Artillery: March 27, 2002

Archives

The US Army's new Crusader 155mm self-propelled howitzer has completed live-fire testing of its range and rate of fire. More than 1,000 rounds were fired in this series. Tests have now begun of its capability to fire several rounds (at different elevations) in quick succession so that each will land at the same instant on the same target. Such time on target attacks can be devastating -- if they hit the target, which should be easy for the computer-navigated Crusader. Artillery bombardments always face the problem that the first rounds are less effective because they lack accuracy, while later rounds are less effective because the enemy has taken cover. If a lot of rounds land simultaneously in the first volley on an unsuspecting target, the maximum effect can be achieved with the fewest rounds fired.--Stephen V Cole

 

X

ad

Help Keep Us From Drying Up

We need your help! Our subscription base has slowly been dwindling.

Each month we count on your contributions. You can support us in the following ways:

  1. Make sure you spread the word about us. Two ways to do that are to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
  2. Subscribe to our daily newsletter. We’ll send the news to your email box, and you don’t have to come to the site unless you want to read columns or see photos.
  3. You can contribute to the health of StrategyPage.
Subscribe   Contribute   Close