Means, types and methods of aerial reconnaissance. Aerial reconnaissance. Highways and dirt roads

Aerial photograph, 1889.

Aviation photography from a French aircraft, 1916.

Aerial reconnaissance(aviation reconnaissance, aerial reconnaissance) - one of the types of military reconnaissance conducted from the air, from (using) aircraft.

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Tactical air reconnaissance conducted in the interests of the command of formations and units types of weapons military forces and military branches in order to provide them with intelligence data necessary for organizing and conducting combat. The main tactical efforts aerial reconnaissance focus on objects located on the battlefield and in tactical depth.

The main methods of conducting aerial reconnaissance are:

• visual observation,
• aerial photography and
• reconnaissance using electronic means.

The choice of method for conducting aerial reconnaissance depends on the task being performed, the type of aircraft and its intelligence equipment, enemy counteraction, time of day and meteorological conditions.

Visual observation carried out with the naked eye or with the help of optical instruments. It allows you to quickly survey large areas, obtain general data about the enemy group and actions, about objects, study the terrain and weather, immediately summarize and transmit the obtained intelligence data from the aircraft to the command.

Aerial photo reconnaissance carried out using day and night aerial cameras (planning, perspective, panoramic). It provides the most complete, reliable and accurate data about enemy troops, objects and terrain.

Aerial reconnaissance using electronic means is divided into

• radio-,
• radio engineering,
• radar,
• television

For radio intelligence Aircraft radio receivers are used to reveal the content of enemy radio transmissions, determine the composition and location of his forces, and obtain data about their activities and intentions.

At electronic intelligence Direction-finding receivers are used to determine the basic technical parameters of the operation of enemy radar and radio-television control equipment, as well as their location. It can be carried out in any weather conditions, day or night.

Radar reconnaissance is carried out using aircraft radars, which make it possible to detect radar-contrasting objects, obtain photographs of radar images of objects and terrain, and reveal enemy radar camouflage measures.

Television intelligence carried out using television systems that include an aircraft transmitting and ground receiving station, which make it possible to monitor the objects and actions of enemy troops and friendly troops. Many countries are also implementing

The main goal of the Sha is to inflict maximum damage on target enemy targets and groups that pose the greatest danger to our troops. The main purpose of the Sha is the destruction of small-sized and mobile ground objects on the battlefield and in tactical depth. The objects of its operations may be located in the closest operational depth, up to 300 km from the front line.

The main targets for attack aircraft will be armored targets on the front line (tanks, artillery installations, armored vehicles), motorized infantry, control posts, rocket launchers, anti-aircraft weapons, communication objects, ground elements of systems precision weapons.

Carrying out its tasks, the SHA operates from low and extremely low altitudes.

destruction of weapons of mass destruction;

destruction of enemy reserves;

destruction of command and control facilities

facilitating the landing of their troops

obstructing enemy maneuvers.

17. Types and methods of conducting aerial reconnaissance

Aerial reconnaissance, depending on the scale, objectives, and also on whose interests it is carried out, is divided into three types:

strategic;

operational;

tactical

Strategic aerial reconnaissance is organized by the commanders-in-chief of the branches of the Armed Forces or the Supreme Commander-in-Chief in the interests of the war as a whole or in the interests of operations carried out by a group of fronts, to the depth of the entire theater of operations. Carried out by strategic reconnaissance aircraft, aircraft and space reconnaissance assets.

Operational aerial reconnaissance is organized by the front-line command and is conducted to the depth of front-line, air and sea operations by front-line reconnaissance aircraft.

Tactical aerial reconnaissance is organized by the army command in the tactical depths of the enemy in the interests of formations of various types of troops in order to obtain the necessary data for organizing the battle.

FA reconnaissance aircraft, as well as tactical unmanned reconnaissance aircraft, are used for reconnaissance. In the interests of aviation combat operations, preliminary aerial reconnaissance is carried out (if there is insufficient data to make a decision on carrying out missions), additional reconnaissance (to clarify the position of objects, their air defense, radiation conditions and weather along the route and in the area of ​​combat operations), control (during or after air strike to determine its results).

visual observation;

aerial photography;

aerial reconnaissance using electronic means.

Visual surveillance: allows you to view large areas, and is indispensable when searching for or additional reconnaissance of stealthy nuclear missiles, control and air defense equipment and other mobile objects. Disadvantages: a decrease in visual observation capabilities with increasing altitude and speed of reconnaissance aircraft, with an increase in the degree of complexity of objects, as well as the subjectivity of information.

