APPENDIX A

 

                                 HELICOPTER DOOR GUNNERY

 

This appendix contains the tactics, techniques, and procedures required for training and employing door gunners for utility and cargo helicopters.

 

 

                                      Section I.  Door Gunnery Training Strategy

 

 

A-1.        DOOR GUNNERY OVERVIEW

 

MISSION.  Utility and cargo helicopter units should conduct annu­al live-fire door gunnery qualification according to this appendix on range facilities where target hits can be objective­ly scored.

 

a.      Door gunners on utility and cargo helicopters are con­cerned with threats to the helicopter and crew on board, whether the helicopter is in the air or on the ground.  Door gunners must be able to acquire and engage a wide variety of targets from many differ­ent flight profiles.  Evalua­tion of door gunners includes a time standard to acquire, engage, and hit the target.

 

b.      Door gunners are normally helicopter crew chiefs or repairmen.  They may also be soldiers from within or outside the unit.  Crew coordination is critical between the door gunners and the helicopter's pilots.  The door gunners and pilots main­tain communication and work as a team to safety operate the aircraft, and to acquire and engage targets as required by the tactical situation.  

 

c.      The door gunner's primary weapon is the 7.62mm M60D machine gun.  The M60D is a direct fire weapon system.  The configuration of the M60D is similar for all cargo and utility helicopters and differs mainly in the helicop­ter gun mount and auxiliary equipment.

 

A-2.        DOOR GUNNER DUTIES

 

a.      Door gunners provide direct fire as protection for the aircraft and crew.  To effectively employ their weapon, door gunners must:

 

•      Thoroughly understand weapon system's functional charac­teristics and operation, as well as its capabili­ties and limita­tions.

 

•      Have a thorough knowledge of tactical helicopter employ­ment.

 

 

•      Be prepared to act independently, based on the threat, and engage targets without a specific command from the pilot or copilot.

 

•      Act as observers to assist the pilot and copilot in "seeing the environment" in  which the aircraft is operating, either in training or combat. 

 

b.      The door gunner will perform the inspections of their weapons and weapon subsystem(s) on the aircraft unless speci­fied other­wise by unit SOP or directives. 

 

(1)      The door gunner will perform operator level mainte­nance on the aircraft weapon system.  The door gunner is respon­sible for ensuring that the correct type and amount of clean and service­able ammunition is on board the aircraft for the mission.

 

(2)      The door gunner will normally assist in the daily inspec­tion, preflight, postflight and other mainte­nance opera­tions involved with the aircraft.  Additional duties and/or aviation specific duties required of the door gunner (not crew chief) should be specified by the unit SOP.

 

c.      Door gunners must act as integral crewmembers to help the pilot and copilot operate the aircraft safely and effectively within the mission envelope.

 

(1)      During flight and ground operations, door gunners will maintain a watch for hazards and obstructions to flight.  These obstructions may vary from high tension wires and other aircraft along the flight path to obstacles such as tree stumps in the landing zone or dunnage in the FARP.

 

(2)      Reporting potential or actual targets to the pi­lot/copilot is a specified task of the door gunner.  From the gunner’s side of the aircraft, the primary observation sector is normally 60 degrees off the nose of the helicopter all the way to the rear. 

 

(3)      During both combat operations and training, door gunners must maintain situational awareness.  They must know the location of friendly troops, the location of other aircraft in their formation (including escorting attack helicopters), and the classi­fication and location of the target(s) to be engaged.  A door gunner may also be required to mark a ground location with smoke grenades or tracers.

 

(4)      The unit SOP should have procedures for crews to follow during an emergency landing.  The door gunners must know the procedures for removing weapons, electronic equipment (radi­os, COMSEC devices), or other sensitive equipment or items (such as maps and SOIs) from the helicopter.  The gunner must know how to destroy or assist in the destruction of sensitive equipment, if necessary, to prevent capture.   

 

 

A-3.        DOOR GUNNER TRAINING PROGRAM

 

This program is progressive and has training gates similar to the gates found in the attack helicopter qualification program.  The purpose of this training program is to give the door gunner the skills necessary to perform door gunner duties in a crew.  The training program consists of 10 training tables.  These tables progress in numerical order from individual marksmanship training to multiship live-fire.  The training tables support the comm­ander's METL and the unit's MTP.  The door gunnery training tables are as follows:

 

a.      Basic Gunnery.  Tables I-IV are the initial M60 ground qualification.

 

•      Table I - 10 meter practice fire.

 

•      Table II - 10 meter record fire.

 

•      Table III - Transition practice fire.

 

•      Table IV - Transition record fire.

 

(1)      Tables I-IV qualify the door gunner on the ground M60 machine gun according to FM 23-67.  The philosophy of ground qualification is to instill confidence in the door gunner and also in the soldiers transported in the helicop­ter.  Soldiers flown into combat by the assault or cargo heli­copter crew will know that the door gunners are not only qualified to the Army standard on the ground M60, but are also trained on the M60D.  Door gunners will be  capable of placing direct fire on threats while in the air or from ground defensive positions as dictated by the tactical situation.  

 

(2)      Before firing the basic tables, the door gunner candidate will receive premarksmanship instruction on the M60 machine gun.  Figure A-1 shows the minimum instruction required for Tables I-IV.

 

 (3)     The ground M60 tasks in FM 23-67 require that the weapon be fired from both the tripod and bipod.  If standard M60s cannot be used during Tables I-IV, the tasks that normally require firing the weapon from a tripod must be modified for the M60D with bipod firing substituted for tripod firing.

 

(4)      If standard M60s are not available in the unit, the unit has the option to arrange with another unit in the battal­ion/squad­ron or brigade to use their M60s for initial weapons training.  "Piggy backing" door gunners on ranges with other units that conduct M60 machine gun training is also recom­mended.

 

(5)      When a new door gunner candidate is designated, the individual must complete ground qualification according to FM 23-67 prior to progressing to air qualification.  Ground qualification is a training gate.  The door gunner must ground qualify only once, providing the aircraft qualification, i.e. (Tables V-VIII), is completed within 12 months.  If the door gunner candidate does not complete aircraft qualification, i.e., Tables V-VIII, within 12 months of ground qualification, the individual must refire Tables I-IV prior to progressing to the aircraft qualification.  Once the individual completes aircraft qualification, there is no requirement to requalify on Tables I-IV.

 

(6)      Units may conduct live-fire training from helicopter cabin mock-up during basic gunnery.  Many units build helicopter cabin mock-up for training their door gunners.  They approximate the dimensions of the immediate area of door gunner's station in the helicopter's cabin and allow the door gunner trainee to fire his weapon using a sight picture very similar to that used in the actual aircraft.  These "simulators" range in complexity from simple 20-foot towers to those mounted on 2 1/2-ton trucks, simulating aircraft movement during engagements.  While there is currently no standard design, units may develop their own design for enhancing door gunnery training.

