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Weapons Familiarization. M136 (M287) AT4 Rocket Launcher Ref: FM 3-23.25 STP 21-1-SMCT . Description. Lightweight Self-contained Anti-armor weapon Free-flight Fin-stabilized Rocket-type cartridge Man-portable Fire from right shoulder only Employed in limited visibility.
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Weapons Familiarization M136 (M287) AT4 Rocket Launcher Ref: FM 3-23.25 STP 21-1-SMCT
Description • Lightweight • Self-contained • Anti-armor weapon • Free-flight • Fin-stabilized • Rocket-type cartridge • Man-portable • Fire from right shoulder only • Employed in limited visibility
Technical Data • Launcher • Length 40 inches • Weight 14.8 pounds • Rocket • Caliber 84mm • Length 18 inches • Weight 4 pounds • Maximum Range • 2,100m (6,890 ft) • Maximum Effective Range • 300m (985 ft)
Components • Fire-through muzzle cover • Front sight • Color-coded band • Forward safety • Rear sight • Red trigger button • Cocking lever • Shoulder stop • Transport safety pin • Rear seal • Venturi (inside) • Carrying sling
Ammunition • Round ammo • Integral rocket type cartridge • Cartridge consist of: • Fin assembly with tracer element • Point-initiating • Base-detonating • Piezoelectric fuse • Warhead body with liner • Precision shaped explosive charge
Excellent penetration ability Lethal after-armor effects Extremely destructive Penetrates more than 14 inches of armor Color-coding: Black with yellow – HE anti-armor round Gold or yellow – field handling trainer No band – M287 9mm tracer bullet trainer Ammunition cont’
Inspection • M136 is issued as a round of ammunition rather than as a weapon • Should be inspected at the time of issue and before use
Inspection cont’ • Rear seal is in place and undamaged • Transport safety pin is in place and fully inserted • Cocking lever is present and in the SAFE position • Plastic fire-through muzzle cover is in place and undamaged • Launcher has the correct color-coded band • Sights function properly • Forward safety does not move when you depress it • Red trigger button is not missing • Launcher body has no cracks, dents, or bulges • Carrying sling is not frayed and is attached firmly to the launch tube • Shoulder stop is not broken or damaged, and it unsnaps and folds down
Operation and Function • Mechanism is mechanical • Consist of: • Red trigger button • Enclosed firing rod and spring • Three safety devices • Transport safety pin • Cocking lever • Forward safety
Operation and Function cont’ • The weapon cannot be fired until all three safeties have been disengaged • Transport safety pin – blocks the firing pin from striking the cartridge percussion cap • Cocking lever – attached to the firing rod, is in the SAFE position, the firing rod and the trigger cannot touch • Forward safety – blocks the firing rod from striking the firing pin
Operation and Function cont’ • Remove AT4 from its carrying position and cradle it in your left arm • Pull and release the transport safety pin • Unsnap, unfold, and hold the shoulder stop • Place the launcher on your right shoulder and stabilized it by grasping the sling near the launcher’s muzzle • Open the sights • Set rear sight for the correct range to the target • Check back-blast area before cock the launcher, unfold the cocking lever • Hold the forward safety down while you fire
Restoration to Carrying Configuration • If the launcher is prepared to fire, but then is not fire: • Release the forward safety • Push forward and to left on the cocking lever • Move the launcher from shoulder, ensuring muzzle is pointed in the direction of fire • With the launcher cradled, replace the transport safety pin until it is fully seated in the retainer hole • Lay down the sights and close their covers • Snap the shoulder stop into the closed position • Sling the launcher and move to another location
AT4 Subcaliber Tracer Trainer • M287 is used in place on the AT4 in training • Uses the 9mm (M939) training practice tracer cartridge • The velocity and trajectory match that the AT4’s HEAT cartridge • M287 produces less: • Noise • Backblast • Overpressure