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VIETNAM WAR ERA US GROUND SIGNALS AND RIFLE GRENADES
CHAPTER 5 - RIFLE GRENADE TRAINING.
60. Introduction.
a. Direct fire with rifle grenades is any firing requiring less than 26° of elevation. In direct fire, the rifle is fired from the shoulder, except in the prone position. This type of firing is effective against point targets, such as tanks, pillboxes, or windows of buildings. When firing grenades in the direct-fire role, the grenade must be fully seated on the launcher. Due to excessive recoil effects, the M16 and M16Al rifles will not be used in the direct-fire role.
b. This section prescribes training for firing rifle grenades at both stationary and moving direct-fire targets. This training should follow rifle markmanship training, because many of the steps in rifle grenade direct-fire training are similar to the steps in rifle markmanship training described in FM 23-71. Direct-fire markmanship training includes the following:
(1) Positions.
(2) Sighting and aiming.
(3) Trigger control.
(4) Range determination.
(5) Speed estimation.
(6) Lead calculation.
(7) Loading and firing procedures.
Figure 26. Direct fire positions.
61. Positions.
a. General.
Rifle grenades are fired at directfire targets from the standing, kneeling, and prone positions. Except in the prone position, fire the rifle with the rifle butt against your right shoulder. This allows you to see the target through the M15 sight. Do not fire from the shoulder when in the prone position, since your body cannot move freely with the rifle's recoil.
Use a stock rest when firing from the prone position. In other positions, you should use the shoulder-fire position at all times unless your body cannot move freely with the rifle's recoil. Do not use the sling when firing in the direct-fire role. Hold the rifle firmly with your left hand near the upper sling swivel and your right hand at the small of the stock. Hold your left elbow well underneath the weapon, exerting pressure to pull the rifle butt firmly against the shoulder. In order to prevent injury to the thumb by the weapon's recoil, hold your right thumb along the right side of the stock, rather than over the small of the stock. Keep your head away from the sight and canted slightly to the left. When firing grenades from the Ml or M14 rifles, you cannot fire in the direct-fire role from the left shoulder because the sight is located on the left side of the rifle. b. Standing Position (1, figure 26).
Face your target, execute a half right face, and spread your feet a comfortable distance apart. Rotate the rifle on its right side so that when you grasp it with your left hand, your fingers will wrap around the top of the upper handguard. Without changing the grip of your left hand, rotate the rifle butt into your right shoulder. At this point, do not allow the rifle to cant to either side. Hold your right elbow at shoulder height to form a pocket for the rifle butt. Place your right hand at the small of the stock with your right thumb alongside the stock. Cant your head slightly to the left so you can see through the M15 sight. Lean forward with your entire body. This will allow you to rock back with the recoil of the weapon. Track moving targets by pivoting evenly and smoothly at the waist.
c. Kneeling Position (2, figure 26).
Face your target, execute a half right face, and kneel on your right knee. Do not sit on your right heel or use your left knee to support your left elbow. Place the rifle to your shoulder in the same manner as in the standing position. Lean well forward so that you can rock back with the weapon's recoil. Track targets by pivoting evenly and smoothly at the waist.
d. Prone Position (3, figure 26).
The prone position has several disadvantages and should be used only when necessary. Since you cannot rock back with the recoil of the weapon, use a stock rest, such as a tree stump, a wall, or a hole in the ground to hold your weapon. You may also have difficulty seeing through the M15 sight. When assuming the prone position, place the rifle butt against any available rest. Hold your forearm over the top of the rifle stock to hold it steady. Do not cant the rifle to either side.
Figure 27. Accessories for direct-fire sighting exercises.
62. Sighting and Aiming.
a. Using the M15 Sight.
Direct-fire targets are engaged as follows :
(1) Estimate,the range to the target.
(2) Determine the correct angle of elevation from the range tables (para. 70). Then set the sight. To do this, rotate the sight bar to the nearest 5° mark below the desired setting, and turn the elevating screw the correct number of clicks from 0° to complete the setting. Be sure the peep sight is set at 0° before adding the odd number of degrees to the sight. Remember that 5 clicks on the elevating screw changes the elevation setting 1 °.
(3) Prepare the rifle and the grenade for firing.
(4) Assume the appropriate position, take the proper sight picture, and fire the grenade.
b. Sight Alinement and Sight Picture.
