TM 9-395a 4-5 Inch Rocket Material

7/28/2019 TM 9-395a 4-5 Inch Rocket Material

1/12

c. . t*I#;. I!. .a..i..*;.

IIp. I: ,%. . 9.:g

/

. *

.

:

. :1

4. ,.: .

I . -TM !M% .

WAR DEPARTMENTTECHNICAL MqNUAL

13 SEPTEMIIER 1943 . . -.

-.


2/12

*RE$TRtCTED

4.5 ROCKET MATERELPrepared md+r the direction

sf the Chief of Ordnaw

CONTENTSPampBpkc

Introduction . . , , , , . , , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . I, Gencwl . . . , I , . , , . . , . . , , , , . , . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

J&si$ption .I. . . . I, I,..,. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3PrqeJJing charge - btNCtirXld BS to alternate .loadiq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . .. .I,.. I. .t. II..Igniler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . , . . . . I. .#I IFuee ,,a. ,a . a ..a.. .................................................... .,Description of leuficber , .............................. .............Installation of Iaunchet I. Ii.. ................... ..................huii~~g of launcher . , ,.I a. .Rocket firing mccbanisrn .I . . . . . . . . . . . . * . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,Tube heater .,. ,,. .I. .I, III . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Packing and storage of rockets . . . ,Special prec:eutions . II.,.. . ..,,

45fri7B9

101112.I3

Pebgrr22

2-9 4

4-566

G-779 8S-9

IO1Q10

10-11


3/12

TM 9=395l-34.5 ROCKET MATERIEL

1, . IKTRODCCTION.a, The frjlkoting is directed to personnel charged with use of 4,$

rocket materiel.b. This mersuai deeeribea and conbins ktructions on Rocket, HJL,4.5, M8, w/Fuzt; rocket, PD,, M4, and Racket, practice, 4.5, M9,

w/Fuze, rocket, dummy, M4, when fired from Launcher, rocket, 4,Sr,3-tub?, AC., T30.2. GKVER4L.

a. The 4.5 rocket, like all other rockets, has its limitations on ec-cwacy, range, vdoCity and tenaperature cmditibns. It is 63piece of artil-lery ammunition which ise &mpl&e gun in itself, requiting only astraight length of tube with a suitable firing mechnnim for B launcheraThe Rocket, I -I,&, 4a5, MS, is 8 finned, narotsting projectile, weighingapproximately 38.4 pounds. It has aa explosive and destructive effect&Glat to a HSmm howitzer EKE. ahell. The propelling charge, asiissued in the racket, is correct fnr law temperature operlation. Thecharge muet be adjwted for higher temperatures The approximatemuzzle v&city af the rocket is 850 feet per second and the maximumrange ig approximately 4,600 yards. The fuze ured with the rocket ispacked separat4y. The Racket, practice, 4.Sn, M9, is used itor trail+in aiming and firing. It is loaded with the standard propel+! chargeand the shell is loaded with inert material,3, UGS


4/12


5/12

4.5 ROCKET MATERIEL

g. Shell. The shdl includes 4 bwster tube which project8 into thecenter of the rock& body. The shell and bwster tube are filled withapproximately 4.3 pound of TNT, The purpose of the burster tub kto Pumisli an HE, charge which kill shsttm the body into fragmentsafter the fuze functions.h, Shell Plug. The round is a)sipped with P shell plug assembled in the noee of the z&elf.Thisrplug serves to keep the interior of the fuzs

cavjty clean eflcl dry u.ntiI the time for emplofiag the rowd,4. . PROPFLTJNG CK4.RGE - IIYWRILJCTIONS $ TO ALTER-

NATE LOADING.a, The Rocket, HE., 4.S, M8, nnd Rock, Practicle, 4.$, M9, are

p&ed cantairiing the &andard propelling chsqe (for low &rnpaa-tares) of 30 stkk, adjuzted accotditlg to pbwder Jota, The prepmratimof the raundo for the high temperature (alternate} propelling chargeis the responsibility of the Air Base Ordnance Officer.k To provide rocket with high temperature (alterwte) prop&qcharge:


6/12

4,5 ROCKET MATERIEC

IINSERT. WD TURM

(3) Lift powder trap with its powder out of the rdset bdy. Becareful nbt tcx mb the igniter bag against the wall of thle rocket bodyas the trap a=mbly is raised.

(4) Remove tape holding trap wires iti place against trap plate.(5) Fush tmp wires outiard from the trap pJst$: and lift off thethtee marked stkks of powder from the trap wires.(6) Return trap wires to slots in trap plate tid replccc tape tohold tr3p witea in pl8cc,(7) Carefully lower modified powder tiap esembly into ple~+~ n

the rocket body. Care should & tiken to see that the powder bsgs aticm the outside uf the propellent powder sticka tied are nat damaged bythe rocW body when the trap assembly is lowered in place,

(8) Apply dope to threads of shell and screw shell to the tuck&body, uting strap wrenchesto insure tight joint,(9 > Merk the w&et body to indicate the change.NOIZ: If the rocket propelling charge has lxbn modified to the hightemperature charge (27 sticker) it should not be changed to the 10~

t+mpwature charge (30 sticks) u&m the original 3 sticks of powderrema+& can be positively ibmtifbd. This is mandatory ahe theweight of the ihditidual sticks of powder vary with the wader lot adhave bleen adjusted for eerch m&t.


