APPENDIX D

SUGGESTED DESIGN FOR COMBINED LIGHT ANTIARMOR RANGE

This appendix provides basic guidance for units to establish a range complex for light antiarmor weapons. The complex described may be used for multilevel training and firing of light antiarmor weapons; both subcaliber trainers and live HE ammunition may be used on the same range. Training areas should be near, but not adjacent to, the firing line. The firing line should be designed to allow personnel to observe firing from the side. The target array should include stationary targets composed of F-type targets or the hulls of hard targets (APCs or tanks), a moving target (a target on track or a manned moving target tank [MMTT]), and bunkers. This allows the firer to engage a variety of targets and to develop his skills in the various types of engagements.

D-1. FIRING LINE The firing line should be organized to allow for the 100-meter AT4 backblast (Figure D-1). Also, at least 20 meters must be allowed between firing points. The backblast area must be fenced, roped, or marked in some way, so that soldiers know not to enter it when firing is being conducted. A range that meets the requirements of the AT4 will also meet the requirements of the LAW.

Figure D-1. Firing line.

D-2. TARGET ARRAY The target array should include targets at ranges of 100 to 700 meters (Figure D-2). This enables the unit to conduct advanced instructional fire on targets located beyond the weapons' maximum effective ranges. Standard vehicle silhouettes or tank hulls should be used for stationary targets. Selected targets should be positioned behind mounds of earth to simulate vehicles in defilade or partly behind trees or other objects. Firers adjust their points of aim accordingly. Targets should also be positioned to allow firers to engage flank, frontal, and oblique targets. Bunker targets should be placed within the target array at ranges of 100 to 400 meters. Bunker targets should be no more than 1 meter high or 2 1/2 to 3 meters wide. Moving target silhouettes should travel along a track or road so the firers can engage fast moving targets from both flank and oblique angles. The moving targets should be placed at ranges of 150 to 600 meters and should enter and exit from the flanks outside the range fan. Firers may only use HE weapons to engage hard targets. This reduces the damage to other targets the unit must maintain such as F-type silhouettes and bunkers.

Figure D-2. Target array.