 

b.      Intermediate Gunnery.

 

(1)      Table V.  Table V is the Door Gunnery Skills Train­ing and Test table.  During this table, the door gunner will learn skills needed to execute his duties.  The commander will use this table for assessing the readiness of the door gunners prior to Table VI. 

 

(a)      Training program.

 

•      Table V program contains two parts--train­ing and assess­ment.  The training program prepares the door gunner for Intermediate live-fire tables.   To fill both door gunner positions, the commander may designate a noncrew chief.  If this is the case, Table V training must include instruction on the basics of the aircraft. 

 

•      At a minimum, Table V will include aca­dem­ic instruction on the subjects outlined in Figure A-2 and a Door Gunnery Skills Test of at least 50 questions.  Subject areas for the questions will be selected by the command­er, but will include questions on the academic instruction with emphasis on weapon function, ballistics, target acquisition, and aircraft procedures.  Door gunners will score at least 70 percent on the DGST.  Door gunners must complete the DGST within 180 days prior to starting intermediate gunnery.

 

(b)      Aircraft orientation is applicable only to door gunners who are not crew chiefs or who are not familiar with the unit aircraft.

 

(c)      This program is intended to be ongoing because tactical subjects are included in the training pro­gram.  A good gunnery program does not start just prior to the qualification range.

 

(2)      Table VI.  If the door gunner successfully com­pletes Table V to standard, he will progress to Table VI.  Table VI is the initial aircraft live-fire table.  During this table, the door gunner will fire the M60D from the aircraft for the first time.

 

(a)      The table consists of 5-day tasks, of which one is an NBC task.

 

(b)      The tables verify the function of the door gunner's assigned weapons.

 

 

 

Training Objective:  To provide initial M60 qualification for personnel assigned

to door gunnery positions. 

 

          SUBJECT

 

                      DESCRIPTION

 

          REFERENCE

 

Operation and Func­tion of the M60

 

A class to provide the basic knowledge of how the compo­nents of the M60 func­tion during operation

 

FM 23-67,

TM 9-1005-224-10

 

Assembly, Disassem­bly, and Nomencla­ture of the M60

 

A demonstration and a practical  exercise on the general and  detailed assembly, dis­assembly, and nomencla­ture of the M60 machine gun.

 

FM 23-67,

TM 9-1005-224-10

 

Malfunctions, Imme­diate Ac­tion, and Mai­nte­nance

 

A class to provide informa­tion concerning abnormal operation, corrective action, and maintenance.

 

FM 23-67,

TM 9-1005-224-10

 

Range Estima­tion

 

A class and practical exer­cise to provide information on methods of determining the distance between gunner and target.

 

FM 23-67, FM 1-140,  T­M 9-1005-224-10

 

Fire Cont­rol/

Fire Com­mands

 

 

A class to provide informa­tion on the me­thods used in controlling and deliver­ing fires.

 

FM 23-67

 

M60 Machine Gun Prac­tice and Record Fire

 

A briefing on the conduct and standards of Tables I-IV.

 

Unit SOP, Range SOP, FM 23-67

 

 

                                              Figure A-1.  Basic weapon qualification

 

 

 

 

 

Training Objective:  Door gunner qualification

 

        SUBJECT

 

                               DESCRIPTION    

 

         REFERENCE

 

Duties of the Door Gunner

 

A class on the duties of door gunners

 

Unit SOP, Appendix A, FM 1-140

 

Aircraft

Ori­entation

 

A class and practical exercise to familiarize the stu­dent with the capabilities and limitations of the unit's aircraft 

 

Appropriate air­craft operator's manual

 

Techniques of Fire and Em­ployment

 

A class on principles and techniques of helicopter machine gun firing

 

Appendix A, FM 1-140,

FM 23-67

 

Ballistic­s

 

A class on ballistics for spin stabi­lized projectiles

 

Chap 4, FM 1-140, Chap 7, FM 23-67

 

Armament System Intro­duction

 

A class and practical exercise on the M60D to in­clude safety procedures, and operator mainte­nance

 

TM 9-1005-262-13

 

Aviation Bat­tlefield Sur­viv­ability

 

A class to provide an overview of Threat defense systems that air­crews may face

 

Bde/Bn S2 brief 

 

Visual Search and Target Detection

 

A class on techniques of visual search, to include limitations and procedures of target detection

 

FM 1-116, Chapter 6,

FM 1-140

 

Crew Member Em­ergency

Proce­dures

 

A class and demonstration of duties and actions taken by the door gunner during in-flight and forced landing emergencies

 

Aircraft oper­ator's ma­nual and unit SOP

 

Night Gunnery

 

A class on techniques and procedures of night firing

 

TC 1-204, Range SOP

 

First Aid Training

 

A class on principles of first aid

 

FM 1-301, FM 21-11

 

Protective Mask

 

 

A class and practical exercise on the description, characteristics, and procedures for wearing the protec­tive mask during engagements

 

TM 3-4240-280-10

 

Door Gunnery Qualification

 

A briefing on the conduct and stan­dards of Tables VI-VIII.

 

Range SOP,

TM 9-1005-224-10,

TM 9-1005-262-13

 

                                                                             

Figure A-2.  Table V, intermediate gunnery training

(c)      The NBC task is fired in mask and gloves only.  This task has no requirement for a MOPP suit.

 

(3)      Table VII.  Table VII is a day/night practice table for Table VIII.  The table consists of 8 tasks (5 day/3 night) of which one is an NBC task.  The table is completed from the aircraft in a variety of flight modes.

 

(4)     Table VIII.  Table VIII is the qualification table.  The table consists of the same number of tasks as Table VII.  Table VIII contains both day and night tasks, and is the gate for advanced table gunnery.  Gunners who do not qualify on Table VIII will not progress to advanced table training.   

 

 

c.      Advanced Gunnery.

 

 

(1)      Table IX.  Table IX is multiship gunnery using MILES/AGES and blanks with the M60D.  This table will give the door gunners that successfully completed intermediate gunnery qualifi­cation the first opportunity to participate in training with more than one aircraft.

 

(2)      Table X.  Table X is multiship live-fire gunnery.  The intent of Table X is for units to fire the table at CTCs or large range complexes.  The large surface danger zone of two M60D prohibits multidoor gunner gunnery at most installations.  The maximum recommended number of aircraft participating in Table X gunnery is five.

