TM 3-1040-220-12&P
Valve (8, fig. 2-1). Verify that both of the dial indicating
pressure gages indicate their correct operating
CAUTION
pressures. 1,900-2,100 psi and 45-55 psi respectively.
Operation of the disperser while the
Check that the quick release pin (1) is holding the
helicopter is hovering or flying at speeds
handle(3) locked. Open the lever plug valve (4) to admit
less than lift speed may result in
air pressure into the agent container.
contamination of the helicopter due to
c. Releasing Agent.
circulation of the agent in the rotor wash.
(1) Helicopter mounted operation. At area where
the agent is to be released, remove the quick release
pin. Open the ball valve to start the agent dispersing.
When the target has been covered, close the ball valve.
(Or if the agent is all gone, close the ball valve. Or when
the mission is completed, close the ball valve). Install
the quick release pin through the lock stop plate and the
lock plate.
(2) Vehicle mounted operation. While enroute to the
target area, remove the quick release pin (1, fig. 2-1).
Open the ball valve to allow agent to fill up to the M9 gun
rubber tube constriction. To disperse the agent, the
operator must squeeze the gun trigger as required.
When the mission is completed, close the ball valve.
Install the quick release pin through the lock stop plate
and the lock plate. Any pressure and agent trapped
between the closed ball valve and the M9 gun should be
released
Figure 2-2. Helicopter operational dispersal distance
WARNING
If the trigger spring in the M9 gun breaks
e. Dispersion From Vehicle.
during operation, push and hold the
For maximum effort, the agent should be released from
trigger in the forward position to stop the
the vehicle while the vehicle is traveling across the wind
flow of agent. If conditions warrant,
at approximately 10 miles per hour. The disperser
resume firing. Pull the trigger back to
operator can sit, stand, or kneel at the rear of the vehicle
continue firing. Otherwise, to stop the
to operate the gun. The maximum range of the gun,
complete flow of agent, push the trigger
which is 40 feet in still air.
must be taken into
forward and engage the trigger safety in
consideration when determining disposal distance from
the safety catch; close the ball valve;
the target area. Never fire the M9 gun into the wind.
install the quick release pin; and close
Under normal conditions, increasing the speed of the
the lever plug valve and the globe valve.
vehicle will lessen the density (if the agent cloud, hence
d. Dispersion From Helicopter. For maximum effect, the
the effectiveness. If the agent which flows to the target.
agent should be released from an altitude of 75 to 100
Conversely. decreasing the speed will increase the
feet while the helicopter is traveling across the wind at 40
agent density on the target.
to 50 miles per hour indicated airspeed. Figure 2-2 can
be used initially to deter-mine the distance upwind from
2-6. Stopping
the target that the agent should be released.
Subsequently, the helicopter can pass nearer to or
a. Removal Procedures.
farther from the target to make certain the agent falls
(1) When the mission is completed, close the ball
where desired. In general, increasing the speed or
valve. Install the quick release pin.
altitude of the aircraft will lessen the density and
(2) Notify organizational maintenance personnel to
effectiveness of the agent which falls on the target.
remove the used, contaminated disperser from the
However, the helicopter should not fly lower that 75 feet,
vehicle to the helicopter.
to prevent the agent from being blown into the helicopter
(3) Plug the corrugated hose open end using a
by the deflected rotor blast.
piece of friction tape or a piece of waste stuffed in the
opening before organizational maintenance personnel
removes the disperser from the helicopter.
(4) Park the helicopter or the vehicle downwind to
other equipment and personnel. The operator and
2-5
