Antiarmor Weapons Subcourse IN0546.pdf

ANTIARMOR WEAPONS

Subcourse Number IN0546

Edition B

UNITED STATES ARMY INFANTRY SCHOOL

FORT BENNING, GEORGIA 31905-5593

5 CREDIT HOURS

Edition Date: April 1996

SUBCOURSE OVERVIEW

This subcourse is designed to teach you to identify the characteristics of opposing forces

antiarmor weapons, current opposing forces antitank guided missiles, U.S. antiarmor

weapons, (including TOW 2 mounts and carriers and TOW missile types and markings),

and future antiarmor weapons (both US and opposing forces).

There are no prerequisites for this subcourse.

This subcourse reflects the doctrine that was current at the time it was prepared. In your

own work situation, always refer to the latest publications.

The words "he," "him," "his," and "men," when used in this publication, represent both

the masculine and feminine genders unless otherwise stated.

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Action : You will be able to identify the characteristics of opposing forces antiarmor

weapons, current opposing forces antitank guided missiles, U.S. antiarmor weapons,

(including TOW 2 mounts and carriers and TOW missile types and markings), and future

antiarmor weapons (both US and opposing forces).

Condition : Given the subcourse material contained in this lesson.

Standard : To demonstrate competency of this subcourse, you must achieve a 70 percent

or higher on the subcourse examination.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Subcourse Overview

Lesson 1: Current U.S. Antiarmor Weapons

Part A: Antiarmor Weapons

Part B: TOW/TOW 2 Mounts and Carriers

Part C: TOW/TOW 2 Missile Types and Markings

Practice Exercises

Lesson 2: Current Opposing Forces Antiarmor Weapons

Part A: Antitank Grenade and Rocket Launchers

Part B: Antitank Guns

Part C: Antitank Guided Missiles

Part D: Soviet Tanks in Third World Nations

Practice Exercises

Lesson 3: Future Antiarmor Weapons Strategy

Part A: Future U.S. Antiarmor Weapons Strategy

Part B: Future Opposing Forces Antiarmor Weapons Strategy

Practice Exercise

IN0546 Edition B Examination

Lesson 1

CURRENT U.S. ARMY ANTIARMOR WEAPONS

OVERVIEW

Lesson Description:

In this lesson, you will learn to identify the characteristics of the following current US

Army antitank weapons: the Light Antitank Weapon (LAW); the Dragon Medium

Antitank/Assault Weapon; and the Launcher Cartridge 84-MM, M136 (AT4), HEAT. In

addition, you will learn to identify the characteristics of TOW/TOW 2 mounts and

carriers and TOW/TOW 2 missile types and markings.

Terminal Learning Objective:

Action: Identify the characteristics and components of the following

current U. S. Army antitank weapons: Light Antitank Weapon

(LAW); Dragon Medium Antitank/Assault Weapon; and the

Launcher Cartridge 84-MM, M136 (AT4), HEAT. In

addition, identify the characteristics of TOW/TOW 2 mounts

and carriers and TOW/TOW 2 missile types and markings.

Condition: Given the subcourse material contained in this lesson.

Standard: Identify the characteristics of the Light Antitank Weapon

(LAW); the Dragon Medium Antitank/Assault Weapon; and

the Launcher Cartridge 84-MM, M136 (AT4), HEAT; and

TOW/TOW 2 mounts and carriers and TOW/TOW 2 missile

types and markings.

References: The material contained in this lesson was derived from the

following publications:

FM 23-24

FM 23-25

FM 23-33

FM 23-34

FM 1-402

INTRODUCTION

The United States Army has a number of antiarmor weapons to use against the armored

personnel carriers (wheeled and tracked) and tanks (as well as bunkers and other

fortifications) of opposing forces. These antiarmor weapons include the light antitank

weapon (LAW); the Dragon Medium Antitank/Assault Weapon; and the Launcher and

Cartridge 84-MM, M136 (AT4), HEAT. In addition, the TOW Weapon System is used to

engage enemy armor. This lesson will teach you to identify the characteristics of the

LAW, the Dragon, and the AT4 as well as the characteristics of TOW/TOW 2 mounts

and carriers and TOW/TOW 2 missile types and markings.

PART A - antiarmor WEAPONS

1. M72A2 Light Antitank Weapon (LAW).

The following paragraphs discuss the characteristics of the M72A2 Light Antitank

Weapon (LAW).

a. Background. The LAW (shown in Figure 1-1) is a lightweight, self-contained

antitank weapon consisting of a rocket packed in a launcher. The launcher serves

as a watertight packing container for the rocket and houses a percussion-type

firing mechanism to activate the rocket.

The launcher must be extended to the open position, as shown in Figure 1-2, for

firing. The rocket is fixed inside the launcher and attached to it by the igniter.

The rocket (shown in Figure 1-3) is a percussion-ignited, fin-stabilized, fixed

munition.

The M72A2 rocket has a greater armor penetrating capability than the M72A1

rocket.

The LAW is used as ammunition rather than as an individual weapon. It is carried

and employed by the soldier in addition to his basic weapon. Basic loads of LAW

are assigned to units. Individuals assigned to units authorized a basic load of

LAW should be trained in its use. LAW supplements other organic antitank

weapons. It provides the primary means of antitank protection for the rifle squad

and other units or installations which do not have organic antitank weapons. It

may be used in the offense by assault elements or in the defense by any combat or

other element of the Army.

b. Offensive Capabilities. In the attack, the LAW should be readily available to

influence the action where necessary. Due to its relatively short range, the LAW

should be spread throughout the maneuver element. The LAW is employed

primarily against the armored vehicle. It may also be used against:

 Light vehicles.

 Bunkers.

 Pillboxes.

 Other crew-served weapon positions..

The LAW's light weight and size make it the ideal weapon for armor-killer

operations, ranger operations, and special forces missions.

The night vision sight (AN/PVS-4) (when available) can be attached to the LAW

for operation during periods of reduced visibility or darkness.

c. Defensive Capabilities. LAWs should be positioned laterally and in depth to

cover the most likely avenues of armored approach. Lateral dispersion is

necessary to increase the probability of obtaining oblique fire on enemy armor

approaching the defensive position. Due to its one-shot capability, more than one

LAW should normally be assigned to troops designated to fire it. Since all

riflemen may be given a LAW, consideration must be given to the backblast when

siting and constructing fighting positions.

The LAW can be effectively employed at night by using artificial illumination.

The 40-mm illumination round is good for LAW engagements. Illumination

should be placed above and slightly beyond the target. Night firing is an essential

part of LAW marksmanship training.

2. Launcher and Cartridge 84-MM, M136 (AT4), HEAT.

This paragraph discusses the characteristics of the launcher and cartridge, 84-mm, M136

(AT4), HEAT, or AT4.

a. Characteristics. The AT4 is a lightweight, self-contained antiarmor weapon. It

consists of a free-flight, fin-stabilized cartridge packed in an expendable launcher.

It is man-portable and fired from the right shoulder only. It is issued as a round of

ammunition and requires minimal operator maintenance. The launcher (shown in

Figure 1-4) serves as a watertight packing container for transportation and storage.

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