Conversion of M119 charges

M119 and M119A2 charges: description and tabular data

Charge M119 and M119A1 (white bag), zone 8

At present they are rarely supplied to the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Description. M119/M119A1 is a single-increment “white bag” charge. A perforated igniter tube passes through the centre of the propellant. The charge length of 660 mm does not allow it to be used in any weapon other than a long-barrel howitzer.

The front end is covered with lead foil and fitted with a potassium sulphate flash-suppressor pad weighing 0.45 kg. A round red cloth igniter pad with 57 g of CBI flashless igniter is sewn to the base of the viscose propellant bag.

Function. When fired, the primer ignites the CBI in the igniter pad at the base of the propellant charge. The igniter flashes through the holes of the perforated tube and ignites the propellant. The burning propellant produces rapidly expanding gases that give the projectile the velocity needed to reach the target.

The overpressure of the blast wave and the muzzle flash are reduced by the flash suppressor in the charge. The lead lining prevents copper from building up (coppering) in the barrel.

Differences between the models.

The main differences of the M119A1 from the M119:

• - a doughnut-shaped flash suppressor that prevents the rocket motor of the M549/M549A1 projectile from igniting;
• - a new moulded central igniter tube;
• - a lacing jacket with a 360° main igniter seam. A pull strap has also been added to the M119A1 to make it easier to remove the charge from the metal container. This strap must be removed from the charge before it is rammed into the barrel.

Tabular data: charge M119 (M119A1)

Temperature limits

Restriction. The M119 charge must not be used with M549/M549A1 projectiles; only the M119A1 is used for them. The M119 (M119A1) charge must not be stored or transported in a vertical position, as this may damage the igniter tube.

Charge M119A2 (red bag), zone 7

Description. M119A2 is a single-increment “red bag” charge with a 113 g base igniter pad and a central layer of 14 g of black powder.

The charge is about 737 mm long and 152 mm in diameter and contains 9.48 kg of M6 propellant. The front end has an 85 g lead foil liner and four pockets sewn around the circumference. Each pocket holds 113 g of potassium sulphate as a flash suppressor.

Function. When fired, the flash from the primer ignites the CBI propellant in the base igniter pad, which ignites the black powder layer. The burning of the CBI and the black powder layer ignites the propellant charge.

The burning propellant produces rapidly expanding gases that give the projectile the velocity needed to reach the target. The flash suppressor reduces the blast-wave overpressure and the flash at the gun muzzle. The lead foil liner prevents copper from building up (coppering) in the barrel.

Differences between the models.

The M119A2 is ignited from the base and has no central igniter tube like the M119 (M119A1). Although this is a zone 7 charge, it can be used interchangeably with the zone 8 charges M119 and M119A1.

The M119A2 has no outer lacing jacket, with which the M119 and M119A1 are wrapped.

Tabular data: charge M119A2

Temperature limits