Forward firing munitions procedures - Brief Article

The flightline can be a hazardous place to work for a host of different reasons. One of those reasons is the presence of forward firing munitions. Air Force Manual (AFMAN) 91-201, Explosives Safety Standards, defines forward firing munitions as "weapons systems such as guns, rockets, missiles, and flare dispensers." These items can be especially hazardous because of their directional response and long-range potential if inadvertently activated on the ground. Personnel are to position aircraft so they present the minimum hazard to human and material resources in the event of a mishap. According to paragraph 3.25.1., "Don't unnecessarily stand or park vehicles in front of or behind these munitions when power is applied to the aircraft." While the potential for this kind of mishap is remote, it has happened in recent operations like DESERT STORM. Personnel were performing maintenance on an A-10 when an AGM-65 missile was accidentally launched. No one was hurt in this case, but the outcome could have been very di fferent if personnel had not been in compliance with AFMAN 91-201.

The benefits of this guidance can also be applied to a problem the Air Force has been recently experiencing with atmospheric pressure build-up in the Guidance Control Section (GCS) of AIM-9 missiles. Clogged vent plugs in the seeker's cooling system are causing internal gas pressure to build up in the GCS, causing the Infrared (IR) dome to shatter. The clogging is the result of normal wear and tear. Although hairline cracks in some of the IR domes have been discovered, other IR domes have completely blown out, shooting glass forward as far as 50 feet. This has happened on captive carry and live missiles.

The missiles and guns on an aircraft present several hazards to personnel and equipment during loading and when power is applied to the aircraft. Those of us who work on the flightline need to be aware of our surroundings and follow the applicable guidance. Remember that guidance is there because of lessons learned by our predecessors. Safety results from knowing the procedures and precisely complying with them.

COPYRIGHT 2002 U.S. Department of the Air Force
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