Aerial photography: has advantages in objectivity and documentation, detail and authenticity. It allows you to capture the most complex objects on photographic film, obtain fairly complete data on enemy troop groups, their defensive structures, large railway junctions, airfields and missile launcher positions, and identify even the most insignificant changes in such large objects. However, aerial photography capabilities depend on the weather and time of day. Even under simple weather conditions, the quality of the photographic image is determined by the state of the atmosphere; at night, photographing is possible only with artificial lighting of objects.

Aerial reconnaissance using radio-electronic means: consists of obtaining information about the enemy using radio-electronic means. It is divided into:

radio reconnaissance,

radio engineering,

radar,

radio thermal (thermal imaging),

thermal (infrared),

laser

television

Radio reconnaissance - obtaining information about the enemy through radio searches and intercepting his radio transmissions.

Radio-technical reconnaissance (RTR) - obtaining information about the type and purpose of the enemy's operating electronic systems (radar, radio navigation, radio telecontrol). It is carried out using special radio stations. Detection of enemy radio electronics, determination of their type and purpose is carried out according to the parameters of the signals emitted by them.

Radar reconnaissance (RLR) - obtaining information about enemy objects (targets), including determining their coordinates or movement parameters using radar stations. RLR detects objects (targets) on the ground, in the air, on water in any meteorological conditions, day and night, determines the type and intensity of enemy radar interference, and detects the epicenters of nuclear explosions.

Aerial thermal reconnaissance is carried out using heat direction finders and makes it possible to reveal heat-contrasting objects: military equipment, aircraft at airfields, airfield runways and other objects.

Laser reconnaissance is the detection, recognition and determination of the coordinates of objects (targets) using instruments operating on the principle of using laser radiation energy. Laser rangefinders are used to conduct laser reconnaissance.

Television reconnaissance is the process of obtaining information about the enemy using television reconnaissance equipment. Television transmitting cameras are installed on aircraft.

When performing combat missions, reconnaissance aircraft use the following methods of combat operations:

reconnaissance by single aircraft (in pairs);

reconnaissance by simultaneous departure of the entire composition.

In the general complex of measures aimed at preparing the armed forces for new aggressive wars, the commands of the armies of the main capitalist states great place assign the organization of tactical air reconnaissance to the theater of operations, on the results of which, in their opinion, the success of military operations of the troops will largely depend. Aerial reconnaissance is carried out in the interests of all types of armed forces. In particular, it is designed to provide the Air Force command with the necessary data to solve problems of gaining air superiority, isolating the combat area and providing close air support to ground forces.

Tactical air reconnaissance efforts in gaining air superiority are planned to be directed primarily at identifying the airfield network, especially airfields and dispersal sites, as well as missile defense positions and control posts.

When isolating a combat area, the main aerial reconnaissance targets include reserves in concentration areas and on the march, highway junctions and railway stations, bridges, crossings, command posts and communication centers of formations and associations, warehouses and supply bases.

Especially great stress, as foreign military experts believe, will be required from the crews of reconnaissance aircraft when providing direct air support to ground forces, since ground fighting will be characterized by transience and be carried out over large areas under any meteorological conditions. In this case, aviation must first identify the positions of troops, areas of their concentration, launchers tactical missiles, command posts and radio control equipment located in the combat formations of troops.

The main task of aerial reconnaissance in theaters of operations, as noted by foreign military experts, is to timely detect the location of carriers nuclear weapons and nuclear ammunition depots.

It is believed that data obtained by aerial reconnaissance must be reliable and fully reflect the rapidly changing situation on the battlefield. Therefore, not only specially equipped, but also all combat aircraft are used to conduct it.

Tactical reconnaissance bears the greater burden of uncovering objects in the enemy’s tactical depths. For example, in last years war of aggression in Vietnam from total number sorties carried out American aviation for the purpose of reconnaissance of the territory of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, 97% were tactical reconnaissance aircraft (RF-4C, RF-101 and others), 1%. - for unmanned aircraft and 2% - for strategic aircraft(U-2, ). The reconnaissance crews had to not only find the object, identify it and establish coordinates, but also determine how and from what directions it would be safer and more convenient to approach it.

