Anti-Armor Study Guide PDF

**[ANTI ARMOR STUDY GUIDE]** 1\) Be able to identify, the characteristics of the M98A2 Javelin weapon system. - Fire and Forget, Man-Portable, Medium Range, Anti-Tank Weapon - Consists of an M98A2 Command Launch Unit (CLU) and the round - Re-usable portion of the Javelin - Consists of:...

**[ANTI ARMOR STUDY GUIDE]** 1\) Be able to identify, the characteristics of the M98A2 Javelin weapon system. - Fire and Forget, Man-Portable, Medium Range, Anti-Tank Weapon - Consists of an M98A2 Command Launch Unit (CLU) and the round - Re-usable portion of the Javelin - Consists of: - Day and Night sights - Gunner controls - CLU Display Indicators - CLU Built in test - Launch Tube Assembly (LTA) - Battery Cooling Unit (BCU) - Missile - Capable of defeating current and projected armor - Max Range: - 2,500 meters - Min Engagement Range: - Top attack -- 150 meters - Direct attack -- 65 meters 2\) Be able to identify, what parts of the M98A2 Javelin weapon system perform specific functions in the operating the system.  Understand nomenclature and function of key components like: Detector Dewar Cooler (DDC), Night Vision Sight (NVS), Seeker Trigger, Fire Trigger, general butttonology. - [Seeker Trigger]- initiates seeker mode of operation/lock-on after track gate adjustment - [Left Handgrip Controls]- consists of filter switch (FLTR); focus switch (FOC); sight select switch (SGT SEL) - [Fire Trigger]- initiates missile firing sequence - [Right Handgrip Controls]- consists of gate adjust/contrast and brightness (GATE ADJ/CTRS&BRT) switch and attack select (ATTK SEL) switch - [Round Interface Connector]- provides electrical interface; conduit for digital information and seeker image signals - [NVS NOT COOL]- located on left side (top) of display; lights when NVS has not reached operating temperature - [SEEKER MODE]- Located on right side(top)of display; "SEEK" appears After missile activation and CLU in Seeker mode;"MSL CONN" Appears with good CLU/missile connection without Seeker activation; "Missile Not Ready" lights while missile cools down after Seeker activation. - [Attack Mode]- Located on right side (just above center) of display; one of the two indicators will appear designating the missile path to the target; Top Attack is the default setting; Direct attack must be manually selected and should be used in certain engagements. "When in doubt, Direct out!" [CLU Sights] - Day FOV (4x) - WFOV (4x) - NFOV (12x) - Seeker FOV (9x) (from missile) 3\) Be able to identify, the characteristics of the M41A7 Saber weapon system. - The Saber is an easily moved, heavy anti-tank precision fire weapon system designed to engage and defeat armored vehicles and other hard targets such as field fortifications. - The Saber consists of the following subsystems: launch tube, Target Acquisition Subsystem (TAS), Traversing Unit (TU), tripod, Fire Control Subsystem (FCS), Lithium Power Source (LPS), and Position Attitude Determination Subsystem (PADS) - The Saber takes advantage of the features of all TOW missiles. The Saber can operate day or night and in all weather conditions, enabling the operator to see the target through either the day sight or NVS. The system includes PADS to accurately determine the geographic coordinates of the system and the target when used with the Laser Rangefinder (LRF). - It is a tube launched, optically tracked, wire to command link guided missile system (TOW). - Max Effective Range: 3750 m - Min Range: 65m - TOW2B Aero Max Range: 4200m - Min Range: 200m - Direct View Optic magnification - WFOV - 4X - NFOV -- 12X - NVS - 2X, 4X, or 12X - Can be magnified up to 96X with zoom function. - Launch tube and wire clearance (30") - Location of friendly units and supporting units. - Backblast - Utilize max effective ranges to have appropriate stand off from main battle tanks. - Be cautious of minimum engagement range when engaging close targets. - Systems check out must be preformed in order to function properly. - Water (1100m) 4\) Be able to identify, what parts of the M41A7 Saber weapon system perform specific functions in the operating the system.  Understand nomenclature and function of key components like: Standard Advance Dewar Assembly 2 Cooler (SADA2Cooler), Night Vision Sight (NVS), Position Attitude Determination Subsystem (PADS), Fire Control Subsystem (FCS), general butttonology. - PADS requires minimum of 4 satellites for own position and 5 satellites for far enemy position. - FTL capability is provided through use of the PADS on the TAS, and can provide grid coordinates for system position and target position to an accuracy of 60 meter CEP at 6000 meters. - Aided Target Tracking (ATT) improves missile track and increases percentage of both hits (PH) and kills (PK). - TU elevation brake provides the Saber improved stability at launch. - High first--round hit capability against stationary or moving targets. - All components can be carried by the crew to an off-vehicle firing position. - Penetration capabilities in excess of 36 inches of homogenized cold rolled steel. - 5\) Be able to identify the characteristics of the M41A7 Saber ammunition.  