Artillerikontroll

Artillerikontroll, or artillery control, is the set of procedures, personnel, and systems used to direct indirect-fire artillery to engage designated targets with accuracy and efficiency. It encompasses planning, coordination, target designation, fire-direction computation, execution, and assessment.

Central elements include fire-direction centers (FDCs) at battery or battalion level, observation posts and forward observers who detect and report target information, artillery crews and guns, and communications networks that transmit firing data and corrections. Ballistic data, weather information, and maps are used to calculate firing data such as elevation, azimuth or deflection, and time fuses when applicable.

The typical cycle involves target designation, generation of initial firing data, issuing fire orders, and laying the guns accordingly. After the initial salvos, observers assess impact and communicate corrections to the FDC, which updates firing data and repeats the process. This iterative approach yields fire for effect while minimizing collateral damage.

Historically, artillerikontroll evolved from manual range estimation and flag-lowering signals to centralized command posts using telephone and signal lines, then radio, and later computerized fire-control systems. Modern practice integrates digital data links, automation, and satellite navigation to speed calculations and improve accuracy.

In contemporary armed forces, artillerikontroll is often part of broader command-and-control and is integrated with air-ground operations, drones, and surveillance assets. The goal remains to deliver timely, accurate fire against targets while preserving friendly forces.