Depending on the tasks and on whose interests the aerial reconnaissance is being conducted, its depth will vary. IN foreign press it was reported that the depth tactical reconnaissance for a field army it is 300-100 km, an army corps - 100 km and a division - 40 km.

To conduct tactical air reconnaissance, the US and French Air Forces have reconnaissance aviation wings (squadrons), consisting of two or three aviation squadrons of 15-18 aircraft each, and in other countries - reconnaissance squadrons. The US Air Force has formed a squadron of unmanned reconnaissance and jammer aircraft launched from the DC-130 mother aircraft. Reconnaissance aviation squadrons can independently solve aerial reconnaissance missions in a theater of operations.

Organization of air reconnaissance control in the theater of operations

The management of the actions of reconnaissance aviation in the theater of operations in the US Air Force is carried out through the tactical aviation control system, the main bodies of which are the tactical aviation control center, which is part of the command post of the commander of the Air Force in the theater of operations, and the direct air support center, created at the combat operations control center of the army corps or field army. Aerial reconnaissance operations are carried out on the basis of planned or urgent requests.

At the tactical aviation control center are officers who plan actions and organize flights of reconnaissance aircraft. Here, on the basis of approved applications, detailed planning of reconnaissance aircraft flights for the next day takes place according to the planned applications that come from the battalions ground forces through intelligence officers of divisions, corps and field armies. Each subsequent supervisor can approve or cancel the application. According to foreign press reports, during the Vietnam War, planned requests were implemented 4 hours or more after their receipt. They made up 3/4 of all applications.

Air intelligence officers at the close air support center are tasked with compiling urgent requests. The latter, without coordination with higher authorities, are transmitted over tactical aviation control radio networks by Air Force liaison officers located in tactical aviation control commands or by forward air gunners. Having examined the application, the direct aviation support center reports this to the tactical aviation control center, and then calls reconnaissance aircraft through the command post of aviation units and subunits. Based on the experience of combat operations in South-East Asia urgent requests were carried out within 2-2.5 hours when aircraft took off from airfields and after 15 minutes. when calling a scout from a duty position in the zone.

According to the foreign press, reconnaissance can be carried out by the following aircraft: single aircraft, part of strike groups, specially covered from the air. The first ones, as a rule, are sent to areas with weak air defense. They photograph the area from the middle and high altitudes. The latter are intended for photographing objects after bomb attacks have been carried out on them. Reconnaissance aircraft, specially covered from the air, target objects with strong air defense.

The guidance of aircraft crews on routes is carried out through control and warning centers, observation and warning posts, as well as through forward aircraft gunners. The pilots are given information about the facility's air defense system, attacks by enemy fighters, weather changes, the location of the film release point, the actions of their aircraft in the reconnaissance area, etc.

Preparation for conducting aerial reconnaissance on the theater of operations

Preparation for conducting aerial reconnaissance in a squadron begins with receiving an order from the air wing command post. Based on it, the squadron commander gives appropriate instructions to the operational officer and photo reconnaissance officer.

The operational officer, who controls the calculation of the required fuel supply and the time of transmission of reconnaissance reports, determines the order of travel to the target, routes and time to reach the target, the conditions of radio exchange, those responsible for communication at the stages of the flight, and, if necessary, indicates the methods of interaction between reconnaissance officers and cover fighters.

Crews assigned to the mission begin preparing a flight plan. The route to the reconnaissance facility is selected taking into account covert access to it and bypassing areas covered by air defense systems. It is plotted on a map on which control landmarks are clearly visible. If necessary, the plan indicates the area for refueling aircraft in the air on the way back. If a reconnaissance aircraft must go on a mission together with a strike group, then the place, time and altitude of their meeting is recorded. When exploring objects that have strong system Air defense, the plan reflects issues of interaction with the cover group.

The photo reconnaissance officer, together with specialists in electronic equipment, selects the type of AFA, the amount of film, filters and shooting intervals in accordance with the task and the weather.

During pre-flight preparation, which can last up to 1.5 hours, the crews are briefed. The squadron commander clarifies the task and explains it. The intelligence officer familiarizes the crews with target registration data (if they have not studied them during preliminary training), then informs the pilots about enemy air defense systems on the route and in the target area, recommends tactical methods for overcoming them, names particularly noticeable visual landmarks and explains the camouflage of objects enemy. He also brings to the attention of the crews (in case they find themselves on enemy territory for some reason) possible relation population to them, how to avoid capture and how to act during rescue.

