What is a range card and how is it used by gun crews?

What is a range card and how is it used by gun crews?

• A. A weather log for firing operations.
• B. A map showing enemy positions only.
• C. A reference showing known targets and firing data to guide gun laying and correction.
• D. A checklist for crew qualifications.

Answer: (C)

A range card is a quick-reference tool that records the gun’s position, known target locations, and the firing data needed to place rounds on target and apply corrections. It shows targets within the gun’s sector with their bearing and range, and the corresponding deflection and elevation settings (the aiming data) used to lay the gun initially and to adjust fire as needed. When a forward observer designates a target and calls for fire, the crew uses the range card to rapidly orient the gun and place it on the target without recalculating from scratch each time. As fire is observed and corrections are required, those adjustments are noted on the card so subsequent rounds land more accurately. This makes the range card central to efficient, accurate indirect fire, rather than a weather log, a map of enemy positions alone, or a crew-qualification checklist.

A range card is a quick-reference tool that records the gun’s position, known target locations, and the firing data needed to place rounds on target and apply corrections. It shows targets within the gun’s sector with their bearing and range, and the corresponding deflection and elevation settings (the aiming data) used to lay the gun initially and to adjust fire as needed. When a forward observer designates a target and calls for fire, the crew uses the range card to rapidly orient the gun and place it on the target without recalculating from scratch each time. As fire is observed and corrections are required, those adjustments are noted on the card so subsequent rounds land more accurately. This makes the range card central to efficient, accurate indirect fire, rather than a weather log, a map of enemy positions alone, or a crew-qualification checklist.