ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download
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Observer Special Missions 28 September 2017 ATP 3-09.30 7-3 7-8. Aircraft lasers provide pilots with the ability to obtain fast and accurate target locations (see figure 7- 2). Lasers on the AH-64 Apache and OH-58 Kiowa Warrior, for example, enable pilots to determine an eight digit grid to a target. These laser systems have embedded GPS which reduces TLE. As a result, the most common call for fire originating from Army aircraft is a fire for effect grid mission. Figure 7-2. Aircraft target location ADJUST FIRE TECHNIQUES 7-9. When adjusting fire, the observer will usually use either the stationary hover or the pop up technique. In stationary hover, the pilot positions the aircraft behind trees or other terrain features that conceal the aircraft and still permit observation of the target. 7-10. In pop up, the pilot unmasks the aircraft two to three seconds before impact of the round. The observer observes the burst and the pilot then returns the aircraft to the hide position or moves to another hide position. The observer sends corrections as the pilot is remasking the aircraft. Time of flight is automatically sent to the observer. This allows the pilot to position the aircraft properly if splash time is not sufficient. Avoid set patterns of movement to enhance survivability. 7-11. After the fire mission is sent, the FDC will determine firing data to the target. They will send a MTO to the pilot or observer in aircraft to inform them how the firing unit will attack the target. The MTO will include the time of flight for the rounds since the call for fire originates from a pilot or observer in an aircraft. When the firing unit fires the initial round, the FDC sends the pilot or observer in aircraft SHOT to announce that the unit fired. Then, based on time of flight of the rounds the FDC will send SPLASH to inform the pilot or observer in aircraft when the rounds impact. The FDC must send SPLASH to the pilot or observer in aircraft since the sound in the aircraft precludes the pilot from hearing the impact. OBSERVED FIRES WITH UAS 7-12. The Observer can call for and adjust fire utilizing an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). This can enhance the observer’s ability to acquire targets from above with a remote viewing system. This process is similar to conducting fires with manned aircraft. The observer must establish an OT line (GTL, a predetermined azimuth, or direction from a known point on the ground) prior to making any corrections. HIGH-ANGLE FIRE 7-13. Situations requiring high angle fire include when the weapons fire out of a deep defilade, from within built up areas, or over high terrain features near friendly troops. Targets located on a reverse slope, in jungles, in deep gullies or ravines, or in other areas unreachable by the flatter trajectory of low angle fire usually require high-angle fire (see figure 7-3 on page 7-4).