The photo reconnaissance officer instructs the crews on the procedure for using the AFA, indicating the number of photographs that can be taken with each device and the reference points for the start of photographing.

Signal intelligence officer from the squadron Maintenance resembles the operating modes of the equipment, the moments of its switching on and off, and the features of identifying radiation sources on on-board indicators.

The meteorological officer familiarizes the crew with the weather forecast along the route and in the target area.

Crews who have previously flown in a given area are specially invited to attend the briefing.

At the end of the briefing, the crews clarify flight routes to and from targets, time to fly over control landmarks and approach targets, and alternate routes in case of weather changes or unexpectedly strong opposition from enemy air defense forces.

After completing the task, the plane is met by the duty team, which removes cassettes of film and delivers them to the darkroom. Here, the still wet film is reviewed by codebreakers for a preliminary assessment and preparation of an urgent report. In addition, the crew commander presents a report on the results of visual observation. When specified objects are detected on the film, it is sent to the photo reconnaissance technical squadron of the reconnaissance aviation wing. If objects are not detected, then the issue of a second flight is decided. In the photo reconnaissance technical squadron, the film is deciphered more carefully.

Foreign experts believe that the time spent on decoding the film is still long. Therefore, people abroad are trying to gain information about the enemy from an airplane. The value of such information lies in its timeliness and reliability, since the aircraft crew can transmit it within 3-5 minutes after detecting the object. All authorities interested in receiving them can simultaneously receive data about the target. During the Vietnam War, as the foreign press reported, the American command received more than 2/3 of the data on moving objects via radio from reconnaissance aircraft.

Rice. 1. RF-4C 2 reconnaissance aircraft

The capabilities of reconnaissance aircraft to survey terrain are determined visually by the tactical and technical characteristics of the onboard equipment.

Judging by foreign press reports, the main tactical reconnaissance aircraft in the air forces of the main capitalist countries is the RF-4C Phantom 2 (Fig. 1). Crew: two people. It is equipped with modern reconnaissance equipment. Its capabilities when shooting terrain from a height of 100 m are shown in Fig. 2. As you gain altitude, the area covered by photography increases.

Rice. 2. Strips of terrain captured by the reconnaissance equipment of the RF-4C aircraft during its flight at an altitude of 100 m: 1, 2 and 3 - AFA of forward, perspective and planned surveys; 4, 5 - IR and laser equipment; 6 - side-view radar, which films the terrain on both sides of the aircraft; 7 - range of electronic reconnaissance equipment

Television reconnaissance equipment is not installed on Phantom aircraft. This is explained by its poor noise immunity. However, it is used on unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. It was reported that it is planned to be used in conjunction with infrared surveillance equipment.

Thus, as can be judged by the data published in the foreign press, tactical aerial reconnaissance in the theater of operations is given paramount importance in the armed forces of NATO countries. It is organized taking into account the use of all combat aircraft and the fastest transfer of data about the enemy to commanders.

AERIAL RECONNAISSANCE, one of the types military intelligence. Reconnaissance is carried out in parts. aviation, reconnaissance aviation units formations, by all crews performing combat missions, as well as unmanned aircraft(airplanes, automatic balloons, etc.) in order to obtain data on equipment (objects, forces and means, terrain, etc.) necessary for the successful conduct of military operations by all types of weapons. forces and branches of troops. The first to fly. devices (LA), which are in the end. 50s 19th century were used for conducting military operations, there were balloons. In the beginning. 20th century for V. r. Airplanes began to be widely used.

In Russia 1st experience B. R. from aircraft received during maneuvers of the St. Petersburg, Warsaw and Kyiv military forces. districts in 1911. In 1912-13 in the 1st Balkan War Russian. aviation a detachment under the command of Captain Shchetinin, operating on the side of Bulgaria, carried out the tasks of the V. r. with photographing fortifications and field structures.

How to be independent, type of reconnaissance (see. Military intelligence) V. r. took shape during the 1st World War. During the Great Patriotic War, the war, 12% of owl sorties. aviation carried out for the purpose of V. r. With the increase in the scope of military action intensity V. r. increased. In 1941, the number of sorties on the V. r. amounted to 9.2%, in 1944 it increased to 15%. V. r. not only obtained data about the project, but supplemented and documented the data of other types of intelligence.