Sight alinement with the M15 sight is the same as with the iron sights on the rifle. However, because the M15's sight radius is short, sight alinement is more critical.
c. Direct-Fire Sighting Exercises.
Before you progress to other steps of markmanship training, you will be given an opportunity to practice and demonstrate your knowledge of direct-fire sighting and aiming using the M15 sight. In order to do this, two sighting exercises have been· devised. A service rifle with the M15 sight mounted, a rifle rest (1, fig. 27), a sighting disk (2, fig. 27), and a 1-meter square blank target are needed to accomplish these exercises.
(1) Exercise No. 1.
The purpose of this exercise is to provide practice in correct directfire sight alinement using the M15 sight. An instructor places a rifle in a rifle rest, sets the sight at zero elevation, and lines up the sighting disk (tank silhouette) by giving instructions to a marker who controls the sighting disk. The instructor commands HOLD when the sighting disk is in line for a correct sight picture. He then moves away and directs the student to look through the sights to observe the correct sight alinement. Rifle rests are then placed on line and blank targets are placed out approximately 10 meters. Firers take position behind the rifles and sight and direct markers to move the sighting disks until the correct sight alinement is attained. Coaches or instructors verify the alinement.
(2) Exercise No. 2.
The purpose of this exercise is to provide practice in correct sight alinement and sight setting for firing rifle grenades in the direct-fire role. An instructor demonstrates the method of setting the M15 sight as described in exercise No. 1. He then resets the sight at zero elevation. Firers then take a position behind the rifles and sight. As the instructor announces the range, firers refer to the range table (para 70), find the correct angle of elevation for that range, and set the angle on the sight.
The instructor then alines the sight with the target by giving instructions to the marker as in exercise No. 1. Coaches or instructors then verify the sight setting and alinement.
Figure 28. Correct sight picture for a target requiring a one-speed lead.
63. Trigger Control.
Trigger control is just as important when firing rifle grenades as it is when firing service (ball) ammunition. Correct position, correct sight alinement, and correct speed leads are of no value if trigger control is faulty. This fact is especially true in firing at low-angle, direct-fire targets. You should practice trigger control as described for the rifle in FM 23-71. You must constantly bear in mind that trigger control is one of the most important steps in obtaining first round hits on a target.
64. Speed Estimation.
You can train yourself to estimate speed by observing tanks and other vehicles traveling in various directions, at predetermined speeds, auci at various ranges. Ability to estimate speed is developed by frequent practice. First, you should estimate speed at known distances and known speeds, varying the type of vehicle. Then vary the range and the type of vehicle. Finally, vary all four factors and, at the same time, practice sight setting, sight alinement, and lead calculations. You should not practice speed estimation on targets traveling at excessive speeds or on targets beyond the maximum effective direct-fire range (115 meters) of rifle grenades.
65. Lead Calculation.
a. In order to hit a moving target you must aim at the point where the target will be when the grenade reaches it. This is done by aiming at a point a certain distance in front of the center of mass of the target, rather than aiming directly at the center of mass. This distance is measured in "speed leads" instead of meters. One speed lead is the length of the target as it appears to you (fig. 28). Leads for moving targets are based on the speed and direction of the target and the speed of the grenade in its flight to the target. Moving at a speed of 24 KMPH (15 MPH), a vehicle will cover about 7 meters in a second (the average length of a medium tank).
A tank moving 25 meters to your front at this speed would require a half-speed lead. Remember that the lead is taken from the center of mass of the target and maintained throughout firing; thus, for a tank requiring a half-speed lead, your point of aim would be the leading edge of the tank. A common error is to stop tracking when pressure is applied to the trigger.
b. Apply leads by using the length of the target as it appears to you as a unit of measure. This procedure eliminates the necessity for corrections because of the angle at which the target crosses your line of sight. The sharper the angle, the smaller the target appears and the less lateral speed it attains.
c. In addition to compensating for the lateral movement of a target, you must make allowance for the movement of a target toward or away from you. This is done by adjusting the point of aim to a point above or below the center of mass.
(1) Approaching targets. To hit a target which is approaching your position, aim slightly below its center of mass. This allows for the decrease in range to the target between the time the grenade is fired and the time it reaches the target. The point of aim below the target's center of mass depends upon the speed of the target, the range to it, and the angle at which it is approaching. This will vary as much as 1.5 meters.
