12-04-2011, 02:43 AM
LRRPF52 Wrote:While there are some significant advantages to these developments, we don't have a system that will compensate for wind factors downrange
We don't at the moment, but that's the intention. From my web article:
"Even more remarkable is the LIDAR (Laser Identification Detection And Ranging) unit developed by the Israeli Soreq Nuclear Research Center. This works by firing a laser beam at the target, the reflection being captured by an array of photodiodes. Fluctuations in the signals received by the photodiodes are used to detect the direction and velocity of any cross wind. This may well have an application in the DARPA One Shot next-generation sniper scope program. The One Shot program is intended to enable snipers to be on target with the first round, under crosswind conditions, up to the maximum effective range of the weapon: a target of 65% probability of a first-round hit at up to 1,500 metres has been set (presumably when using large-calibre long-range sniper rifles).
The goal of the DInGO program is to develop a rifle scope that will turn every soldier into a marksman over the full lethal range of combat rifle, allowing accurate engagement of targets by automatically making all of the ballistic adjustments needed to hit the target."
Quote:Just as relying on GPS for your primary navigation solution is an absolute mistake without an understanding of map-reading, compass use, terrain association, pace count, etc., relying on technology for a firing solution without an underlying experience base with intermediate range shooting (that is only taught in sniper training currently) is a mistake.
You raise a very interesting point there. Warfare is becoming more and more reliant on electronics. To what extent should we have low-technology fall-back systems in case the electronics fail? In many instances there is no alternative - if your radar set goes down, you're not going to be able to fire those anti-aircraft missiles or direct your own fighters. Soldiers are already expected to learn a huge amount more than they were a generation or two ago. How much more can they be burdened with? As you know far better than I, sniper training is not something you can pick up in a couple of range sessions. Maybe we just have to accept that if the fancy sights stop working, the soldiers are going to be limited to BUIS and an effective range of 300 m or so.
Quote:Also, with the nature of a high-stress engagement where the Pashtun fighters have purposely initiated a far ambush outside the effective range of even optimistic effective ranges for the 7.62 NATO, no shoulder-fired weapon other than the M107 and maybe a .338 LM will begin to even touch them at the ranges they like to initiate at. These engagements are usually resolved with CAS, mortars, or artillery.
I think that the problem has been with engagements which are outside the effective range of 5.56mm, but not 7.62mm - i.e. 400-800m.
CAS, mortars or artillery may not be immediately available, or apprpriate to use if they are, depending on the ROE.