In a rapidly changing environment B. R. often served as a unity, a means of obtaining data on the aircraft for combined arms and aviation. command. For example, in the winter of 1942/43 only V. r. was able to timely open the transfer from the North. Caucasus 2 germ. -fash. tank divisions to the Kotelnikovo district for the release of the blockade of troops surrounded at Stalingrad. In preparation for the Vistula-Oder operation in 1945 found behind the river. Wisla 7 prepared. defense, lanes echeloned to a depth of up to 500 km, and 6 anti-tank ditches.

Into arms. forces of most countries. by means of V. r. are manned and unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. They are able to quickly reach reconnaissance targets located at a considerable distance, view short time vast spaces, obtain reliable intelligence. data about the aircraft and promptly deliver it to the command (including by transmission from the aircraft). In order to ensure the most complete and timely support of combat operations of the Military District. must constantly interact with other types of intelligence.

IN . R. divided into strategic, operational and tactical. Strategic V. r. carried out in order to provide the main command with the necessary intelligence. information about the strategist, the objects of the pr-ka, located in its deep rear. Operational V. r. carried out in the interests of the command of associations (formations) of types of weapons. forces and branches of troops in order to obtain intelligence. data necessary for the preparation and conduct of front-line and army operations, as well as operations carried out by navies and air forces.

Tact. V. r. is carried out in the interests of the command of formations and units of types of weapons. forces and branches of troops in order to provide them with reconnaissance. data necessary for organizing and conducting combat. Basic effort tact. V. r. focus on objects located on the battlefield and in tact, depth.

Main methods of maintaining V. r. are: visual surveillance, aerial photographic reconnaissance and reconnaissance using radio-electronic means. Choosing a method of maintaining V. r. depends on the task being performed, the type of aircraft and its reconnaissance. equipment, countermeasures, time of day and meteorological. conditions. Visual observation is carried out unarmed. by eye or with optical aid. devices.

It allows you to quickly survey large districts, obtain general data about the grouping and actions of the pr-ka, about objects, terrain and weather, immediately summarize and transmit the intelligence obtained. data from the aircraft to the command. Aerial photographic reconnaissance is carried out using day and night aerial cameras (planning, perspective, panoramic). It provides the most complete, reliable and accurate data about the pr-ka’s troops, objects and terrain. V. r. with the help of radio-electronic means it is divided into radio-, radio-technical, and radar. and television.

For radio reconnaissance, aircraft radio receivers are used, which make it possible to reveal the content of the aircraft's radio transmissions, determine the composition and location of its forces, and obtain data about their activities and intentions.. With radio engineering reconnaissance uses direction finders. devices that allow you to determine the main tech. operating parameters of radar and radio telecontrol equipment, as well as their location.

It can be carried out in any meteorological conditions. conditions day and night. Radar reconnaissance is carried out using aircraft radars, which make it possible to detect objects that are contrasting in the radar. relation, receive radar photographs. images of objects and terrain, reveal events carried out by radar. camouflage. TV reconnaissance is carried out using television. systems that include an aircraft transmitting and ground receiving station, which make it possible to monitor the objects and actions of the pr-ka’s troops and friendly troops.

Thermal, laser and other reconnaissance systems are also being introduced in a number of countries. facilities. Intelligence the data obtained by the V.R. comes in the form of radio reports from the aircraft, information from automatic airborne reconnaissance equipment, as well as processed documentary data about the aircraft’s objects (deciphered photographs and aerial films, photographs of aircraft radar indicator screens), in the form of oral and written reports from the crews after landing the aircraft.

Literature:
Avdeev A.I. Organization and planning of air reconnaissance.

M., 1943; Aerial reconnaissance railways . M., 1963; Karpovich N.K., Soloviev E.I., R o d e s t-v i n N. II. Aerial photo reconnaissance service. M. ~ L., 1940; Lazarev B. A., Sizov A. II.

Photographic aerial reconnaissance equipment. Part 1.

Riga, 1973; Makovsky V. P. Systems for processing and transmitting intelligence information. Part 1. Riga, 1973; Sokolov A. N. Reconnaissance aviation.

M., 1939; Sokolov A. N. Tactics of reconnaissance aircraft. M. - L., 1933; H about in and to about in A., Yu n u-s about in T. Visual search for ground targets at dusk. - “Aviation and Cosmonautics”, 1965, No. 12; Scout above the battlefield. - “Aviation and Cosmonautics”, 1965, No. 9. M. M. Danilevsky.

