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G-12. The M141 BDM was developed to defeat enemy bunkers and field fortifications. (See figure G-6.) The M141 BDM is a disposable, lightweight, self-contained, man-portable, shoulder-fired, HE multipurpose munitions.
G-13. The M141 BDM utilizes the 83-mm HEDP assault rocket. (See figure G-7, page G-8.) The 83-mm HEDP assault rocket warhead consists of a dual mode fuze, and 2.38 pounds of A-3 explosive.
G-14. Warhead function, in quick or delay mode, is determined automatically by the fuze when the rocket impacts a target. The M141 BDM is fired at hard or soft targets without selection steps required by the gunner. This automatic feature assures the kill mechanism is employed. Warhead detonation is instantaneous when impacting a hard target, such as a brick or concrete wall or an armored vehicle. Impact with a softer target, such as a sandbagged bunker, results in a fuze time delay permitting the rocket to penetrate into the target before warhead detonation.
G-15. The M141 BDM can destroy bunkers, but is not optimized to kill the enemy soldiers within masonry structures in urban terrain or armored vehicles. The M141 BDM can penetrate masonry walls, but multiple rounds may be necessary to deliver sufficient lethality against enemy personnel behind the walls.
G-16. The M141 BDM has been used with great success in destroying personnel and equipment in enemy bunkers, field fortifications, and caves in recent operations.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad