The launcher and cartridge, 84-mm, M136 (AT4), HEAT, is a lightweight, self-contained antiarmor weapon. It consists of a free-flight, fin-stabilized cartridge packed in an expendable launcher. It is issued as a round of ammunition and requires minimum operator maintenance. The launcher (fig. 14-25) serves as a watertight packing container for transportation and storage; however, when the launcher is placed in the firing position, it serves to ignite and guide the rocket on its initial flight toward the target. Once fired, the launcher is designed to be discarded.

The AT4 is designed to withstand arctic, tropic, and desert conditions or any combination of natural environments. It may be used under conditions of limited visibility. Target engagement, however, is limited by the ability of the firer to detect and identify the target visually and to determine the range to the target.

LAUNCHER

The launcher is a one-piece, disposable, fiberglass-wrapped tube. The launcher has the following components affixed to it (fig. 14-26).

. Transport Safety Pin. Provides safety for transporting. It is attached to the launcher by a lanyard.

l Cocking Lever. Cocks firing mechanism.

. Fire-Through Muzzle Cover. Keeps out moisture and prevents foreign objects from entering the muzzle.

l Color-Code Band. Indicates type of cartridge.

Figure 14-26.-Launcher components.

Figure 14-27.-Cartridge XM136 (AT4).

l Sights.

1. Front sight. Consists of a sight blade, center post, and right and left lead posts.

2. Rear sight. Consists of a sight blade, range setting knob, range indicator, 2-mm peephole, and 7-mm peephole.

l Venturi. Performs two functions:

1. Protects the weapon from damage if dropped.

2. Directs the flow of the backblast.

l Forward Safety. Must be fully depressed and held before pressing trigger button or launcher will not fire.

l Red Trigger Button. Fires the weapon.

l Shoulder Stop. Helps stabilize the launcher on the shoulder.

l Carrying Sling. Provides a means for carrying the launcher.

l Firing Mechanism.

AMMUNITION

The AT4 is issued as a round of ammunition. The cartridge consists of a fin assembly with tracer element; point-initiating, piezoelectric fuze; warhead body with liner; and a precision-shaped explosive charge (it is the only tactical ammunition for the AT4) (fig. 14-27). The AT4 is used mainly as an antiarmor weapon; however, it can be used against gun emplacements and bunkers.