(2) Retreating targets. To hit a target which is moving away from your position, you must aim slightly above the target's center of mass. This compensates for the increase in range from the time the grenade is fired until it impacts with the target.
(3) Crossing targets. To hit targets moving at right angles to your line of sight, aim level with the center of mass using the proper speed lead.
66. Direct Fire Loading and Firing Procedure.
The loading and firing procedure for engaging targets with low angle, direct fire is as follows:
a. Open the bolt and clear the rifle.
b. Lock the weapon by engaging the safety.
c. Place the correct angle of elevation on the M15 sight if the Ml or M14 rifles are used.
d. Load the special grenade cartridge into the chamber.
e. Close the bolt.
f. When using the M14 rifle, check to see if the spindle valve is in the closed position.
g. Place the grenade onto the launcher or rifle. ("Position "full" is used for all low-angle, direct firing.)
h. Remove any external safety features from the grenade such as the safety pin on the M22A2 colored smoke rifle grenade.
i. Unlock the weapon by disengaging the safety.
j. Aim the weapon and fire.
Section II. High-angle direct-fire marksmanship training.
67. Purpose.
a. High-angle direct fire with rifle grenades is accomplished by placing the rifle butt on the ground and firing the rifle at an angle of 26 or more degrees of elevation. Because of its relative inaccuracy, high-angle direct fire is primarily used to engage large or area targets in the open or targets in defilade. b. This section prescribes instruction for firing rifle grenades at area targets and targets in defilade. This instruction should follow rifle marksmanship training, and may come before or after direct-fire grenade markmanship training. Highangle direct-fire marksmanship training includes the following : ( 1) Positions. (2) Range estimation. (3) Use of range tables. (4) Sighting and aiming. ( 5) Trigger control. (6) Loading and firing procedures.
Figure 29. High-angle direct fire positions.
68. Positions.
Three positions are used in high-angle direct fire with rifle grenades: the sitting, the kneeling and the modified kneeling. The modified kneeling position is used only when the marked sling method of sighting and aiming is employed. a. Kneeling Position (1, fig. 29). Face your target, kneel on your right knee, and point your left foot in the general direction of the target. Since moving targets are not tracked in highangle fire, sit on your right heel and use your left knee to support your left elbow. Place the rifle butt on the ground alongside your right knee. Grasp the rifle near the upper sling swivel with your left hand and the small of the stock with your right hand. Your -right thumb should be placed alongside the stock. Rest your weight on your right heel. After placing the correct sight setting on the sight, lower the rifle and sight along the barrel toward the target to obtain the correct deflection. Then raise the rifle slowly until the leveling bubble is centered in its vial. Lower your head before firing to prevent injury to your eyes by blowback from the grenade's propellant. b. Modified Kneeling Position (2, fig. 29). This position is used only when using the marked sling for sighting and aiming the rifle. Assume the kneeling position as in a above, except that you place your left foot on the sling at the desired point. Lower the rifle so you can sight for deflection, and then raise the rifle until the sling is taut and perpendicular to the ground. Then lower your head and fire. c. Sitting Position (3, fig. 29). Face your target and sit down, keeping your right leg flat on the ground and pointed toward the target. Cross your left leg over your right knee to provide support for your elbow. Place the rifle butt alongside your right hip. From this point, hold and sight the rifle in the same manner as in the kneeling position.
Figure 30. The marked sling.
69. Use of Range Tables.
a. High-angle direct-fire range tables for the various types of grenades are shown in table 1. The range depends not only on the angle of elevation, but also on the position of the grenade on the launcher. To increase the range for a given elevation, place the grenade farther down on the launcher. To place the grenade at the desired position on the launcher, push the grenade down until the rear of the stabilizer tube coincides with the annular groove marked with the desired position number; for example, if the range table calls for position 3, push the grenade down on the launcher until the annular groove marked 3 is covered by the grenade's stabilizer tube. You should still be able to read the number 3 on the launcher. b. The range tables are designed to be used as a guide only. The actual range for a given angle of elevation and position will vary with different lots of special grenade cartridges, different rifles or launchers, and different atmospheric conditions.
Figure 30-a. The marked sling.
