I've seen pictures of Israeli M109's in action in Lebanon in 2006 and noted the enormous fireballs (blow-by) they produced when firing. Having worked an M198 long ago, I don't recall ever seeing this much blow-by. My question is, what causes this? My impression is that this is caused by barrel wear, a very dirty barrel, or an improperly rammed round--none of which are a good sign. Insights appreciated.
Secondly, under what circumstances does an M109 dig in its spades? On all soil types or loose soils only? And do M109's ever use wheel chocks in lieu of spades?
Thanks.
Here's a link to a photo of an Israeli M109. Note the giant fireball. Israeli M109 in action
I think the fireball might appear exaggerated by the camera setting. M109's have a power rammer, so the rounds seat pretty well.
I served with two M109 units, and we used the wooden chocks designed to ship the guns on railroad flat cars. Emplacement was quicker than using the spades, and they worked satisfactorily.
I think what he's trying to say is that if you accidentally get the powder wet it will throw what was called a dragon tough. we used to do this and if you got caught you ended up in big trouble. But it did look VERY impressive.
As far as spades we used them all the time when firing.
