ATP-3-09-30 Observed Fires Download

Chapter 3 3-22 ATP 3-09.30 28 September 2017 3-81. In instances where the observer is in a position to see the top of the building (observer is located in an adjacent building, on elevated terrain) the observer will lase the top of the building at the desired impact location for the round, using the standard call for fire. 3-82. Engaging buildings can best be achieved using target coordinate mensuration to refine target grids. In instances where the observer is not in a position to lase the top of the building, and does not have the ability to conduct target coordinate mensuration, can employ the following steps:  Lase one of the sides of the building as close as possible to and along the azimuth to the desired impact location of the round.  The observer will determine distance and direction to the structure. The observer will then estimate the distance from the lase point to the center of the structure. The observer will then add the distance from own location to the lase point and then add an estimated distance from the lase point to the center of the building to obtain an estimated distance to the building’s center grid. Note. Observer must carefully consider their position in relation to the target. The observer facing west would subtract the estimated distance in meters from the easting. The observer facing east would add the estimated distance in meters to the easting. The observer facing north would add the estimated distance in meters to the northing. The observer facing south would subtract the estimated distance in meters from the northing.  Observers must be aware that some targets may result in multiple returns. Testing has determined that concrete walls resulted in multiple returns back to the sight (degraded TLE). A technique to consider for reducing laser degradation is setting the laser to last return, and firing multiple lases at the same aim point and selecting the most common return. Hard shiny targets with greater reflectivity result in better returns. Note. If for any reason the observer has to power down the laser, upon power up the observer should lase several targets as a means to improve the laser shot accuracy. The observer should also perform calibration of the laser to reduce TLE and increase system confidence.  The observer will initiate a polar plot call for fire or adjust the grid, then call for fire with the FDC using the determined direction and the estimated distance obtained for the structure’s center grid. CAS EMPLOYMENT TARGET “TALK-ON” 3-83. Once the target information and attack parameters have been established, and the CAS aircraft are able to see into the target area for direct fire or bomb on target attacks, the JFO or JTAC and CAS aircrew are ready for the target “talk-on.” The purpose of a “talk-on” is to correlate the targeting information passed (that is, CAS 9-line brief with remarks, map plot confirmation, and enhanced target description) to the intended target for the CAS aircrew while considering the CAS asset’s visual sensor perspective for direct fire engagement. The JTAC or FAC (A) must be confident that the CAS asset has acquired the intended target before allowing weapons release during type 1 controls. Tactics and techniques to accomplish the “talk-on” are dependent on the battlefield situation, the perspective of the JFO, JTAC, FAC (A), CAS aircrew, and targeting systems available to each. As the JFO and JTAC teams consider the CAS asset’s perspective, they should also consider whether to use large target area features cueing to smaller features or to use more narrowly focused initial search patterns to expedite target correlation with aircraft targeting sensors. Talk-on TTPs are also driven by communications capabilities, availability of sensors (ground observer and aircraft), video downlink capability, aircraft navigation systems, grid and urban reference guides, and operational imagery graphics available to all participants in the joint fires chain. 3-84. The JFO and JTAC or FAC (A) must maintain continuous communication with the attacking aircraft. Normally, the JTAC will conduct the target “talk-on” based on the targeting information from the JFO; however the JTAC may authorize the JFO to pass targeting information directly to the CAS aircrew for the “talk-on”. If the JFO is not able to communicate directly with the aircrew, communications will be facilitated by the JTAC. First, establish a common reference point on the ground.