(1) M31 HEAT rifle grenade (Direct Fire, Position Full)
| Range in Meters | Angle of Elevation |
| 40 | 6 2/5" |
| 60 | 7 2/5" |
| 80 | 11" |
| 100 | 15" |
| 110 | 17" |
| 120 | 18" |
(2) M19A1 WP smoke rifle grenade (High-Angle Direct Fire)
| Range in Meters | Position on Launcher | Angle of Elevation |
| 50 | 6 | 30 Deg |
| 55 | 6 | 45 Deg |
| 65 | 5 | 30 Deg |
| 75 | 5 | 45 Deg |
| 85 | 4 | 30 Deg |
| 100 | 4 | 45 Deg |
| 120 | 3 | 30 Deg |
| 125 | 3 | 45 Deg |
| 140 | 2 | 30 Deg |
| 150 | 2 | 45 Deg |
| 165 | 1 | 30 Deg |
| 180 | 1 | 45 Deg |
| 185 | full | 30 Deg |
| 195 | full | 45 Deg |
(3) Fragmentation hand grenades with the M1A2 projection adapter (High -Angle Direct Fire)
| Range in Meters | Position on Launcher | Angle of Elevation |
| 55 | 6 | 45 Deg |
| 75 | 5 | 45 Deg |
| 95 | 4 | 45 Deg |
| 115 | 3 | 45 Deg |
| Ineffective airbursts obtained at these | 2 | 45 Deg |
| angles and positions because time of flight | 1 | 45 Deg |
| is greater than fuze delay time. | full | 45 Deg |
| 130 | 1 | 30 Deg |
| 150 | 2 | 30 Deg |
| 160 | full | 30 Deg |
(4) Chemical hand grenades with M2A1 projection adapter (High-Angle direct fire)
| Range in | meters | |||
| M6, M7, M18 Series | AN-M8 grenade | AN-M14 grenade | Position on Launcher | Angle of Elevation |
| 50 | 40 | 35 | 6 | 45 Deg |
| 65 | 55 | 50 | 5 | 45 Deg |
| 80 | 70 | 65 | 4 | 45 Deg |
| 100 | 85 | 80 | 3 | 45 Deg |
| 115 | 105 | 95 | 2 | 45 Deg |
| 135 | 120 | 110 | 1 | 45 Deg |
| 145 | 135 | 120 | Full | 45 Deg |
70. Sighting and Aiming.
a. M15 Sight.
High-angle direct fire and aiming with the M15 sight consists of the following three steps:
(1) Adjusting the sight. From the range tables, determine the proper angle of elevation. With the sight attached to the rifle, rotate the sight bar assembly so that the index line on the sight mounting bracket is alined with the correct degree setting on the mounting plate scale.
(2) Alining the rifle for deflection. Assume a correct firing position and sight along the barrel. Move the rifle laterally until it is alined with the target.
(3) Centering the leveling bubble. Raise or lower the rifle until the leveling bubble is centered in its vial. Be sure that the rifle is not canted.
b. Marked Sling.
When the M15 sight is unavailable, lost, or broken, a previously marked sling will help to determine elevation angles. There are two methods of marking the sling (fig. 30).
(1) M15 sight marking method (1, figure 30).
As soon as you are issued the sight, mark your sling for use in the event you lose or damage the sight. To mark the sling, loosen it and assume the modified kneeling position with your left foot in the sling. When marking the sling, use the angles of 30 °, 45 °, and 60 °. Raise or lower the rifle and adjust the position of your left foot until the sling is taut and perpendicular to the ground with the leveling bubble centered in its vial. Mark the sling with tape or some similar substance at the point where the sling is held by your left foot. Also, mark the keeper of your sling to insure that the marking does not change when the sling is changed.
(2) Field expedient method (2, figure 30).
This method is favored because it is unnecessary to use the M15 sight. Unfasten the sling from the lower sling swivel and loosen the sling to its greatest length. Assume a modified kneeling position. For 30° elevation, stretch the sling tightly from the upper sling swivel to a point immediately behind the trigger guard. Mark that point on the sling and place your foot on the mark. Position the rifle so that the sling is taut and perpendicular to the ground. For 45 °, stretch the sling from the upper sling swivel to a point immediately behind the crook on the lower part of the stock, and repeat the procedure used for 30° marking. For 60°, stretch the sling to a joint just behind the lower sling swivel, and repeat the procedure used for marking at 30° and 45°.
