APPENDIX E
M113 ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER
|
E-1. FIRING FROM THE M113 APC
You can fire the Dragon from the M113 in three ways.
a. The best way to fire the Dragon from a stationary M113 APC in a hull-defilade position is to use the M175 mount (Figure E-1), though field-expedient methods can be used.
Figure E-1. Firing the Dragon from an M113 APC.
(1) Adjust the commander's chair in the APC so that, when you assume the firing position, both feet are flat on the commander's chair and your knees and body are straight.
(2) Keep your feet apart at a comfortable angle.
(3) Ensure that your left arm and hand exert maximum rearward pressure on the elevation damper. This action pulls the cradle down against your shoulder (Figure E-2).
Figure E-2. M175 firing position.
(4) Position your right hand on the M175 mount firing mechanism the same as you would on the sight's firing mechanism.
Right thumb on safety.
Index, middle, and third fingers on the trigger lever.
Little finger forward of the trigger mechanism.
|
WARNING To prevent a missile fired from an M175-mounted Dragon from dipping and flying into the ground, press heavily back and down on the elevation damper. |
b. If not using the M175 mount, the gunner stands in the track commander's hatch, places the Dragon's bipod legs in the grill on top of the APC, and fires the weapon (Figure E-3). He could also sit on the closed cargo hatch and fire the Dragon as if he were on the ground (Figure E-4).
Figure E-3. Firing the Dragon from the commander's hatch.
Figure E-4. Firing from a closed hatch.
c. The gunner can also fire the Dragon from a dismounted position, using either the M3 or M122 machine gun tripod (Figure E-5).
Figure E-5. M3 position (left) and M122 tripod position (right).
(1) M3 Tripod. Sit along the left side of the tripod to ensure that no portion of your body is forward of the muzzle. Sight, aim, and fire the Dragon the same as when it is mounted on an APC.
(2) M122 Tripod. With the M122 tripod, put the right leg over the top of the two rear tripod legs. Put the left leg over the top of the front tripod leg. Sight, aim, and fire the same as when mounted on an APC.
| NOTE: | Body position is the most important factor in successful firing and tracking. Providing soldiers with continual feedback during the early phase of practical training will help them form good habits. |
|
WARNING TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THE PERSONNEL IN THE APC, CLOSE THE DRIVER'S AND CARGO HATCHES BEFORE FIRING. |
E-2. SUPPORT EQUIPMENT (M113-EQUIPPED UNITS ONLY)
Units equipped with the M113 APC are authorized the following Dragon support equipment: M175 guided missile launcher mounts, M3 or M122 machine gun tripods, and vehicle storage kits.
a. M175 Mounting Assembly. The guided missile launcher mount (Figure E-6) provides a stable platform for firing the Dragon missile from the M113 APC. The unit track mechanic installs the M175 mounting assembly on the APC. Before turning in the APC for overhaul or repair, the unit track mechanic must remove all support equipment.
Figure E-6. M175 guided missile launcher mount.
(1) The M175 mount is an improved, stable firing and tracking base for the gunner that increases the effectiveness of the weapon system.
(2) The gunner uses the M175 mount to fire the M222 tactical round or the M223 practice round.
(3) The round and sight mate electrically through two connectors on the M175 mount. The remote firing mechanism is located on the right rear of the cradle.
(4) Azimuth and elevation dampers on the M175 mount reduce vibrations and help the gunner track more smoothly.
b. M3/M122 Machine Gun Tripods. The gunner can use either the M3 or the M122 machine gun tripod (Figure E-7) to fire the Dragon from a ground support position.
Figure E-7. M3/M122 machine gun tripods.
c. Vehicle Storage Kit. Each M113 APC assigned to a mechanized infantry squad has one of these kits installed (Figure E-8). It consists of the following nightsight support equipment:
(1) A nightsight storage rack, located just below the daysight storage case.
(2) A vehicle power conditioner (VPC) to "step down" the power of the 24-volt battery to the required level.
(3) A battery charger rack and a PP-7382/TAS battery charger also operate from the APC power source.
(4) Three storage racks for coolant cartridge containers and one storage rack for a battery container are located under the personnel seats.
Figure E-8. Vehicle storage kit.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