• AVIATION GROUP- AVIATION GROUP, forces and means of aviation. parts, connections or operations. formations located at airfields (ships) and intended for joint combat operations with formations...
• AIR SUPPORT- AIR SUPPORT, aviation combat operations carried out in the interests of associations (formations) of ground forces in an operation, as well as a landed sea. (air) landing. A. p., which is an integral part...
• AIR INTELLIGENCE- AIR INTELLIGENCE, see Air reconnaissance.
• AIRCRAFT SQUADRILLE- AIRCRAFT SQUADRILLE (ae), main aviation. a unit designed to solve tactical problems. A separate air force is aviation. part. Ae performs its tasks independently or as part of...
• AVIATION CORPS- AVIATION CORPS (ak), the highest tactical or operational aviation. Air Force connection designed to solve operational problems. (operational-strategic) tasks independently and as part of aviation. associations...
• AIR STRIKE- AIR STRIKE, impact from the air on a ground (sea) aviation object. means of destruction for the purpose of its destruction (suppression). Depending on the composition of the forces involved in carrying out the A.U., he...
• INTELLIGENCE- INTELLIGENCE INTELLIGENCE, a type of intelligence widely used by capitalist states, which is carried out with the help of secret agents. Basic AR's task is to obtain information about weapons. forces, military-econ...
• ARMY AVIATION- ARMY AVIATION, a type of aviation designed to act directly in the interests of combined arms formations. In the armies of some countries it is part of the ground forces and is a branch of the military. IN...
• ARTILLERY INSTRUMENTAL INTELLIGENCE- ARTILLERY INSTRUMENTAL INTELLIGENCE (AIR), component artillery reconnaissance, designed for reconnaissance and determining the coordinates of objects and targets in the location of the pr-ka, servicing fire...
• ARTILLERY INTELLIGENCE- ARTILLERY INTELLIGENCE, type of support for combat activities missile forces and art. Basic The task of the A.R. is to obtain and process the data necessary to prepare effective artillery fire and tact strikes, ...

Data on enemy positions is extremely important for effective combat operations. One of the ways to get similar information is artillery reconnaissance, whose emblem (sight, two guns and bat) reflects the secrecy and effectiveness of the actions of this type of troops. The actions of such units are extremely important in both offensive and defensive conditions, and there are many reasons for this.

The essence of the process

This type of intelligence is necessary for accurate operation of artillery in combat conditions. Therefore, intelligence officers are tasked with obtaining and processing information about the enemy himself and the area where he is located.

Important is information about the main targets, which include control points, base camps, as well as resistance nodes and strongholds that form defensive lines. The positions of fire weapons are not left without attention. We are talking about mortars, combat vehicles, tanks, guns, concentrations of transport, columns of armored vehicles and vehicles, as well as regular formations and separate groups of infantry.

A control and artillery reconnaissance battery can fully operate when a network of observation points and posts are deployed at which to receive necessary information radar and sound techniques. In addition, object detection devices can be used, as well as reconnaissance teams.

As a result, after completing the work described above, which is what artillery reconnaissance implies, it will become possible to conduct accurate fire, making it possible to destroy obstacles, obstructions and enemy positions in general.

The importance of intelligence

Gun fire can be considered effective only when it is directed at specific actual targets on enemy territory. Using this principle, it is possible to significantly slow down enemy troops during an offensive, destroying firing points and resistance nodes. If the enemy goes on the defensive, then the artillery must accurately work on the firing positions and attacking enemy units that pose the greatest threat.

To implement such combat schemes, artillery reconnaissance assets are simply necessary.

When not only the targets for firing guns, but also their activity, nature and significance are determined in a short time, then maximum damage will be caused to enemy troops.

Artillery reconnaissance structure

It is worth repeating once again the fact that artillery will not be able to work normally without AR. And in order for the guns to fire accurately and hit current targets, various reconnaissance units are used that use air and ground resources. But the types of technical means used require special attention. They are divided into the following types:

• optical-electronic reconnaissance;
• radio engineering;
• sound;
• optical;
• radar

In the case of optical-electronic reconnaissance (this also includes optical), artillery units are used, reconnaissance units, command control vehicles and points where there is access to all data from various sources. The optical technique for obtaining information is aimed at revealing all enemy control points, as well as positions, positions leading edge, firing points, strong points, areas where manpower and tanks are located. The basis for successful work heavy guns and not only this kind of artillery reconnaissance. Photos obtained using optics make it possible to study the enemy’s location in detail and draw up an effective plan of attack or defense.