Note. When the M16 or the M16Al rifle is used, the sling is marked as shown in 2, figure 30.
71. Trigger Control.
Trigger control is just as important in high-angle firing as it is in direct firing. Faulty trigger control is likely to result in lateral displacement of the rifle's muzzle, causing the grenade be completely off target. Trigger control should be practiced as described in FM 23-71.
72. High-Angle Direct-Fire Firing Procedure.
For the firing procedure to use when engaging high-angle direct-fire targets, see paragraph 67.
Section III. Rifle grenade safety training.
73. Firing Casualty-Producing Grenades.
For safety instructions governing the firing of casualty-producing grenades, see AR 385-63, AR 385-65, TM 9-1330-200, and TM 9-1900. In addition to the safety precautions contained in these publications and in paragraph 44, the following will be adhered to:
a. Before joining a rifle grenade to a grenade launcher, be sure the rifle is loaded and unlocked. This procedure will facilitate immediate firing if the grenade's fuze functions prematurely.
b. Rifle grenades will not be fired with any munitions other than the authorized special grenade cartridge.
c. Make certain that the appropriate grenade projection adapter is used when hand grenades are fired from a rifle.
d. When rifle grenades are fired in the highangle direct-fire role, make sure that adequate overhead clearance is available.
e. Do not remove grenade safety pins until just before you are ready to fire.
f. When using the M14 rifle, always check to see if the spindle valve is closed before firing rifle grenades.
g. Personnel handling or firing casualtyproducing rifle grenades, or personnel who are not under adequate cover within the grenade's danger area will wear steel helmets.
WARNING: A waiting period of 5 minutes for high-explosive duds or 30 minutes for chemical duds will be observed. Dud grenades will be removed or destroyed in place only by authorized explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
74. Firing Noncasualty-Producing Grenades.
For safety instructions governing the firing of noncasualty-producing grenades, see paragraph 45.
Section IV. Rifle grenade instruction course.
75. Purpose of Training.
When the soldier has completed the initial phases of direct-fire and high-angle direct-fire marksmanship training, he should be given practical work with rifle grenades. To facilitate such training, he negotiates the rifle grenade instruction course. The instruction course allows the soldier to use practice rifle grenades and to engage a variety of targets at varying ranges in order to develop his proficiency in the use of rifle grenades.
76. Conduct of Training.
a. Facilities.
The rifle grenade instruction course consists of a zero station and four firing stations. The stations are described in appendix C.
b. Conduct.
Each soldier starts the course at station 1 and moves in sequence through the four firing stations. Before running the course, the soldier is given a briefing on the objectives of the course and a demonstration of how the course is conducted. He is given six practice rifle grenades with which to zero his weapon. At each of the four firing stations, he receives two practice rifle grenades. The course is conducted as follows:
(1) Station 1 (zeroing station). The soldier uses the firing position of his choice to engage two direct-fire targets at ranges of 40 meters and 80 meters. He confirms the zero of his weapon by again engaging the same targets and two additional area targets at ranges of 90 and 130 meters.
(2) Station 2. The soldier engages two direct-fire targets at ranges of 40 and 80 meters to test his proficiency in engaging stationary targets at known distances. He again uses the firing position of his choice.
(3) Station 3. The soldier engages two moving targets at unknown distances to further test his direct-fire proficiency. He must use the standing or the kneeling position.
(4) Station 4. The soldier engages two area targets at known distances of 90 and 130 meters. These targets test his ability to fire rifle grenades in the high-angle direct-fire role. He must use the sitting or the kneeling position.
(5) Station 5. The soldier marks his sling at 30°, 45°, and 60° using either of the methods described in paragraph 70. He then engag~s two area targets at unknown ranges. He must use the modified kneeling position.
c. Summary.
Upon completion of the rifle grenade instruction course, the soldier will have fired a total of 14 practice rifle grenades at both point and area targets in order to develop his proficiency with rifle grenades.
CHAPTER 6 - GROUND PYROTECHNIC SIGNALS.
Section I. General.
77. Introduction.
Ground pyrotechnic signals are classified as either hand-held, rifle projected, or ground smoke signals. They constitute a family of signals capable of performing signaling and illuminating missions.
78. Characteristics.
a. Rifle Projected Signals.
