ATP-3-09-12 Field Artillery Counterfire and Weapons Locating Radar Operations Download
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Mask Considerations 26 October 2021 ATP 3-09.12 D-3 Figure D-2. Track volume D-6. Although the ideal mask variation may be met, the maximum allowable mask variation for a WLR can be calculated by subtracting the 50 mils of track volume required for firing weapon location from the vertical scan of the WLR. The maximum allowable mask variations are: AN/TPQ-36 - 30 mils. AN/TPQ-50 - 395 mils. AN/TPQ-53 - No limitations on mask variations, however large variations very close to each other are undesirable. D-7. Thus, any mask variation exceeding the allowable maximum variation would not allow enough track volume for the WLR to determine firing weapon locations. In that event, some action must be taken to regain enough track volume to perform the WLR mission. Possible actions include doing nothing, raising the low mask angle, narrowing the search sector, or moving the WLR. If nothing is done, a dead space is created where projectiles cannot be detected. Figure D-3 on page D-4 depicts a dead space area.