(1) Plans for destruction of equipment must be
adequate, uniform, and easily carried out in
the field.
(2) I)Destruction must be as complete as the avail-
able time, equipment, and personnel will
permit. Since complete destruction re-
quires considerable time, priorities must be
established so that the more essential parts
are destroyed first.
(3) The same essential parts must be destroyed
on all like units to prevent the enemy from
constructing a complete unit from damaged
ones.
TAGO 1992C 115
(4) Spare parts and accessories must be given
the same priorities as the parts installed on
the equipment.
67. Methods
To destroy equipment adequately and uniformly,
all personnel of the unit must know the plan and
priority of destruction and be trained in the methods
of destruction.
68. References
For detailed. information on destruction of the 4.5-
inch multiple rocket launcher and fire control equip-
ment, see TM 9-392A; for ammunition, see TM 9-
1901 and TM 9-1950. For destruction of the prime
mover, see the TM appropriate to the vehicle being
used as the prime mover.
69. General
Safety precautions to be observed in training are
prescribed in SR 385-310-1. Additional information
is found in FM 6-140, T.M 9-392A, TM 9-1900, and
TM 9-1950. The more important safety precautions
are summarized in the following paragraphs.
70. Ammunition
a. All ammunition at the firing position must be
placed so that it is protected from the backb]ast of
the launcher and from explosion in case of accident
at the position. Flames and explosive materials such
as gasoline must be kept away from the ammunition.
Ammunition should be protected from direct rays of
the sun by use of a tarpaulin or other suitable cov-
ering.
b. Battery personnel must not attempt to disas-
semble fuzes.
e. In handling and storage, complete rockets
should at all times be kept pointed in the direction
that would result in the least damage should the pro-
pellant be accidentally ignited, preferably nose down
or toward a barricade (TM 9-1950). Rocket compo-
nents ordinarily will be stored as shipped.
d. All rockets not fired that have been prepared
for firing must be checked by the chief of section to
TAGO 1992C 117
insure that they are restored to their original condi-
tion and packing, and marked for priority of use
in order that opened packages will be kept to a mini-
mum. Such ammunition will be used first in subse-
quent firings.
71. Failure to Fire
Caution must be observed in removing a rocket
that failed to lire. Since the failure may be merely
a delay in the functioning of the propelling charge
explosive train, hangfire, there should not be an im-
mediate removal of the rocket. The rocket must not
remain too long in the launcher, however, because
there is danger that a very hot weapon may cause any
or all explosive components of a chambered rocket to
function, cook-off. (For further information on
hangfires, cook-offs, and misfires, see TM 9-392A.)
For removing a rocket the following definite inter-
vals for waiting after failure to fire and additional
attempts to fire have been established on the basis of
experience and characteristics of the weapon:
a. After a failure to fire, actuate the firing switch
two additional times in attempts to fire.
b. If the launcher still fails to fire, wait 15 seconds
from the last attempt to fire, then check the electrical
circuit for breaks, shorts, and poor contacts before
another attempt to fire.
c. After making any necessary adjustments, again
actuate the firing switch three times.
d. If the launcher still fails to fire, wait 15 seconds
after the last attempt to fire before again checking
the electrical circuit.
Section I. GENERAL
73. Purpose and Scope
The purpose of this chapter is to present the abso-
lute minimum requirements for training the person-
nel of a launcher section in the performance of their
duties in service of the launcher. It includes gen-
eral information on the conduct of training, a mini-
mum training schedule, and a test to be given for the
qualification of gunners.
74. Objectives
The objectives are speed in training rocketeers in
their individual duties; and, through drill, to weld
them into an effective, coordinated team able to func-
tion efficiently in combat. During training, super-
visors may well keep in mind the proficiency sought
by Army Training Test (ATT) 6-3. Maximum effi-
ciency is attained through continuous drills.
75. Conduct ef Training
a. Training should be conducted in accordance
with the principles laid down in FM 21-5. Its goal
should be standards set forth' in FM 6-125, TM
6-605, SR 615-25-15, and SR 615-25-20.
b. In general, individual training is conducted by
noncommissioned officers as far as practicable. Offi-
cers are responsible for training plans, for conduct-
120 TAGO 1992C
ing unit training, and for supervising and testing
individual training.
c. Throughout training, the application of prior
instruction to current training must be emphasized.
d. A record of the training received by each indi-
vidual should be kept. This may be done by each
chief of section keeping a progress card for each man
in his section. This card should show each period of
instruction attended, tests taken, and remarks per-
taining to progress. Progress cards should be in-
spected frequently by the platoon commander and
the battery executive to make sure that they are being
kept properly and to determine the state of training.