Rifle projected ground pyrotechnic signals are similar to rifle grenades in that they are fired from the service rifle. Ground pyrotechnic signals are composed of a fin assembly, a stabilizer tube, and a signal body. Since they are fired almost vertically, grenade sights or firing tables are not required. Ground signals differ from smoke rifle grenades in that ground signals rise to a height of 180 to 215 meters before functioning; smoke rifle grenades function either on impact or shortly after firing.
b. Hand-Held Signals.
Hand-held signals are issued in their own launching mechanism and are designed to reach a minimum height of 200 meters. Included in this group of signals are single-star parachutes, five-star clusters, and and smoke parachutes. The hand-held signals will eventually replace all rifle projected pyrotechnic ground signals and chemical grenades.
c. Ground Smoke Signals.
These signals are self-contained units used by ground troops to signal aircraft or to convey information to each other. The signal consists of a cylindrical smoke pellet, a fuze (thermalite-type ignitacord), an igniter cap, an internal retaining ring, and a striker ring assembled in an aluminum photocan container. Upon functioning, these signals produce a smoke cloud that lasts for a period of 13 to 30 seconds. These signals are designed to replace rifle-projected smoke signals and to supplement the series of hand-held smoke signals.
79. Capabilities and Uses.
a. Communication (signaling).
Effective control of units on the battlefield depends largely on communication. Radio, telephone, voice, messenger, and hand-and-arm signals are means of communication which at times are made ineffective by the tactical situation. Pyrotechnic signals are used in such a situation to supplement or to take the place of the normal means of communication. Pyrotechnic signals are prescribed at command level and are prearranged in accordance with signal operating instructions (SOI's).
b. Illuminating.
The illuminating capabilities of pyrotechnic signals are somewhat limited because of their size. They can be used, however, to light a small area for short periods of time when two or more illuminating signals are used at the same time.
Section II. Rifle projected signals.
80. Star Clusters.
(1, figure 31)
Star clusters are used for signaling and illuminating. They are fired from service rifles in the same manner as rifle grenades. The signals produce a cluster of five freely falling stars.
a. Types:
(1) M18Al and M18A2 .......... white star cluster
(2) M20Al ................. ......... green star cluster
(3) M22AL ........................ amber star cluster
(4) M52Al and M52A2 .......... red star cluster
b. Functioning.
Gases produced when the grenade cartridge is fired launch the signal. The thrust produced by these gases is insufficient to project the signal to the desired altitude; therefore, a propelling charge, which is ignited by flame from the grenade cartridge, is assembled into the base of the signal to provide the necessary additional boost. The flame from the propelling charge ignites a black powder delay train of about 5.5 seconds duration. This delay train burns down to an expelling charge which, when ignited, produces a gaseous pressure at the base of a series of five star cup assemblies. This pressure forces the cup assemblies out of the nose portion of the signal body.
c. Maximum Height.
185 meters (600 feet).
d. Identification.
At the top of the signal body is a steel closure cap embossed with the initials of the type signal (WS for white star, RS for red star, GS for green star, and AS for amber star).
Figure 31. Ground pyrotechnic signals (rifle projected) .
Figure 31-a. Ground pyrotechnic signals (Star parachutes - rifle projected) .
Figure 31-b. Ground pyrotechnic signals (Smoke streamers - rifle projected) .
81. Star Parachutes.
(2, figure 31)
Star parachutes are used for signaling and illuminating. They are fired from service rifles in the same manner as rifle grenades. The signals produce a single parachute-suspended pyrotechnic star.
a. Types:
| 1 | Ml7Al and Ml732 | white star parachute |
| 2 | M19Al and Ml9A2 | Green star parachute |
| 3 | M21A1 | Amber star parachute |
| 4 | M51Al | Red star parachute |
b. Functioning. These signals function in the same manner as star clusters.
c. Maximum Height. 185 meters (600 feet).
d. Identification. At the top of the signal body is a steel closure cap embossed with the initials of the type signal (WP for white parachute, GP for green parachute, AP for amber parachute, and RP for red parachute).
82. Smoke Streamers.
(3, figure 31)
Smoke streamers are used for signaling. They are fired from the standard service rifle in the same manner as rifle grenades. The signals produce a cluster of six freely falling smoke streamer pellets.
a. Types:
| 1 | M62 | Red smoke streamer |
| 2 | M64 | Yellow smoke streamer |
| 3 | M65 | Green smoke streamer |
| 4 | M66 | Violet smoke streamer |
b. Functioning. These signals function in the same manner as star clusters.
c. Maximum Height.
