Field Artillery
Definition
Field artillery refers to mobile artillery equipment that is employed for the support of army forces in the field. This artillery is strategically designed for optimal mobility as well as tactical proficiency. Field artillery comes in many different forms and is utilized for short and long range target engagements. Field artillery is distinct from anti-aircraft artillery, which is also deployed from the field.
Example
Modern-day field artillery is transported to the field on vehicles which also carry personnel and munitions. Field artillery can be deployed rapidly, with technology having advanced to a place where high-tech vehicles carry precision-delivered artillery that is capable of striking targets at extremely long range.
There are many different specific kinds of field artillery weapons that are utilized to achieve different strategic purposes. Some of the main categories/kinds of field artillery include:
- - Guns and Munitions – Artillery designed for military use, including guns, ammo and equipment. These guns are typically capable of striking strategic targets at long range
- - Mortars – Projectiles with explosive shells fired at an angle of over 45 degrees to strike short-range targets
- - Gun Howitzers- Large artillery with a long barrel capable of versatile angle firing
- - Howitzers- Specifically tailored to high-angle firing
- - Rocket Launchers
- - Mountain Guns- The general category term is a reference to artillery that is designed for mountain and other difficult terrain in which mobility is difficult
History
Field artillery is a term that did not come into prevalence until the early 20th century. Prior to this time, field artillery was broadly referred to as foot artillery. This a reference to the time in history when field artillery needed to be transported by horses and soldiers marching on foot as a means of providing support to any infantry forces.
Early examples of field artillery were typically too large and too heavy for use on the battlefield. The earliest uses of field artillery primarily revolved around breaking up strategic attacks and sieges. As technology advanced into the second half of the 20th century, field artillery became more mobile, versatile, resilient and effective.
Modern field artillery is now capable of striking targets at very long distances with pinpoint precision. There have been incredible developments in many areas, including propellants, computer science, munitions, and communications between all relevant members of the field artillery crew.
A wide variety of field artillery has been used in a long list of battles throughout history. The development of the technology of field artillery has essentially changed the nature of engagement in battle, with the ability to achieve long-range precision strikes reducing the need to commit infantry troops to the front lines.
