Direct fire
Direct fire or line-of-sight fire refers to
line-of-sight of the user.[1] The firing weapon must have a sighting device and an unobstructed view to the target, which means no obstacles or friendly units can be between it and the target. A weapon engaged in direct fire conversely exposes itself to direct return fire from the target.[2]
This is in contrast to
forward observer. As such, indirect-fire weapons can shoot over obstacles or friendly units and the weapons can be concealed from counter-battery fire
.
Description
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Examples of direct-fire weapons include most ancient and modern weapons such as slings, bows, firearms, and recoilless rifles. The term is most often used in the context of artillery, such as howitzers and mortars.
Direct fire remained the dominant method of operating artillery throughout most of human history, with indirect fire used for
anti-aircraft guns were developed.[4]
After World War II new technology continued to diminish the role of direct fire; however, in several situations it remains a necessary function on the modern battlefield. One of these is the defense of fixed fortified areas – for example
counterinsurgency operations. Direct-fire artillery can also be massed to counter a penetration by enemy tanks. In particular self-propelled artillery are ideally suited for this role on account of their mobility, armor protection, and faster rate of fire compared to other weapons.[5] A final situation is in urban warfare, where locating the enemy can be difficult, the physical structures give the defenders better protection, and the risk of collateral damage is high. In these cases direct-fire artillery can unleash tremendous firepower to precisely destroy enemy fortified positions.[6] For example, during the Siege of Marawi, the Armed Forces of the Philippines used 105mm M101 howitzers in close-range to combat Abu Sayyaf and Maute Group
terrorists who fortified themselves in several buildings.
See also
- Director (military) – Computer that calculates aiming for weapons
- Fire-control radar – Narrowly focused radar beam whose reflected signal is used to obtain a missile lock-on
- Gun laying – Process of aiming an artillery piece or turret
- Line-of-sight (missile)– straight line between a missile and its target
- Telescopic sight – Optical sighting device for firearms
References
Footnotes
Bibliography
- Bailey, J B A (2004). Field Artillery and Firepower. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. OCLC 51931033.