 

A-4.        UNIT TRAINING STRATEGY

 

a.      Commanders will designate a door gunnery unit trainer in writing.  The door gunnery unit trainer should be a senior noncommissioned officer with consid­erable experience in door gun­nery.  The UT is the commander's point of contact and subject matter expert on door gunnery.  The UT is respon­sible for training new personnel and conducting sustainment training for personnel already qualified.  The UT will--

 

•      Be a qualified door gunner.

 

•      Organize all training in coordination with the S3.

 

•      Supervise the preparation and execution of all instruc­tion.

 

•      Supervise initial qualification and annual qualification from the aircraft.

 

•      Evaluate qualification tables.

 

•      Maintain qualification records on all door gunners in accordance with Chapter 2, FM 1-140.

 

The commander may designate assistant UTs.  The UT will work closely with the commander and the S3 to administer and evaluate the train­ing pro­gram for unit door gunners.  The intent is that the UT(s) be the best qualified personnel to conduct door gunnery training, however, it is not implied, nor is it a requirement, that the UT(s) must be a "Master Gunner" as described in paragraph 1-5 of this Field Manual. 

 

b.      The commander, assisted by the UT, will complete a unit training assessment according to Chapter 2 of this manual.

 

c.      Once the assessment is complete, the commander will outline his objectives for the door gunnery training program.  His guidance must include the desired training end-state for the program.  For example, "two qualified door gunners per UH-60 in A Company."  This requirement is based in large part on available resources.

 

d.      Once the objectives for the gunnery are clear, the S3 and UT will begin planning the conduct of the training program.  It is recommended that door gunner training be incorpo­rated into the unit training plan as a continual program. 

 

e.      Door gunnery training should be incorporated into a written program with clear objectives and training goals through­out the training year.  Door gunnery subjects are relevant for "Sergeants’ Time" or "Prime Time" training programs common to most active Army units.      

 

f.       The unit commander will designate door gunners in writing.  The commander will accomplish this with a memorandum similar to standard additional duty appointment orders.

 

g.      The door gunnery section of this appendix defines the require­ments for conducting and evaluating live-fire door gunnery tables.  Units that have night missions as part of their METL will com­plete the night tasks.  The door gunners will use NVGs while firing from the aircraft.

 

h.      Once the intermediate gunnery is complete, the UT will document the training and maintain records for a minimum of 36 months, according to Chapter 2, FM 1-140.

 

NOTE:  Door gunners should be allowed to fire from both sides of the aircraft for familiarization if resources are available.  However, range control personnel have specific instruc­tions for door gunnery which vary from installation to installation.  Firing may only be allowed from the right side of the aircraft only, etc.  Check with your local range control personnel to be sure of their local restrictions.

 

A-5.        CREW COORDINATION

 

Now, more than in the recent past, high personnel turnover and OPTEMPO make crew coordination more crucial for door gunnery.  Crew chiefs stay with their aircraft and they are an integral part of the crew.  The crews and crew chiefs should maintain a habitual flying relationship.  Because of personnel turnover and maintenance, the pilot and copilot may not always fly the same aircraft or fly with the same crew chief.  Training must focus on standardization of cockpit communication and procedures.

 

A-6.        WEAPONS CONTROL AND FIRE COMMANDS

 

Before departure on a mission, the pilot in command will brief the crew on the situation and mission.  The briefing is mission dependent, but will normally include the friendly situation, enemy situation, rules of engagement, possi­ble target areas, marking of targets, mission specific fire commands, and other mission specific informa­tion.  The unit SOP or parent unit operating procedures or directives should dictate when loading ammuni­tion in the aircraft weapons systems occurs.

 

a.      Standard Weapon Control Measures. 

 

(1)      The following are the standard weapon control measures/terms:

 

•        Weapons hold.  The door gunner's weapons will remain in a stowed position.  Enemy contact is not likely or is an adminis­trative measure by the PC.

 

•        Weapons tight.  The door gunner's weapon would be placed in a posi­tion to fire.  However, firing would only be executed on order of the PC.  Enemy contact is possi­ble.

 

•        Weapons free.  Door gunners make the decision to fire.  Based on the mission brief where enemy contact is expect­ed.

 

(2)      The door gunner will acknowledge the weapon control status to the PC.  If the weapon status is in other than "hold", the gunner will announce that the weapon is in a condition and position to fire.  The door gunner will report "GUN READY."

 

b.      Crew Weapon Sequence.  A standard sequence for engage­ments is important (See Chapter 6).  The following is the stan­dard weapon sequence for util­ity/cargo crews.  The intent of the sequence is for the sequence to follow a logical progression for the crewmember.  If the pilot, copilot, or other crewmembers acquire a target, the observing crewmember will alert the other crewmembe­rs.  The standard weapon sequence is:

 

•      Which crewmember should know? (Left/Right Gunner, Pilot.)

 

•      What is it? (Target, Bandit.)

 

•      Where is it? (Clock position and range.)

 

•      Who is it?  (Target type.)

 

•      Action.  (What are you doing or what should the other crew members be doing?)             

(1)      The following is a typical weapon sequence:

 

"Left Gunner, target, eleven o'clock, six hundred meters, soldiers in tree line, engage."

 

The right side door gunner, upon acquisition, would announce:

 

"Tally, firing."

 

(2)      Chapter 6 lists standard phrases for crew communi­ca­tion.  The following are phrases specifically for door gunnery.

 

•      Open fire.  Instructs the gunners to start firing at an obvious threat to the aircraft.  May also apply to a specific gunner.  For example, "right gunner, open fire."

 

•      Cease fire.  Instructs the gunners to stop firing.  May also apply to a specific gunner.  For example, "right gunner, cease fire."

 

•      Ready.  Indicates guns are ready to fire.

 

•      Right gun/left gun jam.  Indicates a gun is jammed and cannot fire.  Right/left indicates which side the gun is on.

 

•      Right gun/left gun out.  Indicates the door gunner is out of ammunition.  Right/left indicates which side the gun is on. 

 

NOTE:  "Back gunner" or "back gun" indicates the rear door gunner and will be used on CH-47s with the third door gunner.

 

A-7.        SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

 

a.      Flight Equipment.   Door gunners, during flight operations, will wear ALSE (such as flight helmet, Nomex flight suit, gloves) and other pieces of equipment specified by regula­tions and/or directives.  The commander may direct that additional hearing protection be worn due to the increased sound pressure levels generated during weapons firing.  For increased eye protection, lower helmet visors during any firing operations.

 

b.      Seat Belt/Safety Harness.  The door gunner should remain strapped in his seat during normal aircraft operations.  A safety harness ("Monkey strap") will permit additional movement inside the aircraft, particularly during engagements.