Requiring the chief of section to keep these records
emphasizes his responsibility toward his section.
e. The necessity for developing leadership and ini-
tiative in noncommissioned officers must be empha-
sized constantly throughout training.
76. Standards to be Attained
Each member of the launcher section should know
the duties of all other members of the section and be
able to perform efficiently in all positions. See para-
graphs 80 through 92 for tests to be given for the
qualification of gunners.
Mlaximlum Mllinilmllun
Test numbecr chanlge challge
(mils) (mils)
d. Penaltie,s.
(1) No credit will be allowed if, after each
test--
(a) The deflection is set incorrectly.
(b) The cross-level or longitudinal-level
bubble is not centered.
(c) The vertical hair of the telescope is not
on the aiming point or left edge of aim-
ing posts, as the case may be.
(2) No credit will be allowed if the last motion
of the traverse was not made from left to
d. Penalties.
(1) No credit will be allowed if, after each test-
(a) The elevation is set incorrectly.
(b) The cross-level or longitudinal-level bub-
ble is not centered.
(2) No credit will be allowed if the last move-
ment of the elevating handwheel was not
made in the direction in which it is more
difficult to turn the elevating handwheel and
the elevating handwheel brake was not set.
e. Credit.
Time in seconds, exactly or less than_. 6 7%s 8%
Credit--_____..__._._------- _------ 2. 0 1. 5 1. 0
86. Laying for Elevation With Gunner's Quadrant
a. Scope of/ Tests. Three tests will be conducted
in which the candidate will be posted as the chief of
section and will be required to execute commands
similar to those given in c below.
(2) PartII.
Examiner commands Action of candidate
number
Note: Prior to test 5, the cross and longitudinal leveling of the tube and the
panoramic telescope mount will be verified by the examiner, and the testing
target will be alined by the candidate with the help of his selected assistants as
described in paragraph 45.
d. Penalties.
(1) General. The tests are not essentially speed
tests. The purpose of the prescribed time
limits is to insure that the candidate can
perform the operation without wasted ef-
fort.
(2) Test 1. No credit will be allowed if-
(a) The bubble of the gunner's quadrant does
not center when verified by the examiner.
(b) The necessary correction (one-half of the
amount of the angle which was indicated
when the quadrant was first reversed and
the bubble centered by moving the index
arm and micrometer) is announced incor-
rectly by the candidate.
(c) The candidate fails to declare the quad-
rant; unserviceable if the necessary cor-
rection exceeds 0.4 mil, or fails to declare
the quadrant serviceable if the necessary
correction is 0.4 mil or less.
(d) The time to complete the test exceeds 2
minutes.
92. Materiel
a. Scope of Tests. The candidate will be required
to perform two tests as outlined below.
b. Special Instructions.
(1) Test 1. For test 1, the tools and accessories
necessary for the performance of the test
will be made readily available to the candi-
date prior to the start of the test.
(2) Test Al.
(a) A complete set of lubrication equipment
authorized for use of battery personnel
number
1. Miscellaneous Publications
AR 600-70 Badges.
AR 750-5 Maintenance Responsibilities and
Shop Operation.
ATT 6-3 Field Artillery Rocket Battery and
Battalion Tests.
SR 110-1-1 Index of Army Motion Pictures,
lKinescope Recordings, and Film
Strips.
SR 310-20- Military Publications.
series
SR 320-5-1 Dictionary of United States Army
Terms.
SR 320-50-1 Authorized abbreviations.
SR 385-310-1 Regulations for Firing Ammunition
for Training, Target Practice, and
Combat.
SR 615-25-15 Military Occupational Specialties.
SR 615-25-20 Career Fields.
FM 5-15 Field Fortifications.
FM 5-20 Camouflage, Basic Principles.
FM 5-20B Camouflage of Vehicles.
FM 5-20D Camouflage of Field Artillery.
FM, 5-25 Explosives and Demolitions.
FM 6-40 Field Artillery Gunnery.
FM 6-101 The Field Artillery Battalion.
M. B. RIDGWAY,
General, United States Army,
OFFICIAL: Chief of Staff.
WM. E.'BERGIN,
Major General, United States Army,
The Adjutant General.
DISTRIBUTION:
Active Army:
Tech Svc (1); Tech Sve Bd 5, 9, 11 (1); AFF (10);
AA Comd (2); OS Maj Comd (2); Base Comd
(2); MIDW (2); Log Comd (2); A (2); CHQ (2);
Div ('2); Brig 6 (2); Regt 6 (2); FT-(1); USMA
(5); Sch (2) except- 6 (300); P-MS: & -T 6 (1);
RTC 6 (100); PRGR- 9 (2); T/O & E's, 6-85 (2);
6-86 (5); 6-87 (10).
NG: None.
Army Reserve: None.
For explanation of distribution formula, see SR 310 90-1.