firecontrol

Fire control, also written as fire-control or fire-control system, refers to the methods, devices, and procedures used to direct the firing of weapons to achieve a specified effect on a target. It is applied across artillery, naval gunfire, anti-aircraft systems, and some infantry support weapons. The goal is to produce an accurate firing solution that accounts for target movement, projectile ballistics, and environmental conditions, improving hit probability while coordinating fire with other units.

A typical fire-control arrangement includes a fire-control computer or director, sensors or rangefinders, a gun director or mount, and interfaces to the weapon’s actuators and fuzes. The operator detects a target and estimates range and bearing, or the system tracks the target with radar or optical devices. The fire-control computer computes an aiming solution—lead angle, elevation, and timing—and the weapon is directed to the computed position. The fuze or proximity sensor is set to ensure the projectile detonates at the correct moment, if applicable.

History and modernization: Early systems relied on human observation and manual calculations. They evolved through mechanical analog computers and gyro-stabilized rangefinders, reaching widespread use in the mid-20th century. Modern fire-control systems are highly automated and digital, often integrated with radar, electro-optical sensors, missile guidance, GPS/INS, and networked C4ISR. They support automated target designation, ballistic libraries, remote firing, and cooperative engagement with other shooters. Environmental factors such as weather, wind, altitude, and target maneuvers continue to influence firing solutions.