Sights for Light Antitank Weapons
Abstract
A field experiment was conducted to measure and compare ten candidate weapons sights for an individual antitank weapon slated to replace the M72 Lightweight Antitank Weapon (LAW). Nine range-finding (stadia) sights and one post-and-peep (rifle) sight were tested in two test phases, where four groups of five gunners simulated firing a shoulder-fired antitank weapon at targets presented at five ranges, three speeds, and three aspect angles. The subjects' ranging and aiming precision and accuracy, and time to fire against an M60 tank, were measured as a function of the target range, speed, and presentation angle. The effects of optics and weapon muzzle velocity on performance were also examined, and user preference was evaluated. Separate mathematical analyses investigated the hit probabilities for standard length/width stadia sights and fixed-QE firing techniques, and range-finding bias and upper limit of range- finding accuracy induced by the target's aspect angle. Some sources of reduced superelevation of range-measurement biases were identified; sources of other biases were hypothesized. None of the tested sights improved accuracy or reduced firing time appreciably, as compared to conventional firing where the gunnery uses iron sights and estimates target range without an aid. It was recommended that the proposed Short-Range Man-Portable Antitank Weapon Technology (SMAWT) weapon should use a simple sight, integral to the weapon, such as a post-and-peep with adjustable range increments, in which fixed QE and conventional firing are combined.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA026187
Entities
People
- Dominick J. Giordano
Organizations
- United States Army Materiel Command