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

FM 3-22.1DANGER1.5-SECOND DELAYWHEN FIRING THE TOW, REMEMBER THE1.5-SECOND DELAY, DURING WHICH THE GYROSTABILIZES THE MISSILE.b. The last step in the firing sequence occurs when the TOW or TOW 2 subsystemautomatically cuts the wire 23 seconds after launch. The subsystem also cuts thewire when--• The BC or gunner presses the TOW ABORT switch.• The BC or gunner selects another missile on the TOW control box.• The missile reaches the wire's maximum range.• The BC or gunner resets the weapons control box.• The BC or gunner deselects the TOW weapon system.• The BC or gunner changes magnification (except A3).c. When firing a TOW, the BC or gunner must lay the crosshairs on the center massof the target, fire the missile, and keep the crosshairs on the target during the flight of themissile. This keeps the firer from losing control of the missile. (TM 9-2350-252-10-2,TM 9-2350-284-10-2, TM 9-2350-284-10-2-1, and TM 9-2350-294-10-2-1 providespecific procedures.)d. Before firing any TOW 2-type missiles, the firer ensures that both ISU or IBASballistic doors are open. (TM 9-2350-252-10-2, TM 9-2350-284-10-2, TM 9-2350-284-10-2-1, and TM 9-2350-294-10-2-1 provide more information.)e. Before the BC or gunner fire the TOW, the vehicle must be level or on a slope ofless than 10 degrees. The wings and control surfaces extend as soon as the missile clearsthe launcher. To avoid damaging these surfaces, the end of the launcher needs at least 36inches clearance.f. Between 500 and 900 meters downrange, the missile could fly below the gunner'sline of sight. Therefore, the firer must allow at least 30 inches of clearance between theline of sight and any obstruction. This reduces the chance of the missile hitting theground on its way to the target.g. Some conditions limit the TOW's firing and engagement capabilities andeffectiveness.(1) Firing Over Water. The BC should consider the following when employing theTOW over water:(a) Firing across bodies of water wider than 1,100 meters can reduce the range of theTOW. Signals traveling through the command-link wires short out when a large amountof the wire falls in the water. At ranges less than 1,100 meters, submersion of the wiredoes not affect missile range.2-6