Katana VentraIP

Direct fire

Direct fire or line-of-sight fire refers to firing of a ranged weapon whose projectile is launched directly at a target within the line-of-sight of the user.[1] The firing weapon must have a sighting device and an unobstructed view to the target, which means no obstacles or friendly units can be between it and the target. A weapon engaged in direct fire conversely exposes itself to direct return fire from the target.[2]

This is in contrast to indirect fire, which refers to firing a projectile on a curved ballistic trajectory or delivering self-accelerated munitions capable of long range and various degrees of homing abilities to alter the flight path. Indirect fire does not need a direct line-of-sight to the target because the shots are normally directed by a forward observer. As such, indirect-fire weapons can shoot over obstacles or friendly units and the weapons can be concealed from counter-battery fire.

 – Computer that calculates aiming for weapons

Director (military)

 – Narrowly focused radar beam whose reflected signal is used to obtain a missile lock-on

Fire-control radar

 – Process of aiming an artillery piece or turret

Gun laying

 – straight line between a missile and its target

Line-of-sight (missile)

 – Optical sighting device for firearms

Telescopic sight

Bailey, J B A (2004). Field Artillery and Firepower. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press.  978-1-59114-029-0. OCLC 51931033.

ISBN