 

c.      Ejected Brass.  Spent brass that collects on the floor of the aircraft can make footing hazardous.  Ejected brass from a firing weapon can be carried by the aircraft's slipstream into the aircraft, causing damage.  Ejection control bags ("Brass catchers") control spent brass and should be used. 

 

d.      Barrel Change.  The airflow around a helicopter in flight helps to cool the machine gun barrel.  However, a barrel change may still be necessary, depending on the rate of fire.  A barrel change is normally a team effort (gunner and assistant gunner) on a standard M60.  However, on board an aircraft a barrel change will more than likely be performed by the individual door gunner.  Although barrel removal and replacement is relatively simple, safety dictates that additional emphasis be placed on standard­ization of the procedure.  The unit SOP should specify when, where, and how an extra barrel will be carried and secured and how to accomplish barrel changes.  FM 23-67 recommends barrel change based on the following rates of fire:

 

•      Sustained (100 rounds per minute):  Change barrel every 10 minutes.

 

•      Rapid (200 rounds per minute):  Change barrel every 2 minutes. 

 

•      Cyclic (550 rounds per minute):  Change barrel every minute.

 

A-8.        AMMUNITION

 

DA Pamphlet 350-38 identifies ammunition to train one door gunner per aircraft annually.  This ammunition is an important consideration and will be an important factor when deter­mining the number of door gunners to train.  Chapter 7, DA Pamphlet 350-38 states, "Current authorizations fill one gunner position per aircraft.  Total rounds per aircraft will double when second gunner position is authorized."  Ammunition for the M60D is standard 7.62mm mix.  Units may have success drawing additional ammunition.  However, the initial planning must be for the DA Pamphlet 350-38 alloca­tion.  Figure A-3 shows the ammunition allocation per table.

 

A-9.        GUNNERY TABLES

 

Figures A-4 through A-8 (gunnery tables VI, VII and VIII) provide the framework for the door gunnery train­ing program.  Commanders may vary the engagement sequences, conditions, and target arrays within the tables to meet mission training require­ments or to fit resource constraints such as range layout.  Modified tables must be no less demand­ing than those in the manual, and such modifications will be tempo­rary.  Commanders must work continuously with installation or regional range authorities to upgrade and improve gunnery ranges.  Commanders may allocate additional ammunition to Table VI for weapons calibration, if available.

 

a.      Tables VII and VIII are based on eight tasks.  Five tasks must be qualified, and a minimum of 350 points must be scored on Table VIII for the door gunner to be qualified.  You may use the score sheet in Chapter 2 to help score the engagements.

 

 

 

 

GUNNERY TABLES

 

 

         # ROUNDS

          TRC A / C

 

               I

 

10 meter practice fire

 

       117 / 117 ball

 

               II

 

10 meter record fire

 

       119 / 119 ball

 

               III

 

Transition range practice fire

 

       182 / 182 mix

 

              IV

 

Transition range record fire

 

       154 / 154 mix

 

               V

 

Door gunner training and as­sessment

 

 

 

              VI

 

Aircraft transition/weapons calibration

 

       150 / 150 mix

 

              VII

 

Aircraft practice

 

       240 / 240 mix

 

             VIII

 

Aircraft qualification

 

       240 / 240 mix

 

              IX

 

Section/platoon training (MILES)

 

      200 / 200 blank

 

               X

 

Section/platoon training

 

         200 / 0 mix

 

        TOTALS:

 

7.62mm Ball:    236/236

7.62mm Mix:  1,166 (TRC A)   966 (TRC C)

7.62mm Blank:  200/200

 

 

 

NOTES: 

1.  Refer to DA Pamphlet 350-38 for current ammunition authoriza­tions.

 

2.  The unit METL and MTP determine whether night training and qualification tables are conducted.  Night door gunnery is designed for door gunners and crew to use NVGs.

 

 

 

                            Figure A-3.  Annual ammunition allocation per gunnery table

 

 

TASK

 

CONDITION

 

STANDARD

 

NO      DESCRIP­TION

 

  MODE         RANGE     TAR­GET

                    (METERS)

 

TARGET     AM­MO

EFFECT

 

1

 

Engage statio­n­ary target, NBC

 

    Ground

 

   300-500

 

    Troops

 

     1 Hit

 

     30

 

2

 

Engage sta­tion­ary target

 

    Take off

 

   300-500

 

    Troops

 

     1 Hit

 

     30

 

3

 

Engage moving tar­get

 

     Hover

 

   400-600

 

   Vehi­cle

 

    3 Hits

 

     30

 

4

 

Engage moving tar­get

 

    Moving

 

   400-500

 

   Vehi­cle

 

    3 Hits

 

     30

 

5

 

Engage sta­tion­ary target

 

   Run­ni­ng

 

   800-300

 

   Vehi­cle

 

    3 Hits

 

     30

 

 

Figure A-4.  Table VI.  Door gunner transition course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TASK

 

CONDITION

 

STANDARD

 

NO       DESCRIPTION

 

  MODE       RANGE       TARGET

                  (METERS)

 

TARGET        AM­MO

EFFECT

 

   1

 

Engage station­ary tar­get, NBC

 

Ground

 

300-500

 

Troops

 

1 Hit

 

30

 

   2

 

Engage station­ary target

 

Take off

 

300-500

 

Troops

 

1 Hit

 

30

 

   3

 

Engage moving tar­get

 

Hover

 

400-600

 

Vehicle

 

3 Hits

 

30

 

   4

 

Engage station­ary target

 

Moving

 

400-500

 

Vehicle

 

3 Hits

 

30

 

   5

 

Engage station­ary target

 

Running

 

800-300

 

Vehicle

 

3 Hits

 

30

 

 

Figure A-5.  Table VII.  Day door gunner practice course

 

 

 

TASK

 

CONDITION

 

STANDARD

 

NO      DESCRIPTION

 

 MODE         RANGE      TAR­GET

                   (METERS)

 

 TARGET          AMMO

 EFFECT

 

  1

 

Engage station­ary target

 

   Ground

 

  250-350

 

    Troops

 

       1 Hit

 

       30

 

  2

 

Engage station­ary target

 

     Hover

 

  400-500

 

    Vehicle

 

      3 Hits

 

       30

 

3

 

Engage station­ary target

 

Moving

 

400-600

 

Vehicle

 

3 Hits

 

30

 

Figure A-6.  Table VII.  Night door gunner practice course

 

 

 

 

TASK

 

CONDITION

 

STANDARD

 

NO       DESCRIP­TION

 

  MODE        RANGE       TARGET

                   (METERS)

 

 TARGET        AM­MO

 EFFECT

 

  1

 

Engage sta­tionary tar­ge­t, N­BC

 

   Ground

 

   300-500

 

    Troops

 

      1 Hit

 

