mbin@amsaa-cleo.brl.mil (Mary Binseel) (03/13/91)
From: Mary Binseel <mbin@amsaa-cleo.brl.mil>
As promised, here is a summary of the answers I received on my question
about the M202 Flash flame weapon. (Note: I orginally erroneously referred
to it as the M203 which is, of course, the clip-on grenade launcher for the
M16.) Thanks in particular to Brad Graper for general info, Don Newcomb for
a list of references, and James Krok, for sending me an excerpt from the
appropriate field manual. I have excerpted from James' message below, which
gives an excellent summary of the weaopon.
********
...the following is from FM 20-33, Combat Flame Operations. The date on the
manual is July 1970... [this thing has been around since at least the late
60's.]
5-7 Description and Characteristics
a. Description. The M202 rocket launcher is a lightweight four-tube
shoulder-fired weapon that fires M74 rockets from the M74 rocket clip. The
rocket clip is preloaded with four rounds. Each warhead contains approximately
1.3 pounds of a thickened pyrophoric flame agent. Each round arms upon
acceleration and detonates upon impact. A graze impact fuse initiates the
detonator and detonating cord of the warhead. See TM 3-1055-218-12 for
additional information on the M202 rocket launcher.
b. Characteristics
[specs deleted]
5-8 Capabilities and limitations
This rocket launcher is capable of firing one to four rounds semi-
automatically at the rate of one round per second. The arming distance of the
round is 5.5 to 13 meters of rocket travel. The launcher can be reloaded
with a new rocket clip and prepared for firing in less than a minute. The
weapon can be fired from a prone, sitting, kneeling, or standing position.
The launcher is safe to carry loaded with a full or partially fired clip.
A clear field of fire to the target is required, since any obstruction
between the weapon and the target may cause the fuze to function. The safety
requirements pertaining to the backblast of the launcher may restrict use of
the weapon under certain conditions. The rear danger zone is 40 meters; the
minimum safe range is approximately 20 meters.
5-9 Targets
The following are some of the targets suitable for attack by the M202
rocket launcher:
a. Pillboxes, bunkers, covered foxholes, and fortifications with small gun
ports.
b. Personnel in open foxholes, trenches, or built-up areas.
c. Open ports, hatches, and engine air intakes of armoured vehicles.
d. Unarmoured vehicles (occupied or unoccupied).
e. Combustible supplies, ammunition, and materiel.
f. Sampans and similar watercraft.
***********
Th weapon is apparently still in the inventory (CPT Paul Damian, INF) but
out of production (Brad Graper.)
Thanks to all who replied.