PS Magazine - TB 43-PS-682
PS, The Preventative Maintenance Monthly
ISSUE 682
SEPTEMBER 2009
3
PS 682
SEP 09
Maintenance
Flareback happens when the fuel-rich gases formed by ±ring the main gun enter
the crew compartment, mix with oxygen, and then are ignited by some source.
During normal operations, the 120mm gun system uses the bore evacuator to
remove the combustible and toxic fumes generated during ±ring. Some of this gas
pressure is bled into the bore evacuator chamber through the gun tube gas ports.
After the projectile is ±red, pressure in the gun tube falls off almost immediately
and the pressure stored in the bore evacuator chamber is discharged through the gas
ports. This gas discharge creates small “jet streams” which are directed down the gun
tube toward the muzzle.
Fresh air is drawn in through the open breech, combines with the gases from the
bore evacuator, and is propelled out the muzzle of the gun tube. That’s what keeps
those gases from entering the turret.
flarebacks
avoided
M1-Series Tanks…
flarebacks
can be
avoided
there’s nothing that’ll ruin your
day faster than a
flareback
in
your m1-series tank.
in fact, a
flareback
can cause
injuries!
man!
that
flareback
came outta
nowhere!
yeah,
we’re
lucky to
be alive!
the pmcs charts
in your operator’s
manuals detail
the inspection and
service procedures
for the bore
evacuator.
they involve removing
the bore evacuator for
cleaning and servicing,
cleaning the gas ports
in the gun tube, and
inspecting the seals for
tears, cuts, gouges,
and other deformities.
your
first
line of
defense
against
flareback
is to
properly
maintain
the bore
evacuator.
New seals must be
installed during
semiannual services,
especially if they
show damage.
Regular maintenance
includes checking seals
for damage
682.02-03.indd
1-2
8/7/09
2:37:33 PM
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