185 meters (600 feet). These signals produce 6 smoke streamers approximately 80 meters (250 feet) long from the signal's maximum height of trajectory. The signals can be seen for eight kilometers (five miles) on a clear day. They will persist for 20 seconds in a wind of 8 kilometers an hour.
d. Identification.
These signals have a one-inch band around the nose end which is the same color as the smoke the signals produce.
Section III. Hand held signals.
83. Star Clusters.
Star clusters are used for signaling and illuminating. They are issued in an expendable launcher which consists of a launching tube and a firing cap (1, 2, 3, and 4, fig. 32). These signals produce a cluster of five freely falling pyrotechnic stars.
a. Types:
| 1 | M125 and Ml25A1 | Green star cluster |
| 2 | M158 | Red star cluster |
| 3 | Ml59 | White star cluster |
b. Operation (figure 33).
Operation of hand-held signals should be as follows: (This will not always agree with the instructions found on the launcher tube.) For more detailed information on safety and precautions, see TM 9-1370-200.
(1) Hold the signal in the left hand, red knurled band down, with the little finger in alinement with the red band.
(2) Withdraw the firing cap from the upper end of the signal.
(3) Point the ejection end of the signal away from the body, and slowly push the firing cap onto the signal until the open end of the cap is alined with the red band.
Figure 32. Ground pyrotechnic signals (hand held) .
(4) Grasp the center of the signal firmly with the left hand, holding the elbow tight against the body, with the signal at the desired trajectory angle and the firing cap at the bottom. Turn the head down and away from the signal to avoid injury to the face and eyes from particles ejected by the small rocket.
(5) Strike the bottom of the cap a sharp blow with the palm of the right hand, keeping the left arm rigid.
Note. Prior to firing the signal, the firer must insure he has overhead clearance.
c. Functioning.
When the firing cap is struck, the firing pin is forced into the base of the launcher tube at the primer. When the primer is struck, the flash from the primer ignites an initiating charge of black powder at the base of the signal. Gases from the burning initiating charge expel the signal from the launcher tube (rocket barrel) with a slight recoil. As the signal is expelled, four flexible steel fins unfold to stabilize the signal during flight. After the signal rises approximately 6 meters, the rocket motor, which was ignited by the propelling gases, begins to burn fully forcing the signal to a height of 200 to 215 meters (650 to 700 feet). At that point, a delay element ignites an ejecting charge which in turn forces the five-star illuminant cluster out of the nose of the signal body.
d. Firing Data.
Star clusters burn 6 to 10 seconds. Their rate of descent is 14 meters (45 feet) per second.
Figure 32-a. Ground pyrotechnic signals (hand held) .
84. Star Parachutes.
Star parachutes are used for signaling and illuminating. They are issued in an expendable launcher which consists of a launching tube and a firing cap. These signals produce a single parachutesuspended illuminant star.
a. Types:
(1) M126 and M126Al.. .... red star parachute
(2) M127 and M127 AL white star parachute
b. Operation. These signals are fired in the same manner as star clusters.
c. Functioning. These signals function in the same manner as star clusters.
d. Firing Data. The M126- and the Ml27-series of star parachutes rise to a height of 200 to 215 meters. The M126 burns for 50 seconds and the M127 burns for 25 seconds. Their average rate of descent is 2.1 meters per second. The signal can be seen for 50 to 58 kilometers (30 to 35 miles) at night. It burns for 30 seconds.
Figure 33. Firing the hand held signal.
85. Smoke Parachutes.
Smoke parachutes are used for signaling only. They are issued in an expendable launcher which consists of a launching tube and a firing cap. These signals produce a single, perforated colored smoke cannister which is parachute-suspended.
a. Types:
(1) M128Al.. .............. green smoke parachute
(2) M129Al.. ......... ......... red smoke parachute
b. Operation.
These signals are fired in the same manner as star clusters.
c. Functioning.
These signals function in the same manner as star clusters.
d. Firing data.
Smoke parachutes rise to a height of 200 to 215 meters. The signals emit smoke for 10 seconds, forming a smoke cloud which persists for 60 seconds. Their rate of descent is 4 meters per second.