      30

 

  2

 

Engage sta­tionary target

 

   Take off

 

   300-500

 

    Troops

 

      1 Hit

 

      30

 

  3

 

Engage moving tar­get

 

    Hover

 

   400-600

 

   Vehi­cle

 

     3 Hits

 

      30

 

  4

 

Engage sta­tionary target

 

   Moving

 

   400-500

 

   Vehi­cle

 

     3 Hits

 

      30

 

  5

 

Engage sta­tionary target

 

   Run­ning

 

   800-300

 

   Vehi­cle

 

     3 Hits

 

      30

 

 

Figure A-7.  Table VIII.  Day door gunner qualification course

 

 

 

 

TASK

 

CONDITION

 

  STANDARD

 

NO       DESCRIP­TION

 

 MODE         RANGE       TAR­GET

                   (METERS)

 

 TARGET          AMMO

 EFFECT

 

   1

 

Engage sta­tion­ary target

 

Ground

 

  250-350

 

    Troops

 

        1 Hit

 

      30

 

   2

 

Engage sta­tion­ary target

 

Hover

 

  400-500

 

    Vehicle

 

       3 Hits

 

      30

 

   3

 

Engage sta­tion­ary target

 

Moving

 

  400-600

 

    Vehicle

 

       3 Hits

 

      30

 

Figure A-8.  Table VIII.  Night door gunner qualification course

b.      Engagement Time Standards.  Using the point calcula­tion table below, scorers can determine a numerical score for each engage­ment.  To use Table A-1:

 

•      Time the engagement using the methods outlined in Chap­ter 2 of this manual.

 

•      Find the time of the engagement in the "Time" column below.  Read down to the "Points" column to deter­mine score.

 

•      If the engagement time is exactly halfway between two times, figure the number in between the two scores the engagement time falls between.  For exam­ple, if the engagement time is 10.5 sec­onds, the score is 95 points.

 

•      Always round down to get the score.  For example, if the engagement time is 11.7 seconds, the score is 93. (Rou­nd­ed down to 11.5 seconds).

 

 

 

  Time

 

  8

 

9

 

10

 

11

 

12

 

13

 

14

 

15

 

16

 

17

 

18

 

19

 

20

 

21

 

22

 

24

 

27

 

30

 

Points

 

100

 

98

 

96

 

94

 

92

 

90

 

88

 

86

 

84

 

82

 

80

 

78

 

76

 

74

 

72

 

70

 

50

 

30

 

NOTE:  A full-size version of this point calculation table is located in Appendix C.

 

 

Table A-1.  Point calculation for Tables VII and Table VIII

 

                              

Section II.  Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

 

A-10.      FIRE CONTROL FUNDAMENTALS

 

Fire control is the name given to the obser­vations, calcula­tions, and actions involved in fir­ing a weapon.  Fire control is the method of direct­ing muni­tions so they will hit the target with a minimum expendi­ture of ammuni­tion.

 

a.      Most gun systems contain the same basic elements.  The line of sight is the direc­tion from the gun to the target.  The line of aim is of­fset from the LOS by an amo­unt de­ter­mined by the following:

 

•      Target motion.

 

•      Hel­ico­pter motion.

 

•      Range to target.

 

•      Projectile drop.

 

•      Wind effects.

 

•      Projectile and gun charac­teristics.

 

b.      The gunner must estimate all the factors that determine the amount of com­pensation required.  He estimates range and lead for an initial burst and corrects for elevation and deflection by adjusting the rounds on target.  This tech­niques is known as applying "burst on target".  The bal­lis­tic factors for door guns (flexible mode) are covered in Chapter 4 of this manual.

 

A-11.      RANGE ESTIMATION

 

Range estimation is covered in Chapter 6.  Door gunners will normally use the recognition method for range estimation.  When the door gunner uses the recognition method, the following factors effect the accuracy of the range estimation process.

 

a.      Objects seem closer when:

 

•      Viewed from altitude.

 

•      Looking down a straight road or railroad track.

 

•      Objects are in bright light.  

 

•      Looking over smooth terrain.

 

•      Color of object contrasts sharply with color of back­ground.

 

b.      Objects seem farther away when:

 

•      Looking from low altitude to higher terrain.

 

•      Looking over rough terrain.

 

•      There is poor light or fog.

 

•      Only a small part of the object can be seen.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A-12.      WEAPON ENGAGEMENT RANGE 

 

a.      The maximum range of the M60 machine gun with the 7.62mm round is 3,725 meters.  Maximum range means that, with the necessary elevation applied to the weapon with standard ball ammunition over "flat earth," the projectile should travel 3,725 meters.

 

b.      The maximum effective range of the M60D is published as 1,100 meters.  However, the planning maximum effective range is 900-950 meters, based on probabilities of hit and tracer burnout.

 

A-13.      FIRING TECHNIQUES

 

a.      The door gunner must understand the challenges of firing a machine gun from a helicopter in flight.  These challenges include variable airspeeds, ranges, firing angles, and ballis­tics.  Some of these complexities, as compared to a ground gunner, are explained below.

 

(1)      The door gunner's firing platform is normally moving; the ground gunner usually fires from a stationary plat­form.

 

(2)      The door gunner normally has only his eyes to estimate range.  The ground gunner can use range finders, maps, or known ground refer­ence points to more easily de­termine range.

 

(3)      The door gunner is usually autonomous regarding fire control and ammunition conservation.  The ground gunner receives fire control instructions from his section leader and ammunition conservation assistance from the assistant gunner.

 

b.      Range estimation is the door gunner's first considera­tion when preparing to fire at a target.  Door gunners must be able to estimate range quickly and accurately and should prac­tice range estima­tion throughout their training. 

 

c.      Proper aim points for target engagement from a moving helicopter vary with airspeed, altitude, bank angle, and rate of turn.

 

(1)      As a rule of thumb, the point of aim is to the near side of the target (the side of the target closest to the firer).  Aim point is, in part, due to the mo­tion of the aircraft and the effects of projectile drift that carry the bul­let forward. 

 

(2)      Another accepted method of initial target engage­ment is to aim low when firing from the left side of the aircraft and to aim high when fir­ing from the right side.  Bank angles, approach angles, turns, and other aircraft motion will also be factors in aiming the weapon and placing effec­tive fire on a target (see Fig­ure A-9).

 

 

Figure A-9.  Aiming points

 

 

A-14.      FIRE ADJUSTMENT

 

a.      Observation and adjustment of fire must be continuous throughout the engagement.  Initial delivery of long bursts will normally help the gunner adjust the subsequent bursts.

 

b.      Gunners must try to anticipate a target’s move­ment.  Personnel on the ground  and vehicles will tend to move when fired upon.   Gunners need to quickly react to that movement by shifting fire in the direction of the movement.

