LESSONS LEARNED, HEADQUARTERS, 101ST AIRBORNE DIVISION ARTILLERY
Abstract
During the reporting period, the 101st Airborne Division Artillery, in conjunction with other combat and combat support units, has successfully employed the equipment listed in defense of several base camp areas, particularly in the Bien Hoa area. The TPS-25 Ground Surveillance Radar is emplaced at a surveyed grid location as is the MPQ-4 Counter mortar radar. Firing batteries should also be surveyed, but it is not absolutely necessary. Current meteorological messages, weapon ballistic data and other data are stored in the gun direction computer, M-18. When the TPS-25 radar locates a target, the azimuth and distance to the target (from the radar) are introduced into the computer, which, in turn, determines more accurate target grids and, if desired, computes firing data for the artillery unit. At the same time, the MPQ-4 radar is oriented on the target grid and is prepared to adjust the rounds if necessary. The resultant surprise fire is especially effective at night when the enemy feels that he can move with relative impunity. Although no large body counts have been found, search of areas so attacked have revealed many blood trails, abandoned equipment, and immediate cessation of movement as detected by the TPS-25 radar. Upward of 20 sightings a night were detected and engaged around the Bien Hoa complex in the period immediately following the TET offensive. Even without the gun direction computer M-18 and the MPQ-4 radar, the effectiveness of this method of target detection and attack was still high. Helicopter gun ships have also been vectored over targets by the TPS-25 radar after the target was located.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 10, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0392040
Entities
Organizations
- Adjutant General's Corps