Fixing Main Gun Zeroing Parameters

[harrypanaich]

It seems to me that there are four basic tasks being performed here.

 

Zeroing ~ deciding where to minimise mean error from the aim point (that error usually small at most ranges - small errors in MPI have a largest impact at intermediate ranges where the pH field is sufficiently 'peaky' that the centre location has some discernable effect and not so 'peaky' that only gross errors will force a miss)

 

Boresighting ~ making sure that the gun aimpoint is shifted appropriately with inputs from the FCS and gunner's controls - ensures that the FCS returns predicted behaviour under standard conditions.

 

Updating MRS ~ aligning the bore's muzzle and sight so that the starting direction for shells isn't grossly affected by temperature of the tube

 

Screening - firing a 'zeroing' round that confirms/questions the success of the above steps. There will be false positives, false negatives and 'good' values... the trick is to select a distance and size that doesn't 'fail' too many good setups, but catches as many poor ones as possible.

 

Even when done correctly there will be some that shoot well, and others badly.

 

Precisely sir, I am looking for somebody to explain the 'trick' and its basis.

 

Let's not question the neccessity to examine the 'hows' and 'whys' - tankers of the M1 generation are unlikely to have been exposed to the requirement. This is hard-core ballistics and systems engineering as applicable to MBTs without full-solution FCS - so please pitch responses at that level.

[Mike Steele]

delete

Edited May 27, 2013 by Mike Steele

[Junior FO]

 

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Edited September 23, 2024 by Junior FO