Updating Loadouts

[Desert Mariner]

So, I was messing around with the basic loads listed in TM 1-1, with a goal of coming up with updated weaponry loadouts to go along with the cache updates of 1987, 1999 and 2013.

In order to simplify the process, I created a spreadsheet (big surprise) and used the TM 1-1 loads to check the formulas. Of the 62 possible combinations, I can’t match the total weight (carried out to 0.01kg) of 21 loadouts. Some are off by only 0.01kg but others are off by as much a 1.00kg. I’ve triple checked everything to no avail and hope someone on the forum may have done this exercise previously or may be able to find a glitch in my calculations (otherwise it appears that the numbers in TM 1-1 are off).

In order to use the spreadsheet (Load #4 with the Ingram is loaded as an example):

1. Dark green cells - select the weapons/miscellaneous items from the drop-downs. To remove an entry, simply enter Delete in the cell. If no selection is made in a drop-down, that line is treated as 0 for the weight calculations.
2. Light green cells - enter the counts for hand grenades and 40mm grenades (TM 1-1 standard 40mm loadout is annotated for reference). 40mm entries are ignored unless a GL is selected from the appropriate drop-down.
3. Light yellow cells – enter the number of reloads included. The sheet then multiples this by the listed Feed Device Capacity to give you a total weight and it displays the total number of rounds as well. For some miscellaneous items (LAW, Dragon, HAFLA, etc.) you enter the number of one use launchers or missiles carried.

Once I know the calculations are right, this then becomes a tool for customizing loadouts and makes it easy to add different weapons or gear (i.e. M18 Smoke grenades, SAW, M320 GL, etc.).

[nuke11]

Originally Posted by Desert Mariner

So, I was messing around with the basic loads listed in TM 1-1, with a goal of coming up with updated weaponry loadouts to go along with the cache updates of 1987, 1999 and 2013.

In order to simplify the process, I created a spreadsheet (big surprise) and used the TM 1-1 loads to check the formulas. Of the 62 possible combinations, I can’t match the total weight (carried out to 0.01kg) of 21 loadouts. Some are off by only 0.01kg but others are off by as much a 1.00kg. I’ve triple checked everything to no avail and hope someone on the forum may have done this exercise previously or may be able to find a glitch in my calculations (otherwise it appears that the numbers in TM 1-1 are off).

In order to use the spreadsheet (Load #4 with the Ingram is loaded as an example):

1. Dark green cells - select the weapons/miscellaneous items from the drop-downs. To remove an entry, simply enter Delete in the cell. If no selection is made in a drop-down, that line is treated as 0 for the weight calculations.
2. Light green cells - enter the counts for hand grenades and 40mm grenades (TM 1-1 standard 40mm loadout is annotated for reference). 40mm entries are ignored unless a GL is selected from the appropriate drop-down.
3. Light yellow cells – enter the number of reloads included. The sheet then multiples this by the listed Feed Device Capacity to give you a total weight and it displays the total number of rounds as well. For some miscellaneous items (LAW, Dragon, HAFLA, etc.) you enter the number of one use launchers or missiles carried.

Once I know the calculations are right, this then becomes a tool for customizing loadouts and makes it easy to add different weapons or gear (i.e. M18 Smoke grenades, SAW, M320 GL, etc.).

What I have found in the past with most of the weight problems from 1st thru 4th edition is the source of the information. For example the M10 comes in 9mm and 45ACP. Some weights show the 9mm at 2.80 Kg will the 45ACP version is 2.83 Kg. Then the suppressor that originally came with M10 was from Sionics and depending on the source of data weights 1.2 lbs.

Then it comes down to the exact weight of an empty 9mm and 45ACP magazine. Then add the weight of 32 9mm or 30 45ACP cartridges and then what type of cartridges where used standard ball?

I'll dig around in my library to see what I can find out for specs.

[Desert Mariner]

Originally Posted by nuke11

What I have found in the past with most of the weight problems from 1st thru 4th edition is the source of the information.

I've noticed that before. However, the spreadsheet is using the weight data from the individual items in the 4E and the calculations still don't match the loadout totals shown in TM 1-1. So, either I've erred in a formula (which I haven't yet found) or the authors made some math errors.

[nuke11]

Originally Posted by Desert Mariner

I've noticed that before. However, the spreadsheet is using the weight data from the individual items in the 4E and the calculations still don't match the loadout totals shown in TM 1-1. So, either I've erred in a formula (which I haven't yet found) or the authors made some math errors.

I'm guessing the load outs where carried over from the 3rd edition. Any new ones where most likely created for 4th edition with newer information available.

[nuke11]

Here are my numbers for Load #4

LOAD #4 4th Edition target : 18.82kg

1 M10 w/12 mags = 2.83 kg + 13x0.62 kg : 10.89 kg
1 HP-35 w/3 mags = 0.88 kg + 3x0.2 kg : 1.48 kg
4 M67 Grenades = 4x0.39 kg : 1.56 kg
2 M6 CN-DM Grenades = 2x0.48 kg : 0.96 kg
2 M9A1 BZ Grenades = 2x0.45 kg : 0.90 kg
2 M34 WP Grenades = 2x0.76 kg : 1.52 kg
3 HAFLA-35Ls = 3x0.63 kg : 1.89 kg

Weapons Total : 19.20 kg

Project pistol suppressor : 0.24 kg
Project M10 suppressor : 0.34 kg

Total : 19.78 kg

Over by 0.96 kg

If you want to update to the M6A1 CN-DM (M6A1 2x0.57 kg) : 1.14 kg

[Desert Mariner]

Originally Posted by nuke11

Here are my numbers for Load #4

LOAD #4 4th Edition target : 18.82kg

1 M10 w/12 mags = 2.83 kg + 13x0.62 kg : 10.89 kg

I notice your weight for the M10 is 2.83kg while TM 1-1 lists 2.84kg which equates to exactly the error margin (0.01kg) I'm getting for this specific loadout. I'm curious where the 2.83 figure originates, every source I've found thus far lists 2.84. (I discounted the 13th magazine)

I know it's only a hundredth but if I can't get the numbers to come out correctly using given data (TM 1-1 loadouts) then I can't have much confidence in new figures I generate.

Any updates for USGI munitions and ordinance, such as the M6A1, would be appreciated. Most of my Army TM Data Sheets are from the mid-80s and 90s which will work for the first 2 updates but not the last