7/12

4.5 ROCKETMATERIEL5, lGwwx,8. The combination Ixruxassion-electric type igniter is shown infigure 3. The igniter contab black pow&r with an electric SqMb for&dricnl fir+ Electtic firing is used fw ignitiatr of the rocket whenfired from the LBunchm, rocket, 4.5, STube, AC, T30. The mket8are iSWed with the igniter in $&e and it should not be rmbV+Xf fromthe rocket body. However, csb&ld it accidentally slip loo* or fall out itshould & prelea~I back into place, using pressure from the thumb3 CJ~each side. It may be necessary to mwrnent the igtritm in place.6. WZE.I, The fuze for the Rocket, HE, 4.5, Ma, is packed aepmttely.The Fuze, rocket, PD, N14, is wed with Boostter, auxiliary, ]Ml for Fuzt,

I rc&et, PD., M4,

:p. !.

11. The P.D. M4 Fuz:e is a combinetion supmquick&lay type.$be delay is 0.015 seixnds, The fuze czatrbe set for delay cmstipmquickby turning the screw in the fslzc so that the in&n&m lines up &sidethe delriredde$gnatian. The total weight with booster is approximfl&ly3 pounds. To insure safe handling the striker is set below flush, withinthe fute heed, and is supported by a shear wire of 100 pounds &ear. strength. In the event of mzidentai primer ignith, the powder train .interrupter prevents further detonation of lexploeive elemedt~ Thesafety pin must be removed before firing. A focward kceleration of16% of tiwt duration.is required to initiate the arming mechanierm.After the mechariism is eet back iri rear pas&n, the atming pin cannot ,release the powder train interrupter until xc&ration isreduced at theend of rocket prop&ion which is 75 feet or mare tcm the lautil~~

ti. The F&e, tczket, dummy, Me, i!~ ssued separately for use withthe Rocket, practice, 4.5, M9. I t cc&sta of I ca8t iron body havingthe outer contour of the M4 FUW,

.

d. To fuze the rocket;( 1) LOOW~ et xr+zw.(2) Remove shell pl.ug. .(3) Inr;srt Booster, auxiliary, Ml, Iot FULC, rocket, PD, M4, into

can that forms the ftize cavity.(4) Scrtfw the Fute, rocket, P,D, M4, into the &I1 and tighten

with spanner wrench.(5) Tighten the set screw,

17; DESCRIMION OF LAIJMHER..

8. The md view of the Launchw, raclcet, 4.5, Uube, AC, T30, irahawn in figurb 4. That prcwnt status af this launcher i# t4required type,developrner*lt type, service test type. The launcher is mounted under-neath the wing of a fighter plea, one cIust=r of three tub gn each

4


8/12

4.5 ROCKET MATERIEL

:p. f

side, The tubes #r-e nmoximatcly 4!j-iG inches internal diameter nndcrre made of a plastic material. The length uf the tubes is 10 feet andthe total weight of each cluttr is approximately SO purtrrds, A specialrelease, to drop the tubes after the niission has bun accompli8hcd, isincorpurated and may be used if desired. Steel tube ~luslx~s wiil beissued for training and possible combat use. These clusters are not beingissued at the present time.8, IKWAI ,l,.41J0N O)( a.4 JKCIIER.L. The responGbility for the installAm of the Launckr, rocket,Stube, 4.5:, AC, T30, rests with the Armament Section, AircraftSquadron. The 3-tube clusters, electrical cwtact mnst rocket reiningmechaninm end al1 parts up to the wing strut, except the tub heater,are procured and issued by the Ordnnnce Department. The Air corpsi.~ respondblc for the procurement and iswe of the electrical Wirin&RrIng selector box, electriccrf &tchq tube heatera*etc., and 011 CQWWZ-ti& beyond the wing strut. The rnaintenenm of the lnunchem theirCmtacts and ekctrkal connections and tube haters is the responsibilityof the Air Corps pe~nnel.


9/12

0-P4.5 ROCKET MATERIEL .

bi. Provisictn is made on the instsllation for hnmonization mb ele-ration of the j-tube cluster. Ballistic data for this harmokzation nndlevhm will be issued under sepwate cover by the Anby Air Fnnres,

C. Pass a rocket through each tube, tail first,after irkallrrticm of thelatrclcher, rocket, 3-tube, 4.5, A.C., T30. The holding strap must not beightened w that it will change the shape of the tube.I L4MKmG OY LXUFICIIRH,

4. Check the electrical &&it to irtsure that it is open and that thelaster switch in the plane is in its OFF pa&on.h. Check the electrical clantact arm9 to see that they are in proper

*rating cdfidition and that the apting hacr not come locl9e. Place tIwmtact arms in open positiorx as shown in figure 4. Check the r&G&glerhenim to see that the slot hag not beveled O&f. If tbe Futo, rwket, PD., M4, is used, be sure to remove the safety

in before inserting the rocket in the launchw.A With the 60 r&imr in place insert the round into one of theI& in tbe c&&r. No special sequence of londitrg the tubes is nece~-uy. Do not stand to the raw of .tbe tubea wbilc loading or whenxkets em in the tuba


10/12

4.5 *ROCK ET MATERIEL

e. Lock the rocket in pIa&! with the retaining mechanism, makingwe the rocket flange ia held securely.

f. Remove the fin rvztairser,8a Check the electrical contact arms, one at a time, to see that

proper contact ie made and return them to opecl petition. .h. Load the other tubes ~lllabove..L.# . * Snap the electrical contact arms into plecc. The* arc held by~sprisgf ENSndicated iti figure 5. Make sure that sufficient pressure ismaintained fw the proper contact

t .j, TWII the master switch to the ON position (fig. 6).NOr*e: If any of the rockets are not fired during the mission theywill be removed from the hurxher as folbws:( 1) Open. electric contacts.(2) RepIsce h retainer.(3) Disengage retainer mechanism,(4) Withdraw rocket with B twbting motion, holding OII to thetail flange.(5) Reinsert safety pin in fuze.

* (6) Unfuze rockti and -turn components to origizlal packing.(7 ) Rewal psrckicrgs,9


11/12

4.5 ROCKET MATE.RtEL10. ROCK tiT FWING MECI1AKIY3k

a, The firing selector box is shown in figure 6. The rocklets may.hefired in xquetlce or the entire group of six iimd at intervals of I/i+-,second. The trigger for firing is Jocatedon the joy stick bf the plane.When firing in sequence, rhe s&ctgr box automatically nrtlects the nextmket for Mpg.

NOTE: The: &ctrical contact atmS are quite often badly damaged .or blown off when the rocket is fired. These can easily be replaced CMrqAred and sparw are provided.11. TUBE HE.4T1E;Rp

a. It iir mticipated that tube h&ts will be issued, If SO,appropri-ate instructions will be issued. .12. P-4CKING AND STDR4I:E OF ROCKETS.

a. Yrrckin g-(I) The practice and H.E. rockets are packet! pnfwed, one in a

fiber container (M97) 575 A inches diameter by 32 inches lcmg. Two of.those conteinerc; ME packed in a wden packing box approximately36 by 13%t by 13 a mhea The totei weight is approximatelp 90pouixls. The weight of one container and rocket is 39.5 pound& Rocketsare pcked with propelIirsg chavgeg =t for 20 F to 90 F range.(2) 0~ Fuse, rocket, P.D, M4: and B&er, auxiliary, M1;are .

pa&&d in P fiber container (M106) 3 l;;6 inch*8 diamctcr @y 8%inches long. Fifteen 01 th~le containers art packed h a wooden packingbox 22x4 by 121+& by 10 a d 6 inches. The total weight is epproxi-mutely 72.5 pounds. The weight of one container is approximately3% pounds.

(3 Itodcets which have been- unpacked but not fired &ould b,o&turned to their original contsjner and ~~44. If a change has beenmade in the original propelling charge, the rockets should be markedso that they may be properly identified.

h. Storrrga The rackets mud be stored in a dry, cool place. Theymust trot he expobed tb the direct rays of the 8UlL13, SPECLAL PRECAI...ONS,

B. No prmnel shall ever be permitted tostand directly in backof the launcher tube when the launcher is laded While i~~rerting therQck& 4Lwayg stand to one sideof the launcher tube, The blast of them&et gases is et a very high temperature and pressure at@ can museinjury up tola distance of 75 feet behind the hmcher.

b. When preparing the rocket for the hi& temperature {alternate)charge, always exe&i= care that th+ black powder bags a~ not rubbtiagainst the roclret body.

.


12/12

43 ROCKET tiA7ERCELit. When assembling the rocket be tiure tbt the threads have beendoped and that 8 tight joint is made using the strap wrenches, ad that

the threads are not cmcssed.~1, Bdae lmdkg the rocket always make sure the firing CircuitiS mn.

After 1omIirrg he rcdwt in the ltiuachw he pure tu ~WNW~ 0~finkining ring 90 it will not irstmfe= with the &ctri~~I c~ntati~.

f. When using the l?Lm, rocket, PD, M4, make sure the safety pinis ~emovy~I befoe loading.iz- Chwk the electrical firing cimujl fmpently to see that it is inpropet otdet.k. L I .s~~ that the tack& me not fired outside their Limiting

temperatures..1+ The rcckets must always be stared in EL ry, cool ptca and theymust not be exposed to the dim%% try~of the sun.je If a rocket has been prepmred for the high temperature (alter-

nate) lading, rqatk the ;ksaund o that it may be properl-ty identified.I: A,G. 3UO.? (15 Sep 43)CI.0. 461/2444 R, (13 Sep 43) I

DISTRIBUTION : XI(For expkmatim of symbols, M FM 2 l-6.)

RCIPPnJANW 1oMR

Documents

TM 9-395a 4-5 Inch Rocket Material