To include target the correct target to missile match and missile attack mode. BGM-71C (ITOW) - Fielded in 1981 - Max Range- 3,750 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 65 Meters - Warhead- 4.5 lbs of LX-14 explosive - Max Velocity- 296 m/sec (662 mph) - Weight- 55.7 lbs encased - Improvements - Warhead - Extendable Probe BGM-71D (TOW 2) - Fielded in 1983 - Max Range- 3,750 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 65 Meters - Warhead- 6.9 lbs of LX-14 explosive - Max Velocity- 329 m/sec (736 mph) - Weight- 60.2 lbs encased - Improvements - Thermal Beacon - Warhead - Flight Motor BGM-71E (TOW 2A) - Fielded in 1987 - Max Range- 3,750 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 65 Meters - Warhead- 7.0 lbs of LX-14 explosive - Max Velocity- 311 m/sec (696 mph) - Weight- 63.9 lbs encased - Improvements - Precursor Charge BGM-71F (TOW 2B) - Fielded in 1991 - Max Range- 3,750 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 200 Meters - Warhead- 2 EFP, 5 in. in diameter - Max Velocity- 301 m/sec (673 mph) - Weight- 63.9 lbs encased - Improvements - Fly over shoot down - 2.25 Meters over LOS BGM-71F-3 (TOW 2B Aero) - Fielded in 2004 - Max Range- 4,200 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 200 Meters - Warhead- 2 EFP, 5 in. in diameter - Max Velocity- 301 m/sec (673 mph) - Weight- 63.9 lbs encased - Improvements - Aerodynamic Ogive BGM-71F-6 (TOW 2B Aero GEN II) - Fielded in 2004 - Max Range- 4,200 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 200 Meters - Warhead- 2 EFP, 5 in. in diameter - Max Velocity- 301 m/sec (673 mph) - Weight- 66 lbs encased - Improvements - CAPS BGM-71H (TOW BB) - Fielded in 2005 - Max Range- 3,000 Meters - Min. Arming Distance- 65 Meters - Warhead- 6 lbs PBXN-109 - Weight- 63.5 lbs encased - Improvements - Titanium chisel point nose end - Effectiveness on hard targets **\*MISSION OF ANIT-ARMOR WARFARE** - **Primary mission**. - Destroy enemy armored vehicles, such as tanks, infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), armored personnel carriers (APC), and other support vehicles. - **Secondary mission**. - Provide fire support against point targets such as bunkers and crew-served weapons. 6\) Be able to identify characteristics of a hot/cold position.  How they are used. - Minimize exposure of gunner and weapon system.  How are they are selected.  The advantages provided to the employment of the system. - **Hot Position:** - Good fields of fire. - Accommodates backblast. - One per weapon. - **Cold position:** - Maximum cover. - Defendable. 7\) Be able to identify, capabilities/limitations of anti-armor units.  Understand firing patterns. - Standard techniques for the distribution of anti-armor fires on multiple targets. - Fire Patterns are announced as part of a platoon or section fire command. - Normally used by tank platoons, TOW platoons and Javelin sections. - **FRONTAL** - Most effective against and enemy armor column. - Allows for flank shots and the gunners are not in the general observation area of the armor vehicle crew. - Is least effective against an armor force deployed on line and assaulting directly toward the anti-armor weapons. - **CROSS** - Is used when enemy vehicles are deployed on line and assaulting directly toward the anti-armor weapons. - Cross-fire creates flank shots and oblique shots. - It requires good communication. - **DEPTH** - Is employed when targets are exposed in depth. - One section engages the nearest targets while the other section engages the farthest targets. - As targets are destroyed, fires shift toward the center. - **KILLWINDOW** - Is an exposed area between two covered areas that allows an ATGM gunner sufficient time to engage a target that is moving from on exposed area to another. - Woods - Saddles.  Understand enemy armor vulnerabilities and strengths. - **ACTIVE PROTECTION** - something that is actively emitting or expending something to protect itself, ex: jammers, radar, fragmentation, etc. - **PASSIVE PROTECTION** - any armor that does not react when struck by a munition, ex: cages, nets, spaced armor plates. - **REACTIVE PROTECTION** - Explosive and Non-explosive 8\) Be able to identify, target precedence for anti-armor weapon systems. - **TWO METHODS OF INITIAL ENGAGEMENT** - **[On-Order Fire Control].