What is the primary purpose of high-angle fire in artillery operations?

What is the primary purpose of high-angle fire in artillery operations?

• A. To engage aerial targets
• B. To target fortifications behind obstacles
• C. To ensure direct line of sight
• D. To provide cover for ground troops

Answer: (B)

High-angle fire is primarily used in artillery operations to target fortifications or enemy positions that are located behind obstacles, such as hills or other terrain features. This type of fire trajectory involves firing shells at a steep angle, allowing the projectiles to clear obstacles and accurately hit targets that might otherwise be difficult to reach with standard direct fire. This method is particularly effective when engaging targets that are shielded by natural or man-made barriers, enabling artillery units to circumvent those obstacles. The high trajectory allows the projectile to descend at a steep angle, impacting the target in a way that can penetrate fortifications, making it advantageous for demolishing enemy cover and defensive positions. The other options address different aspects of artillery capabilities but do not capture the primary purpose of high-angle fire as effectively. Engaging aerial targets pertains to anti-aircraft functions, ensuring direct line of sight relates to conventional fire trajectories rather than high-angle tactics, and providing cover for ground troops focuses more on suppression fire rather than the specific rationale behind using high-angle fire in targeting fortified positions.

High-angle fire is primarily used in artillery operations to target fortifications or enemy positions that are located behind obstacles, such as hills or other terrain features. This type of fire trajectory involves firing shells at a steep angle, allowing the projectiles to clear obstacles and accurately hit targets that might otherwise be difficult to reach with standard direct fire.

This method is particularly effective when engaging targets that are shielded by natural or man-made barriers, enabling artillery units to circumvent those obstacles. The high trajectory allows the projectile to descend at a steep angle, impacting the target in a way that can penetrate fortifications, making it advantageous for demolishing enemy cover and defensive positions.

The other options address different aspects of artillery capabilities but do not capture the primary purpose of high-angle fire as effectively. Engaging aerial targets pertains to anti-aircraft functions, ensuring direct line of sight relates to conventional fire trajectories rather than high-angle tactics, and providing cover for ground troops focuses more on suppression fire rather than the specific rationale behind using high-angle fire in targeting fortified positions.