REVIEW NUMBER 5 Q1. Name the section of the launcher that houses or supports all other components of the launcher. Q2. RF barriers are used on 2.75-inch rocket pods to _______________________. Q3. List   the   components   that   are   common   to rocket launcher packages. Q4. What  device,  found  on  all  rocket  launchers, prevents loaded rockets from firing? Q5. When is the detent pin in the rocket launcher safe/arm device removed? Q6. What is the weight, depending on configuration,   of   a   fully   loaded   LAU-10 rocket launcher? ROCKET SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Recognize the safety precautions to follow when working with aircraft rockets and rocket launchers. The aircraft rocket is no more dangerous than any other explosive weapon. It does have certain peculiar hazards. A completely assembled rocket, if accidentally fired, takes off under its own power in the direction it is pointed, and threatens everything in its path. When fired, an assembled rocket expels a blast of burning gas capable of injuring or killing anyone it strikes. Generally, rocket motors without a head attached won't explode. It is a fire hazard since ballistite or cordite N (SPCG) ignites easily and burns readily. High-explosive heads, either fuzed or unfuzed, present the same risk as gun projectiles under the same conditions. Handle rockets, whether completely assembled or disassembled, with extreme care to avoid damage to parts. Only personnel who are certified to handle rockets should be in the vicinity of assembly operations. When handling   airborne   rockets,   rocket   components,   and launchers,   follow   all   safety   practices   that   apply   to airborne  armament  and  weapons.  If  practicable,  all work should be performed from the side of the rocket launcher. Rocket   motors   should   be   stowed   in   the   same manner  as  smokeless  powder.  Never  allow  matches and  open  flames  in  the  stowage  area.  Smoking  is NOT permitted in the loading area within 200 feet of ammunition.  Do  not  stow  rocket  motors  in  the  same compartments with or near radio apparatus or antenna leads. Induced currents might ignite the motor. Do NOT fire  rocket  motors  when  the  propellant  temperature  is outside  the  safe-firing  temperature  limits  specified  on the motor tube. If   a   rocket   motor   is   dropped   and   any   portion impacts on a hard surface after falling 2 feet or more, do NOT use it. Cracks or breaks in the grain increase the carefully  calculated  burning  area  and  cause  excessive internal pressure buildup, which can cause the motor to blow up after ignition. Stow high explosive heads and fuzes (except fuzes that are permanently installed in the head) separately in the same manner as high-explosive projectiles. Ready-service stowage of assembled rockets is authorized   for   the   2.75-inch   and   5.0-inch   aircraft rockets  according  to  NAVSEA  OP  4  and  NAVSEA OP 5. A fuze is relatively sensitive and must be handled with  care  to  avoid  extreme  shock  that  might  cause damage.    Conduct    fuzing,    unfuzing,    assembly,    or disassembly   operations   of   all   types   of   ammunition away from other explosives and vital installations. Only the  minimum  number  of  persons  and  rounds  required should be in the vicinity. The ideal situation is to permit work on only one round at a time. This work should be done on a deck or at some other location remote from all  magazines,  ready  stowage,  explosive  supplies,  or vital installations. Examination of the exterior of some fuzes will not show if they are armed. If, for any reason, you think a fuze might be armed, the fuze should be treated as an armed  and  sensitive  fuze.  You  must  NOT  attempt  to remove  it  from  the  rocket  head.  The  complete  fuzed round   should   be   disposed   of   according   to   current directives. When available, explosive-ordnance- disposal   (EOD)   personnel   should   dispose   of   such rounds. CAUTION NEVER  attempt  to  remove  a  base  fuze  from  a rocket head. You should NOT tamper with (or attempt to repair) any  parts  of  the  round.  If  the  round  is  damaged  or defective, remove the head from the motor and mark the defective    part    for    return    to    the    issuing    agency. Disassembly or alteration of rocket components is NOT authorized   except   under   specific   instructions   from Naval Air Systems Command. 2-20