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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23 APPENDIX J CRATER ANALYSIS AND REPORTING J-1. CRATER ANALYSIS TEAM Although greater reliance should be placed on reports from trained teams, all personnel should know how to analyze craters and make the proper report. Since crater analysis teams are not authorized by TOE, each unit (including units normally located in rear areas) should select and train at least one team of two or three members. To adequately support their maneuver unit, fire support personnel must know how to analyze and report crater information.
J-2. EQUIPMENT be measured for crater analysis. The equipment used by the crater analysis team should consist of the following items: Declinated aiming circle (or M2 compass), stakes, and communications wire used to obtain the direction from
the crater to the weapon that fired the projectile. curvature of the fragment to determine the caliber of the shell. The template can be constructed of heavy
cardboard, acetate, wood, or other appropriate material. Identification Guide (DST-1160G-029-85) for measuring fragment dimensions.
J-3. SHELL CRATER ANALYSIS The projectiles direction of flight can be determined with reasonable accuracy from its crater of ricochet furrow. By accurately locating the crater and determining the direction of flight, it is possible to obtain the azimuth of a ray that will pass through or near the enemy position. While it is possible to determine the direction to a battery from one crater or ricochet furrow, the battery may be located by plotting the intersection of the average azimuths from at least three widely separated groups of craters. b. In crater analysis, differences in angle of fall, projectile burst patterns, directions of flight, and time fuze settings will help to distinguish between enemy batteries firing on a given area. Note: Refer to FM 3-100 for guidance on friendly troop safety from the effects of craters contaminated with chemical agents. Refer to STANAG 2002 in FM 3-100 for guidance in marking craters containing chemical, biological, or radiological contamination. J-1 |