To conduct sound reconnaissance, special platoons and batteries are used that use sound measuring systems. The tasks are to identify and fix the coordinates of the positions of the batteries firing, as well as mortars, rocket launchers And field artillery.

Radar reconnaissance is carried out using the appropriate equipment necessary to detect enemy starting (firing) positions and ground moving targets. At the same time, the speed of movement is determined and maintenance of the firing of own artillery is carried out.

Platoons are engaged in detecting and recording the exact coordinates and characteristics of active enemy radar stations. Moreover, the operation of these objects is monitored, target designation and subsequent monitoring of the results of the fire of their own guns are carried out.

AR organization

There are a number of key principles on which artillery reconnaissance management is built. They underlie the effective operation of heavy, light and infantry guns.

The decision of the combined arms commander is determined as the starting point for the process of organizing artillery work.

So, the AR management process itself includes the following elements:

• identification of all current goals and key intelligence tasks;
• drawing up a procedure for obtaining the necessary information;
• submitting applications to the headquarters above and setting tasks for performers;
• the process of withdrawal and deployment of intelligence units;
• practical work as part of the preparation;
• control of readiness for active actions and provision of assistance if necessary.

The organization of artillery reconnaissance begins from the moment the main combat mission is brought to the attention of the command.

Goals

Artillery reconnaissance, within the framework of certain processes, is focused on performing various current tasks. They look like this:

• On the approach to the desired positions, before the deployment of the side or lead detachments begins, it is necessary to identify paths along which the artillery can easily pass.
• After the forward guard units deploy into battle formation, using intelligence data to ensure the covert and rapid distribution of guns to those positions that will guarantee maximum fire support own troops, minimizing the degree of defeat from enemy attacks. To do this, the artillery reconnaissance department must find observation posts that allow them to determine the location of enemy troops and organize high-quality observation of both the movements of the enemy and the maneuvers of their own units. After this, constant surveillance is established in the found and occupied reconnaissance positions.

• Determining the most successful positions for your guns and identifying paths that will allow you to carry out the necessary maneuvers with the greatest degree of secrecy.
• After completing the work described above, the artillery takes the previously determined positions. Monitoring of enemy troops and our own does not stop.
• The next task is to find additional observation points that will allow us to identify new enemy units or assess the positions of troops during the battle, coordinating fire.
• When all the objectives described above have been achieved, artillery reconnaissance continues to search firing positions, as well as hidden paths leading to them, which may be necessary in case of movement.

Naturally, all actions must be accompanied by constant communication.

Intelligence objects

As mentioned above, AR is focused on collecting data about the enemy. To more effectively search for the necessary information, the military initially sets the task of identifying priority objects in the territory occupied by the enemy. We are talking about the following ground targets:

• anti-aircraft and field artillery, as well as tactical and control elements;
• fortifications of the area, barriers and structures;
• anti-aircraft, rocket and mortar platoons, as well as specific batteries;
• individual firepower and companies of motorized infantry, tank and other troops;
• helicopters, for which advanced landing sites were chosen;
• points intended for the control of weapons, brigades, battalions and other units equal to them;
• separate landing craft, ships and transport vessels.

Artillery reconnaissance reveals all these objects. An autopsy should initially be understood as the detection, and then the recognition and determination of the coordinates of key targets of destruction.

It is also necessary to constantly assess the nature of AR objects, which may change periodically. The degree of detail of goals may also change.

How is reconnaissance carried out by a battery?

Within AR, a division (battery) plays an active role. And to use it, there is a certain algorithm of actions based on a number of necessary tasks.

First of all, we're talking about on the purpose of the reconnaissance strip and the definition of the area within its boundaries special attention. The identification of this sector is carried out in full accordance with the task assigned to the division and the capabilities that the intelligence staff has.

The Artillery Reconnaissance Battery uses the area of ​​special attention mentioned above to concentrate assets and efforts in areas where important targets are likely to be located. The size of such a sector may be limited by the capabilities of the divisions.