** - 1 person has control. - You must have good comm. - **[Event-Oriented Fire Control].** - What enemy action or event is to happen before the gunner fires.  What is the most dangerous, dangerous, and least dangerous category of enemy weapons. - **The Most Dangerous Category**. - Denotes an enemy weapon that can engage, is engaging, or is preparing to engage a friendly weapon. - If 2 or more of them are present engage the closest one first. - **The Dangerous Category**. - Signifies an enemy weapon that could engage a friendly weapon but has not seen it yet. - **The Least Dangerous Category**. - Indicates an enemy weapon which cannot engage or is not powerful enough to destroy a friendly weapon. 9\) Be able to identify, characteristics of a firing position. - **Primary position** \-\-- - **Alternate positions** have the same mission but different position. - **Supplementary positions** have both; - a different position, and - a different mission. - **Methods of displacement**. - By unit. - By Echelon.  Understand the mindset of anti-armor positioning. - The concept of the ambush guides anti-armor weapons positioning.  Understand the keys to anti-armor positioning. - There are 5 important things that a position should have: - Cover and Concealment. - Dispersion. - Mutual Support. - Standoff Range. - Flank Shots. 10\) Be able to identify, anti-armor capabilities/limitations in the defense.  Understand the advantages and disadvantages of light, medium, and heavy anti-armor weapons. - **Main Battle Tank (MBT).** - 120mm cannon capable of penetrating front slope of MBT. - Rapid rate of fire (2 rounds in 12 seconds). - Most difficult weapon to suppress. - Lucrative target for air. - Easily identifiable heat signature. - Size restricts positioning in the defense. - **Anti Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM).** - High first round hit. - TOW equipped on different platforms. - Defeat most armor from flanks and top attacks. - Vulnerable to enemy fire. - Slow time of flight. - Slow rate of fire. - Vegetation and terrain limit firing. - **LAV-25 / LAV-25AT.** - TOW capabilities and limitations. - 25mm cannon can penetrate light skinned armor. - Both variants are easily transportable with air - **Light anti-armor weapons.** - Can penetrate T-62 and older. - Highly man portable with limited exposure time. - Limited range puts gunner within range of enemy weapons. - Mk-153 can penetrate 600mm of armor plate. - **Machineguns.** - Can penetrate light skinned vehicles. - 50cal SLAP.75 \@1500m - 40mm HEDP 2in \@2200m - Used to limit enemy visibility and deception. - **Rotary wing aircraft.** - Can penetrate MBT. - Tracking time exposes aircraft. - High mobility, angle of attack. - Time on station is the biggest limiting factor. - **Fixed wing aircraft.** - Vulnerable to enemy anti-aircraft. - SEAD may be a factor. - Better used against unsuspecting armor. - To the rear. - In columns, not assault formations. - **Artillery.** - Only 155mm. - DPICM is better for light skinned armor. - Copperhead requires laser designation. - Enemy counter battery. 11\) Be able to identify, methods of anti-armor engagement.  Understand HAW-MAW-LAW. - Heavy weapons (TOW and Tanks), medium anti-armor weapons (Javelin), and light anti-armor weapons (SMAWS and AT-4s). - It is a concept in which [friendly anti-armor weapons engage enemy targets at their maximum effective ranges]. [This method of engagement is normally employed against large, armored formations.] - **Advantages**. - Friendly weapons engage enemy armor for a longer period of time, normally allowing for more kills forward of the friendly positions. - **Disadvantages**. - Early detection of friendly positions and consequently longer exposure to enemy direct and indirect fire. - Flank shots may be more difficult to obtain at longer range.  Understand Mass Surprise Fires. - Utilizes all anti-armor weapons - enemy force simultaneously. - from the range of the light anti-tank weapons. - Requires the least amount of coordination and preparation. - Is ideal for ambush of individual or small armored units. - **Advantages**. - Initial violent volleys will kill and demoralize many vehicles in a short amount of time - **Disadvantages**. - Must wait to fire until the enemy armor gets well within your desired standoff distances for your heavy anti-armor weapons. - Good chance enemy will bleed into your lines. - **Other factors to consider:** - Terrain - Point of Aim - Positioning to counteract Enemy Arty