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 301 of 775

TM 9-2350-311-10

2–12 PREPARATION FOR FIRING — CONTINUED

2-12.5 Loading the 155MM Cannon — Continued

a. Loading — Continued

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4

5

6

• Do not load or fire artillery ammunition without authorized fuze. Firing of such rounds without

fuzes or with an unauthorized fuze could result in inbore premature and other hazardous

conditions causing serious injury or death to personnel.

• Do not load or fire round if fuze is not fully seated; it could cause severe injury or death to

personnel.

Cannoneer no. 2 removes lifting plug and inspects fuze well for rust, dirt, or leaking filler. Cannoneer no.

2 removes supplementary charges, if required, fuzes projectile (para 5-5), and sets fuze for desired fuze

action (i.e. SQ, D, or time). When directed, cannoneer no. 3 reads and announces time set on fuze.

Be careful when placing ammunition in hull to prevent damage to rotating band.

Cannoneer no. 3 then passes projectile to cannoneer no. 1 inside howitzer.

Ammo vehicle driver, assisted by howitzer driver, prepares propelling charge (para 5-12). When

propelling charge is prepared, driver then hands propelling charge, igniter pad first, to cannoneer no. 1.

The ammunition team chief acts as radio/telephone operator.

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