Hitting a target

Artillery usually fire from a position where they cannot directly see the target they are aiming at, often from many kilometres away. To accurately hit a target, a number of key elements need to be in place to help the gun team.

• Firstly, a forward observer needs to be able to locate the target and provide an accurate position, relaying this to the artillery team.
• Secondly, the position data of the target, the gun and any other environmental factors are entered into a fire control computer to calculate a solution.
• Thirdly, this solution is used to align the gun and the shell is fired. The forward observer then must confirm the hit or provide data for adjustment of the solution.