2.36-inch rocket launchers M9, M9A1, and M18

a. This manual is published for the information of the using arms and services. It also contains information for ordnance maintenance personnel. It contains information required for the identification, maintenance, use, and care of the 2.36-inch rocket launchers M9, M9A1, and M18, and the accessories and ammunition used therewith. b. In all cases where the nature of repair, modification, or adjustment is beyond the scope or facilities of the unit, the responsible ordnance service should be informed so that trained personnel with suitable tools and equipment may be provided, or proper instructions issued. a. Field report of accidents. When an accident involving ammunition occurs during practice, the incident will be reported as prescribed in AR 750-10 by the ordnance officer under whose supervision the ammunition is maintained or issued. Where practicable, reports covering malfunction of ammunition in combat will be made to the Chief of Ordnance, giving the type of malfunction, type of ammunition, the lot number of the complete rounds or separate-loading components, and conditions under which fired. b. Unsatisfactory equipment report. Suggestions for improvement in design, maintenance, safety, and efficiency of operation prompted by chronic failure or malfunction of the weapon, spare parts, or equipment should be reported on WD AGO Form No. 468, Unsatisfactory Equipment Report, with all pertinent information necessary to initiate corrective action. The report should be forwarded to the Office, Chief of Ordnance, Field Service, Maintenance 2.36-inch Rocket Launchers M9, M9A1, and M18 Division, through command channels in accordance with instruction No. 7 on the form. If WD AGO Form No. 468 is not available, refer to TM 37-250 for list of data on unsatisfactory equipment report. Such suggestions are encouraged in order that other organizations may benefit. (1) The 2.36-inch rocket launchers M9, M9A1, and M18 (figs. 1 to 4) are electrically operated weapons of the open-tube type. They are fired from the shoulder in the standing, kneeling, sitting, or prone positions. These launchers are two-piece units and are normally carried as such. When assembled, they form a 61-inch launcher for launching 2.36-inch smoke rockets, and high-explosive rockets, against tanks, armored vehicles, pill boxes, and emplacements, and also against personnel. (2) They have a magneto-type firing device in the grip to provide current for igniting the rockets. Each launcher is issued with an optical-type reflecting sight or a horizontal folding bar sight. The gun sling Ml (fig. 4) is issued as an accessory for carrying the launcher. b. Differences in models. (1) The launcher M9 (fig. 1) corresponds exactly to the launcher M9A1 (fig. 2) with the exception of a difference in the barrel coupling. The launcher M18 (fig. 3) is made of aluminum alloy and some parts are attached to the tube by screws but, in most respects, it corresponds exactly to the launcher M9A1. The sight bracket (fig. 8), breech guard (fig. 5), and shoulder stock (fig. 3) are of different design from the same components of the launcher M9A1. (2) The differences in models do not affect troop use or care. 2.36-inch Rocket Launchers M9, M9A1, and Ml Figure 3 — 2.36-inch Rocket Launcher Ml 8 With Reflecting Sight — Left Side View 236-inch Rocket Launchers M9, M9A1, and M18 Figure 5 — Breech Guard Ml 8 Launcher Figure 6 — Model Number — Location of 4. IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION. Model numbers are stamped on the rear end of the front barrel, and on the front end of the rear barrel (fig. 6).

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