There are no different forms of knowledge within Artillery.
~N/A
Artillery refers to large-caliber, ranged weapons that are used to deliver munitions over long distances. This category of military equipment encompasses a variety of systems designed for indirect fire, allowing forces to engage targets beyond the line of sight. Artillery plays a crucial role in both offensive and defensive operations, providing firepower to suppress enemy positions, destroy fortifications, and support ground forces. There are different types of artillery, each serving specific purposes on the battlefield:
1. Howitzers:
Description: Howitzers are versatile artillery pieces with medium to large caliber barrels. They are capable of both high-angle and low-angle fire, allowing them to hit targets at various ranges. Howitzers are often used for indirect fire support and can be towed or self-propelled.
Roles: Howitzers are employed in a wide range of roles, including counter-battery fire, suppression of enemy air defenses, and providing support for ground troops.
2. Cannons:
Description: Cannons are large-caliber guns with a relatively long barrel. They are typically used for firing projectiles at flatter trajectories compared to howitzers. Historical cannons were often used in fixed positions, such as coastal defense installations or fortress walls.
Roles: While traditional cannons are less prevalent in modern warfare, the term is still used to describe certain types of artillery.
3. Field Guns:
Description: Field guns are mobile artillery pieces with longer barrels, designed for direct fire against enemy forces. They are often lighter and more maneuverable than other artillery types.
Roles: Field guns historically played a significant role in warfare, engaging enemy infantry and cavalry on the battlefield. However, their role has diminished with advancements in other artillery systems.
4. Self-Propelled Artillery:
Description: Self-propelled artillery features its own propulsion system, allowing it to move independently on the battlefield. These systems combine the firepower of traditional artillery with enhanced mobility.
Roles: Self-propelled artillery is used to quickly reposition on the battlefield, providing rapid fire support to ground forces. They are often mounted on tracked or wheeled chassis.
5. Rocket Artillery:
Description: Rocket artillery systems use rockets rather than traditional shells. Multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) can deliver a barrage of rockets to saturate an area.
Roles: Rocket artillery is effective for rapidly delivering a large volume of munitions over a wide area. It is often used for suppression of enemy air defenses and counter-battery fire.
6. Mortars:
Description: Mortars are short-barreled, portable artillery pieces that launch shells at high angles, causing them to drop almost vertically onto the target. Mortars provide close and immediate indirect fire support.
Roles: Mortars are employed by infantry units to engage targets at shorter ranges and are particularly effective in providing rapid and responsive firepower.
Artillery remains a critical component of modern combined arms warfare, contributing to the flexibility and firepower of military forces. Advances in technology, precision-guided munitions, and automation continue to shape the capabilities of artillery systems in contemporary military operations.
Please Contact us if you would like to help produce content to share your experiences in one of the categories we do, or don’t have listed.