.

 

c.      A four to one (ball to tracer) ratio of ammunition will normally provide enough tracers for positive adjustment of fire.  At engagement ranges beyond tracer burnout, other factors must be considered.  Tracer burnout of 7.62 mm ammunition is approximately 900 meters.  At ranges beyond 900 meters, the firer could observe tracer burnout and believe that he aimed low when, in reality, the projectile continued along its trajectory and struck beyond the target. 

 

d.      The M60D machine gun barrel has a tendency to climb when firing.   Caution must be exercised to prevent this tendency.  A climbing muzzle could reach an angle where other aircraft, or even the main rotor blades of the firing aircraft, could be hit.

 

e.      When firing with the M60D, placing the horizontal cross hair and front sight blade on line with the target corrects for bullet drop at ranges up to 750 meters.  Gunners must aim the weapon higher at ranges beyond 750 meters. 

 

f.       When correcting for lead effect, the gunner must align the target, front sight blade, and the approximate point on the horizontal cross hair.  This alignment is only an estimated point of aim since aircraft speed and/or movement will make accurate aiming difficult.  When firing from the right side of the heli­copter, the gunner will use the right hand section of the sight­ing rings according to target location and aircraft speed.  When firing from the left side of the helicopter the gunner will use the left side of the sighting rings.  Refer to Figures A-10 and A-11 for more information on the lead effect.

 

A-15.      OVERVIEW

 

a.      This section describes the tactics, techniques and procedures for planning and conducting multihelicopter door gunnery operations.  It is designed for use in establishing M60D multihelicopter door gunnery training programs in aviation units assigned utility or cargo helicopters. 

 

b.      This section is applicable to commanders, platoon lead­ers, crew members, and nonrated crew members of aviation units who conduct air movement and air assault missions.  It is not intended to replace aviation unit door gunnery training manuals or SOPs.  It provides planning and training requirements for aerial door gunnery that are not in doctrinal publications or ATMs.

 

c.      The TTP applies to the UH-1, UH-60, and CH-47 helicop­ters.  However, these principles are applicable to all aviation units that conduct multihelicopter air movement and air assault opera­tions. 

 

A-16.      MULTIHELICOPTER DOOR GUNNERY

 

Multihelicopter door gunnery consists of the techniques used to acquire and engage targets from helicopters flying in formation at terrain flight altitudes.

 

a.      Aircrews and door gunners in the formation must use effective crew coordination procedures to visually acquire, identify and engage targets.  Both aircraft and passengers are vulnerable to attack during air movement operations and through­out all phases of air assault operations.  Therefore, it is imperative that door gunners respond by delivering direct and indirect fires on these targets.  This section discusses crew coordination procedures, gunner employment, and firing techniques to be used during multihelicopter operations.

 

b.      Prerequisites.  Before conducting multihelicopter door gunnery, the aircrews and door gunners must be qualified in the techniques and skills of basic door gunnery and they must com­plete crew qualification, Table VIII, according to this appen­dix.         

 

 

Figure A-10.  Sight picture, right side of aircraft

 

Figure A-11.  Sight picture, left side of aircraft

 

 

 

                                                                             

Section III.  Advanced Table Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

 

 

A-17.      CREW COORDINATION

 

a.      Aircrew Duties.  Before departing on a mission, the pilot-in-command must orient his crew on the situation and the mission.  This orientation will include the friendly situation, rules of engagement, possible target areas, fire commands, the location of emergency medical and survival equipment, and other available information essential to mission success.   Coordination between crewmembers can prove to be the critical element in accident/incident prevention. Don’t assume others know what you know or see what you see! 

               

b.      Coordination Between Aircraft.  Detailed procedures for communicating during live-fire (training and combat) will be standardized and specified by the unit SOP.  Crewmembers must clearly understand one another.  In addition, positive communica­tion between aircrews must specify commence fire and cease fire procedures and firing azimuths of overlapping or sector fires for the flight.  For example, lead calls formation "cease fire" upon landing in LZ. Coordination between aircraft/aircrews can prove to be the critical element in accident/incident prevention. Don’t assume others know what you know or see what you see! 

 

 

A-18.      DOOR GUNNER EMPLOYMENT IN FORMATION

 

a.      Sectors of Fire.  A sector of fire is an area to be covered by fire that is assigned to an individual, a weapon, an aircraft, or a unit.  Door gunners are normally assigned two sectors of fire: a primary sector and a secondary sector. Door gunners must know the traversing limits and the definitions that apply when calculating sectors of fire in formation.   Traversing limits are addressed in the aircraft operator’s manual.

 

b.      Definitions.

 

(1)      Inboard gunner.  The gunner on the inboard side of a formation is the inboard gunner. This gunner usually has another aircraft in his field of fire.  Figures A-12 through A-16 are examples of inboard gunner positions.

 

(2)      Outboard gunner.  The gunner on the outboard side of a formation that does not have another aircraft in his field of fire is the outboard gunner.  Figure A-12 through A-16 are examples of outboard gunner positions.

 

(3)      The safety limit.  The imaginary line from the gunner's position to a point in space that is no closer than two rotor diameters (day) and three rotor diameters (night) from any other aircraft.

 

(4)      Permissible sector of fire.  The door gunner’s permissible sector of fire is defined as the area in which the weapon may move freely within its traversing limits minus the area in which weapon’s fire would impact friendly troops or equipment.  For safety reasons, the door gunner should not fire any closer than a lateral distance of two rotor diameters (day safety limit) and three rotor diameters (night safety limit) from another aircraft.  The gunner will determine this distance.  The figures in this section show the approximate angles for the sectors of fire for different aircraft when allowing for the safety limit.  The permissible sectors of fire will constant­ly change due to changes in position of aircraft during formation flying.

 

A-19.      FORMATION CONSIDERATIONS

  

a.      Multihelicopter door gunnery training operations should be per­formed with a minimum of two aircraft and maximum of five air­craft in formation.

 

b.      Aircrews conducting formation flight must do so with an extreme sense of responsibility and with constant vigilance.  The employment of door gunners in formation adds another responsibil­ity to the entire aircrew.  In addition to being concerned with separation from other aircraft, they must concentrate on permissi­ble sectors of fire, when firing can commence and when it must cease.  Door gunners must be constantly vigilant to avoid mistakes which could prove fatal during the conduct of live fire formation flight.

 

(1)      Aerodynamic interference.  Aircrews, especially door gunners, should anticipate aerodynamic interference between helicopters during formation flight.  Aircrews flying trailing aircraft may encounter wake turbulence if they permit their aircraft to get below leading aircraft.  Flight in the turbulent air may result in rapid attitude (pitch), roll, and yaw changes.  Power may also have to be increased to maintain a proper position in a formation.  Door gunners must be aware of the possibility of aerodynamic interference.

