The simulator is a useful training tool and gunners must complete several successful launches on the simulator before moving on to live missiles. When the ERYX missile is launched there is a significant change in the weight in the launch tube which can cause the gunner to shift his point of aim. If the shift is too great the sight will lose the missile and if the sight does not regain sight of the missile within a specified period the TSD will function and the missile will crash. The simulator helps the gunner overcome this, but is not a substitute for live firing. Live firing allows for several things, firstly, the gunners and commanders get a better understanding of the tactical employment on the missile system and its limitations for firing from inside buildings, through brush, etc. The missile system can be employed with other weapon systems and can be employed in a variety of weather conditions, light conditions, etc that cannot be simulated while employing the simulator. The simulator does not replicate the back blast hazard or dust kick up when fired from a trench dry ground or other aspects of firing.
The practice missile has several advantages over the HEAT missile. One there is a cost savings on targetry. The HEAT missile virtually destroys plywood targets and will quickly reduce hard targets (tanks and AFVs) to useless metal scrap piles. Also if a HEAT missile fails to function correctly, one or both of the warheads may end up as UXOs on the range. This may pose a hazard for personnel and may prevent the land from being used for other purposes.
The practice missile is much easier on the targets and will not leave explosive hazards downrange.
