WPN201K, Joint Surface Fires Capabilities

Question 1

Define the elements of trajectory.

Answer 1

Maximum ordinate (MAX ORD):
The highest point along the round's trajectory.

Ordinate X (ORD X):
The altitude of the artillery round at a specific distance from the target along the gun target line (GTL), back toward the firing location.

Question 2

Identify surface delivery platforms and organisations for the land component.

Answer 2

Mortars:
60 mm (Coy) (USA and USMC)
81 mm (Bn) (USA and USMC)
120 mm (Bn) (USA and USMC)

Cannon:
105 mm towed M119A2/A3 (USA only)
155 mm towed M777/A2 (IBCT, SBCT, USMC)
155 mm self propelled M109A6/A7 (ABCT)

Rockets/missiles (Div and Corps primarily):
MLRS M270A1 (USA)
HIMARS M142 (USA and USMC)

Question 3

Identify airspace planning factors when employing the M982 Excalibur, 155 mm precision guided munition.

Answer 3

• Always fired at high angle in order to allow the GPS receiver time for satellite acquisition and fix
• An offset aimpoint is used to allow the projectile to safely impact a ‘safe’ area in the event a GPS signal is not acquired
• Accurate target coordinates.

Question 4

Identify surface delivery platforms for the maritime component.

Answer 4

• Ticonderoga Class Guided Missile Cruisers (CG)
• Arleigh Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyers (DDG)
• Multi-Mission Class Destroyer (DDG-1000)

Question 5

Describe Impact/point detonation

Answer 5

Ground burst.

Delay causes detonation to bury in to the target before detonation.

Question 6

Describe Time fuze, Electronic time, ET

Answer 6

Prvides detonation at a certain height above the target or point along the projectile trajectory.

Question 7

Describe Variable time, VT / proximity

Answer 7

Air burst.
sensor detects surfare and detonates 7 m AGL.
HE and VT are excellent combination for personnel.

Question 8

Describe Multi Option Fuze Artillery, MOFA

Answer 8

Prox, time, PD and Delay.