 

(2)      Aircraft separation.  The distance between helicop­ters or formations of helicopters can be greatly increased to fit the tactical situation.  At higher altitude, helicopters should be positioned far enough apart to prevent a burst of antiaircraft fire from destroying the entire flight.  At terrain flight altitudes, aircraft may be spread out to take advantage of the terrain.  Additionally, flying loose and extended formations are less fatiguing to the pilot than flying close formations.  Door gunners must be familiar with the techniques for maintaining proper aircraft separation.  Understanding these tech­niques will aid door gunners in determining their permissible sectors of fire while in formation.

 

(3)      Aircraft maneuvering.  An aircraft is normally maneuvered with primary reference to only one other aircraft in the forma­tion.  The constant effort required to detect any change in altitude, airspeed, or heading of the reference aircraft pre­cludes watching aircraft other than the reference aircraft.  If all aircraft guide correctly to their reference aircraft, then all aircraft have adequate distance and altitude separation for safe operation  of the flight as well as door gunner employment.  In those formations requiring a relative position to more than one aircraft (staggered trail), the aviator must use peripheral vision to the maximum, while concentrating on his reference aircraft.  The pilots must also keep a constant mental picture of his door gunners' permissible sectors of fire as well as keeping track of locations of other aircraft in the formation.  Gunners will also play a role in determining when they do and do not have permis­sible sectors of fire.  It is possible for a gunner on one side of the aircraft to have a permissible sector of fire when the gunner(s) in another position(s) does (do) not and vice versa.  

 

(4)      Maneuvers.  Aircrews that will be conducting forma­tion flight must also be familiar with the many different maneu­vers normally associated with multihelicopter operations.  They must be aware of how those maneuvers could change the permissible sectors of fire or in some cases restrict the gunners' fire altogether.  Maneuvers they must be familiar with include:

 

•      Formation takeoff.

 

•      Formation turns.

 

•      Formation changes en route.

 

•      Rendezvous and join up.

 

•      Tactical formation breakup.

 

•      Formation landing.

 

•      Night forma­tion landing.

 

•      Evasive actions.

 

The procedures for these maneuvers are ex­plained in TC 1-201.  The tasks, condi­tions and standards for some of the maneuvers, particularly evasive maneu­vers, are found in the appropriate ATM for each aircraft.

 

(5)      Listed below are commonly used formations and their permissible sectors of fire.

 

(a)      Echelon left/right.  This formation allows rapid deployment of the flank and allows unrestricted fires by outboard gunners in the lead and trail aircraft.  It somewhat re­stricts suppressive fire by inboard gunners of lead and trail aircraft as well as the inboard and outboard gunners of other aircraft within the forma­tion.  Figure A-12 shows echelon left.  Figure A-13 shows echelon right.

 

(b)      Trail.  Allows rapid deployment of forces to the flank; some­what re­stricts fires by all gunners.  Separation is two rotor disks during day and three rotor disks at night.  Figures A-14 and A-15 show trail formations for day and night.

 

(c)      Tactical free cruise.  Free cruise is a tech­nique that permits the wingman in a two-ship section or greater to freely maneuver in the zone extending 45 degrees on either side and to the rear of the leader's tail.  Within the zone, the wingman may vary vertical separation, airspeed, and distance from the leader.  The distance the wingman trails the leader varies and depends upon visibility and terrain.  The wingman must maintain visual contact with the leader.  However, he must exer­cise caution not to overtake the leader.  The flexibility of free cruise enables the wingman to change his position behind the leader at will without radio communication.  The wingman is able to choose his own flight path to avoid obsta­cles, use ter­rain to the maximum advantage, or to provide fires against known or suspected enemy positions. Free cruise is best suited for tacti­cal situa­tions.  This formation causes continu­ous changes in the permissi­ble sectors of fire.  Depending upon aircraft position in the flight, it sometimes allows unrestricted fires of gunners while re­stricting fires of other gunners within the formation.  Figure A-16 shows tactical free cruise sectors of fire.

 

NOTE:  Tactical free cruise is the most challenging formation for controlling fires from door gunners.  Because of the constant change involved in the formation, employment of door gunners during free cruise requires a great deal of training and command and control.

 

A-20.      FIR­ING TECH­NIQU­ES.

 

a.      Fire Control Re­quirements.  Fire control includes all actions of the aircrews in planning, preparing and actually ap­plying fire on a target.  These actions include:

 

•      The ability to select and designate targets.

 

•      Open fire at the instant de­sired.

 

•      Adjust fire and regulate the rate of fire.

 

•      Shift from one target to another.

 

•      Overlap fires with other gunners.

 

•      Cease fire.

 

Failure to exercise fire control results in ineffective employ­ment of the weapon systems and can result in danger to friendly troops or aircraft.  It also results in an inability to engage a threatening target; loss of surprise; premature disclosure of positions, fire on unimportant targets, loss of time in adjusting fire, and wasted ammunition

 

 

 

 

 

Figure A-12.  Sectors of fire, echelon left

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure A-13.  Sectors of fire, echelon right

 

 

 

 

 

Figure A-14.  Trail formation, day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Figure A-15.  Trail formation, night

 

 

Figure A-16.  Tactical free cruise

 

b.      Target of Opportunity.  The requirement for immediate fires arises from targets of opportunity or changes in the tactical situation.  Immediate fire targets may be acquired by any door gunner(s) in the formation.  However, all immediate fires require close coordination between other aircraft in the formation and, if the situation dictates, with the ground com­mander or his fire support coordinator.

 

c.      Target Acquisition.  Targets are acquired by all avail­able means.  Targets acquired by the aircrews are engaged and controlled under the direction of the pilot-in-command, pilot, air mission commander or with the ground commander to support the ground tactical plan.  Engagement of targets acquired by other means will be according to existing directives or policies of the supported headquarters.

 

(1)      Target identification under natural light condi­tions at night may be difficult.  The factors of METT-T and the tacti­cal situation (such as cross-FLOT) also apply to night opera­tions.  As with all operations, friendly positions must be positively known before commencing firing.

 

(2)      Night acquisition.  At night or during periods of low visibility, target acquisition becomes more difficult and crew responsibilities take on added impor­tance.  Proper crew training and knowledge of techniques available can turn the operation into an advantage for the door gunners.  Aids to night target acquisition include--

 

(a)      Artificial illumination.

      

(b)      Night vision devices.

