TM-9-2350-311-10

HOWITZER, MEDIUM, SELF-PROPELLED, 155MM; M109A2, M109A3, M109A4 AND M109A5

TECHNICAL MANUAL; OPERATOR’S MANUAL

NOVEMBER 1994

TM-9-2350-311-10 - Page 300 of 775

TM 9-2350-311-10

2–12

PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED

2-12.5

*Loading the 155MM Cannon

All crew members must be familiar with misfire procedures in paragraph 2–15 before loading

howitzer for firing.

a. Loading

1

When a fire mission is announced, chief of section indicates aiming point reference to gunner (M1A1

collimator, DAP, or M1A2 aiming posts) and repeats fire mission to the crew.

Dirt or grease left on projectile rotating band could cause failure of projectile to seat properly on

ramming. Firing an unseated projectile could cause an inbore explosion, resulting in injury or

death to personnel.

2 Cannoneer no. 3 verifies, cleans, and inspects the projectile to be fired. Cannoneer no. 3 removes

grommet, examines rotating band (1) to see that it is free from dirt and burrs, and then stands projectile

in an upright position for fuzing. For preparation of M712 or M823 projectiles (copperhead) refer to

paragraph 5-14.

2-202

*Standardized procedures for firing drills are identified with an asterisk (*) preceding the title.