As for reconnaissance targets, efforts to identify them are most relevant when conducting combat in an urban environment or in the event that it is necessary to organize a breakthrough of a fortified area. Working with specific objects is also relevant in the case of preparing an offensive, the main goal of which is to quickly obtain information about carefully camouflaged enemy structures and specific weapons located in them.

The direction of reconnaissance is necessary in cases where there is an oncoming battle, a retreating enemy is being pursued, or an offensive is developing in the depths of the enemy’s defense.

How is AP conducted on the offensive?

In such actions, the main resources are concentrated in the direction corresponding to the main attack and the breakthrough areas determined in advance, as well as their flanks.

In this case, the control and artillery reconnaissance battery tasks the units with identifying the following elements:

• coordinates of precision weapons, nuclear attack weapons and areas of their location;
• the grouping and composition of the enemy on the flanks and in one’s own zone, and, if possible, the enemy’s strategy of action is determined;
• the nature of water barriers in the direction of movement of one’s own troops as part of the offensive and the cross-country ability of the terrain as a whole;
• coordinates of control points for weapons, troops and radio-electronic equipment;
• outlines of the front edge, locations of fire weapons, features of anti-tank equipment, terrain engineering equipment, as well as a system of obstacles and fire;
• landing sites army aviation and home airfields.

When organizing an offensive and supporting it with artillery resources, all commanders must personally observe the results of gun fire (heavy, medium, infantry), the actions and position of units of their own troops, especially those that fire at objects under battery fire.

During the offensive, the basic resources available to the artillery reconnaissance platoon are used to perform the following tasks:

• at the right time, the promotion and deployment of reserves for counterattacks, as well as second echelons;
• artillery reconnaissance also identifies those that have retained their combat capability and new targets, among which the highest priority are anti-tank weapons, mortar and artillery batteries.

As for the movement of artillery weapons during an offensive, it is carried out in such a way that close interaction with military units and the process of firing itself remain continuous.

Conducting reconnaissance in defense

When troops have to defend themselves, artillery reconnaissance units first of all obtain information about those enemy targets that are on the approaches. The same algorithm is used in the case of introducing the enemy into the defense and repelling his attack.

In such conditions, the main resources of the AR are aimed at opening the following elements enemy troops:

• control points;
• mortar and artillery platoons;
• radio-electronic means;
• motorized infantry units and tank columns located on advance routes, deployment lines and subsequent transition to attack.

When the enemy takes active actions, the AR determines the coordinates of advanced enemy objects, especially heavy equipment. Maintenance of firing of guns at targets detected earlier is also carried out.

If the enemy advances, then the artillery reconnaissance stations, after permission from the commander, are withdrawn to positions that have been previously prepared. Such actions are also carried out in the case of the introduction of enemy forces into the defense.

When artillery supports its own defenders, it first clarifies the current tasks, and then concentrates the efforts of all artillery units on the following goals:

• identification of enemy radar equipment and control points;
• fixing the approach of reserves to the penetration area;
• determining whether enemy artillery has been moved to new positions;
• obtaining information about the direction of the enemy’s attack and the coordinates of objects that managed to penetrate.

If counterattack actions are carried out, then the priority for the AR is to open those objects that will need to be neutralized first. Otherwise, the reconnaissance algorithm during a counterattack remains the same as during an offensive.

Unmasking signs

Artillery reconnaissance, whose emblem has long earned respect, uses a number of proven methods to identify active guns and mortars, among others. Artillery firing is detected by the following signs:

• dust that rises within the firing position after the shot is completed (provided that the ground is dry);
• the sound of gunfire and shine;
• smoke rising after a shot from a hidden weapon, taking the form of translucent clouds and rings.

If observation is carried out at night, then enemy positions can be determined by the short glare resulting from the emission of flame from guns that do not have a flash suppressor installed. As for sound, a shot can be heard at a distance of 15 km, moving artillery makes itself felt 2 km or 3 km (highway).

As for detecting mortars, this is not an easy task. The point is that they do not have pronounced unmasking features and are installed in trenches, hollows, large craters and other places that are difficult to see. To open such positions, observation of smoke after firing, short flashes and sound are used.

Results

It is obvious that the effective destruction of enemy positions with the help of heavy and medium guns is largely ensured by artillery reconnaissance. The chevron of this type of troops is associated with accuracy, quick completion of tasks and high professionalism. This is not surprising, because in a real battle, the intelligence obtained by such units allows one to quickly neutralize the enemy and protect one’s own positions.