 

(c)      Enemy fire.  By spotting muzzle flashes or tracers, enemy fire may often be spotted from the air.  However, the observer must rapidly pinpoint the muzzle flash or tracer location before it disappears.

 

d.      Principles of Application of Fire.  Application of fire consists of the methods crews use to get complete and effective coverage of a target area.  Training in the methods of applying fire can be accomplished only after the aircrews and door gunners have learned to recognize the different types of targets they may find in combat, how to properly distribute, overlap and concen­trate their fire, and how to maintain the proper rate of fire.

 

•      Airspeeds 80 to 120 knots.  Airspeeds en route should not exceed 120 knots if door gunners are to be employed.  Air­speeds exceeding 120 knots can cause the M60D machine gun to be ineffective.

 

•      Targets.  The door gunner may have to engage a wide variety of targets during a mission.  Suppression is a self-defense engagement and is intended to allow friendly helicopters to bypass the threat.  Door gunners do not shoot at targets they do not intend to hit.  Therefore, coordinated fires from all aircraft in the formation will enhance the probability of de­stroying the target.

 

•      Overlapping fires.  Gunners should initiate over­lap­ping fires to provide the maximum fire available to destroy or suppress targets encountered en route.

 

(1)      Fires en route.  Techniques and procedures for engaging targets (for example, SA-14 team, observation post, small arms fire) en route will be specified by the unit to enhance mission security.  Targets identified en route will be visible for a short duration therefore door gunners must be prepared to respond immediately to this threat.

 

(2)      Approach to landing.  Aircrews and troops are most vulnerable during landing.  Therefore, procedures for gunners to coordinate and employ simultaneous fires must be developed.

 

(3)      On the ground.  Door gunners must fire without delay or continue firing to suppress or destroy targets while troops disembark.

 

(a)      During troop egress.  Procedures for gunners firing within the aft 75 degrees (UH-60) fan must be carefully developed to prevent fratricide.  Situations may occur which require continued suppression while troops egress.  Soldiers will have to egress toward the aft part of the helicopter and immedi­ately take the prone position.  This technique is potentially very dangerous.  It takes a great deal of training and should be practiced during Table IX training.

 

(b)      Overlapping or sector fire.  After landing, enemy fires may be expected from any direction.  Therefore, door gunners must use their discretion regarding fire control.  To provide the most effective engagements techniques gunners should use overlapping fires or sector fires.

 

(4)      Departure.  Gunners must be trained according to FM 90-4 in troop dismounting and movement procedures from all aircraft landing formations.  The gunner's ability to suppress targets is dependent upon troop actions and movements from aircraft in different formations.  Depending on the threat in the landing zone, door gunners may be required to continue suppression to assist the inserted soldiers while they organize their actions during the ground tactical plan.

 

 

Section IV.  Advanced Tables and Range Training

 

 

A-21.      TABLE IX

 

Table IX is the first opportunity for door gunners to participate in multiship door gunnery.  Units will use Table IX to train the TTP necessary to progress to multiship live-fire.  The commander selects the specific tasks he wants to train during Table IX.  This table is the commander’s training and assessment event prior to live-fire multiship door gunnery.  Follow these guidelines when firing Table IX. 

 

a.      A maximum of 5 aircraft should participate in multiship door gunnery formations.  The S3 and UT should select a route for the flight on which the door gunners can engage targets en route and in the LZ.

 

b.      OPFOR should be available to engage the aircraft and provide targets for the door gunner.  The OPFOR  should be soldiers with infantry MILES equipment.  The OPFOR must have weapons capable of engaging the aircraft.

 

c.      The crews involved in exercise will be thoroughly briefed and will rehearse the mission.

 

d.      Because the door gunners will not be shooting live mix ammunition,  adjusting fires onto the targets may be difficult.  This situation is unavoidable.  The training value is in rehears­ing formations and fire commands.

 

e.      The objectives of the training are to--

 

(1)      Allow units to refine fire discipline.

 

(2)      Expose door gunners to multiship door gunnery.

 

(3)      Exercise command and control with blanks.

 

(4)      Train gunners to place fires on target.

 

(5)      Uncover multiship door gunnery weaknesses within the unit.

 

A-22.      TABLE X

 

Commanders conduct Table X at Combined Training Centers.  Table X is the live-fire "graduation exercise" for unit door gunnery training. 

 

a.      The primary reason for firing Table X at a CTC is that the surface danger area for a helicopter with two door gunners firing is almost 6,500 meters wide.  Because of this fact, most units cannot conduct this training on their home station range.

However, if commanders have the resources and adequate range facilities they can fire Table X at their home station.

 

b.      Commanders will use the same premission planning proce­dures, with additional emphasis on safety, for Table X as for Table IX.

 

c.      The CTC will dictate the scenario, but it will have the following characteris­tics:

 

(1)      OPFOR en route and in the LZ.

 

(2)      No troops onboard the aircraft--crew only.

 

(3)      Maximum of five aircraft in the formation.

 

(4)      For initial live-fire, trail is the mandated forma­tion

 

d.      Table IX must be completed no earlier than 180 days prior to the conduct of Table X.

 

e.      The unit commander must decide whether his unit is ready for live-fire.  A thorough risk assessment must be completed prior to the exercise.

 

A-23.      GUIDES FOR SUCCESSFUL TRAINING

 

Units must thoroughly prepare for door gunner qualification ranges.  The following are recommen­dations for range training:

 

a.      Pilots must practice the flight profiles required by the tables prior to the range.  Running fire and takeoff will present the greatest challenge to the pilot.  In addition, the helicopter should hover only high enough to give the door gunner inter­visibility with the target.  Extremely high hovers present unrealistic training for the door gunner.

 

b.      Engagement timing is very important.  To make the timing objective:

 

                        (1)      Make sure the pilot of the firing aircraft is ready prior to target presentation.

 

(2)        Make sure the soldiers timing the engagements practice the calls to the firing aircrew and timing sequences to ensure uniform scoring.

 

(3)      Make sure the pilots understand the required flight profile for the engagement.

 

c.      Refer to the running fire diagram in Chapter 2.  Adopt this method to door gunner running fire.  The running fire engagement must start and stop at the same point for all qualify­ing door gunners.  In addition, the door gunner must have inter­visibility with the target during the running engagement.

 

d.      Targets.

 

(1)      Door gunners must engage both troop and vehicle targets during qualification.  The recommended vehicle targets are BMP silhouettes.  For troop targets, units have several options.

 

(2)      Figures A-17 and A-18 show the proper use of 3D and "E" silhouettes on the door gunnery range.  TC 25-8 contains the dimensions of the targets.

 

 

 

 

 

Figure A-17.  Troop target with 3D silhouettes

 

 

 

Figure A-18.  Target lifter with troop silhouettes