Hi,

Artillery guns used to use (maybe they still do I don't know) 2 aiming posts for indirect firing.

Know I am wondering how big where these rods? Length and diameter?

They seem to be divided in red/white sections on the rod, how big where these?

And last but not least, how where they used? I know that indirect firing means that the gun is firing at targets out of the Line of Sight, but how do those rods work?

I don't know the sizes and such but they are used in conjunction with a map and compass to determine their exact location. The aiming stakes are used to maintain a point of reference. When a forward observer calls for fire using grid coordinates or a direction/distance from a known point, the fire direction center plots where the fire is needed and sends the direction, elevation, type of ammo and charge (amount of propellent to be added) to the artillerymen. They point the gun in the right direction at the proper elevation and with the appropriate charge. If all goes well, the round lands where the forward observer needs it. Normally the FO adjusts fire from that first round (left/right 100, drop/add 200) and to put steel on target.

Our indirect fire experts can better explain.

Ronny, this place should answer all your questions about those aiming posts and lots more. Easy reading. The Basics of Gunnery

Roadkill,

Make me think back 30 years ago!!!!! I remember the pole being about three feet in length and about 11/2-2 inches in diameter. Two sections went together to create a double ended pointed rod. The poles are used as a ‘line of sight’ reference for the gun tubes. Kevin Keefe (kkeefe) is an ex-mortar maggot too. He should have a wealth of indirect fire information.

Dave

Roadkill,

Did a quick search. Here are a couple photos from A Troop 4th Squadron, 12th US Cavalry, 1st Brigade 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) web site. They are on this page :



Also, an illustration and description of the M14 and M1A2 aiming posts from FM 23-90 MORTARS .


HTH

Dave