2003 US Army BRADLEY GUNNERY 503p.pdf - Survival Books

FM 3-22.1 (23-1)CHAPTER 2Weapons and AmmunitionTo employ the Bradley effectively, soldiers must know not only itsvehicular systems, but also its weapon systems, ammunitions, and theircapabilities.Section I. WEAPON SYSTEMSThe BFV's five weapon systems include the 25-mm automatic gun, the 7.62-mm coaxialmachine gun, the tube-launched, optically tracked, wire-guided (TOW or Stinger)missile-launcher system, the 5.56-mm firing port weapons (infantry vehicle only), andtwo smoke-grenade launchers (Appendix A).2-1. M242 25-MM AUTOMATIC GUNThe Bradley's main armament is the M242 25-mm, fully automatic, externally poweredgun (Figure 2-1, page 2-2). It can destroy lightly armored vehicles and aerial targets suchas helicopters and slow-flying aircraft. It can also suppress enemy positions such astroops in the open, dug-in positions, and built-up areas. (Vehicle TMs 9-2350-284-10-2,9-2350-284-20-2-1, and 9-2350-294-10-2-1 provide more operator information.)a. Dual-Feed System. A dual-feed system uses sprockets and extractor grooves tocontrol rounds (Figure 2-2, page 2-2). A system of clutches allows either sprocket toengage and feed either an AP or HE cartridge. One ammunition box holds 70 rounds, andthe other holds 230 rounds. Each box can hold either AP- or HE-type ammunition. Asingle 1.5-horsepower DC motor externally powers the 25-mm. The enhanced gun uses a1.0-horsepower DC motor. For all 25-mm guns, unit maintenance replaces inoperable1.5-horsepower DC motors with the newer 1.0-horsepower DC motors. The gunner canchoose from three rates of fire:(1) Single Shot. The commander or gunner can shoot about as fast as he cansqueeze the trigger.(2) Low Rate. The commander or gunner can shoot 100 rounds a minute, plus orminus 25 rounds.(3) High Rate. The commander or gunner can shoot 200 rounds a minute, plus orminus 25 rounds.DANGERPREFIRE CHECK -- 25-MM GUNBEFORE FIRING THE 25-MM GUN, THE GUNNER MUSTCHECK THE GUN COVER FOR SERVICEABILITY, ZIP ITUP, AND ENSURE THE TURRET VENTILATION SYSTEMIS OPERATIONAL TO PREVENT POISONOUS GAS FROMLEAKING INTO THE TURRET. FIRING ROUNDS CAUSESTHE GUNPOWDER TO PRODUCE THIS GAS.2-1