[Milsurplus] [armyradios] Re: OT: Mortar Questions

[J. Forster]

>From the responses, it is clear that for indirect targeting, a Forward
Observation Officer is essential. Obviously, the FOO must be in
communication with the mortar team. At night, the FOO would probably need
NV gear too.

It is also clear that getting an azimuth reference is not trivial w/o
pre-surveying.

Ranges to target could be gotten from Google by scaling off maps or photos.

To hit w/in a 100' of the aimpoint at a range of maybe 1 mile is
non-trivial, and requires prewtty well trained operators.

Thanks all.

-John

==================


> I asked a WW2 Canadian gunner and Ronnie's response roughly the answer
> that
> I got, though the setting of the charge was different-Put in up to three
> bags. That was for a 25 pdr. He also told me that on a reunion they were
> given a demo of the modern method which was that the  FOO (Forward
> Observation Officer), which he referred to as the FOOL, simply points an
> electronic gun at the target the aiming data is transferred to the gun
> control.
>
> Wally
>
>
>
>   _____
>
> From: armyradios at yahoogroups.com [mailto:armyradios at yahoogroups.com] On
> Behalf Of J. Forster
> Sent: March-08-2014 4:25 PM
> To: armyradios at yahoogroups.com
> Subject: Re: [armyradios] Re: [Milsurplus] OT: Mortar Questions
>
>
>
>
>
> Thank you. It sounds like things pretty much have to be set up beforehand,
> and it's not a spur-of-the-moment thing. Also, there has to be a forward
> observer in place to tell the mortar team how to correct aim.
>
> Best,
>
> -John
>
> ============
>
>> Been since 1966-67 but as I recall, you have aiming stakes out in front
>> of the pits for known azimuth points. The FDC takes the call from FO.
>> They
>> have
>> what are known as sticks and charts. They compute, using know ballistic
>> flight paths, the azimuth and elevation to set on the sight. Make sure
>> bubble level. FDC also tell you the charge, there are 8 or 9 little bags
>> clipped to base of round. Take off the bags until you have the right
>> number on the round. On cmd HANG, put base of round in tube holding
>> fat part in your left hand, on cmd FIRE, let round fall, and DUCK.
>> First
>> time,
>> I fired one (H&I fire), I ducked way down and base plate gave me a face
>> full of mud. I said this isn't so bad and only ducked a little the
>> second
>> time. I said what with the ducking, and just leaned back on the third
>> round.
>> Big mistake! Ducked after that. FDC will give you corrections, until
>> you
>> on target and then fire for effect.
>>
>> Prolly bunch computers now days.
>>
>> Ronnie
>
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