How do tanks and other artillery guns determine range of the target and the firing angle?
Just watched a movie in which tanks from a distance away were firing with dead precision. How
do they work out the range and firing angle given only a visual target? Is it only movie stuff or happens
for real? Studied physics so this seems quite interesting. I know that there are projectile equations but in case of tanks, there are hardly any known variables.
WWII era, they used optical methods to determine range. This is a binocular telescope that superimposes two images. Moving a control will bring the target images together, and from that you can read off range. Then you looked that up in a table or used a slide rule type instrument to calculate angle.
Now, radar is used to determine the range by measuring the time it takes for the echo to return. Then a computer will calculate the proper angle. This all happens so fast that the tank can shoot accurately while moving at full speed.
Don’t forget it is not just range that feeds into the calculation, but also relative altitude of tank and target, and resting angle of the tank, as well as wind, air density, weight and aerodynamics of the shell, and perhaps others.
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WWII era, they used optical methods to determine range. This is a binocular telescope that superimposes two images. Moving a control will bring the target images together, and from that you can read off range. Then you looked that up in a table or used a slide rule type instrument to calculate angle.
Now, radar is used to determine the range by measuring the time it takes for the echo to return. Then a computer will calculate the proper angle. This all happens so fast that the tank can shoot accurately while moving at full speed.
Don’t forget it is not just range that feeds into the calculation, but also relative altitude of tank and target, and resting angle of the tank, as well as wind, air density, weight and aerodynamics of the shell, and perhaps others.
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References :
Billruss has given part of the answer. I would add to it.
In addition to optical sights, these days, laser, infra red imaging, RF etc., are also used for determining both the ranges as well as to home on to the target.
A laser range finder fires laser and tells the tank crew exact range.
During night, thermal imaging techniques are used to determine the location of the target and then laser range finder is used to determine the range once the location is determined. Remember the tank would be warmer than the surroundings and hence easily detectible by thermal imaging system.
RF source meaning radar is used nowadays both for imaging as well as determining the range and location of the target.
All these systems need a sophisticated software system for converting all signals to pictures of the actual target.
References :