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 612 of 775

TM 9-2350-311-10

5-12 MAINTENANCE — CONTINUED

h. Excess Explosive Components

1

2

3

Pack supplementary charges removed from projectiles prior to assembling long intrusion proximity fuzes

in containers from which these proximity fuzes were removed.

Properly mark containers and return to ammunition supply personnel for disposition.

Never bring excess powder increments back to the howitzer or ammunition carrier. Severe

burns to personnel may result from accidental ignition of excess powder increments.

Destroy any unused powder increments or expelling charges left over after round has been fired by

performing the following steps.

(a)

(b)

(c)

(d)

(e)

(f)

Locate proper burning area. Area should be 200 feet (60.96 m) from any combustible material.

Ensure proper firefighting equipment and personnel are present.

Lay out powder increments (1) stacked one high, parallel to wind direction in 12-inch (30.48-cm)

wide column.

Lay out an igniter trail (2) at the downwind end of the line of powder increments (1) by opening one

powder bag and making a trail of powder at 90° to the powder increments. The igniter trail should

be approximately 16.40 feet (5 m) long and 2 inches (5.08 cm) wide.

Light the end of the igniter trail (2), then move away from the powder increments(1).

While powder increments (1) are burning, be alert for sparks or burning fragments caught by the

wind.

5-76