Time on Target

[Gregory Deych]

Could somebody give a quick description of what exactly made this technique so powerfull for the Americans, and why the other combatants did not use it?

[Guest Zulu1]

Hi Gregory,

Basically Time On Target (TOT) is when different batteries fire so that the shells all arrive at the impact point at the same time.

It is a devastating artillery bombardment because there is no warning for the receivers of the bombardment.

Basically it involves the batterys firing knowing the shell flight time to the impact point. Then each battery in the fire mission fires at desired impact time - shell flight time for that battery. That way you can have say 10 batteries of artillery all at different distances from the target firing at different times and all the shells arrive at the exact same instant. At least for the first rounds.

There's a very good article at Madmatt's site

http://combathq.thegamems.net under Articles - "Artillery Practices by the Major Powers"

[Herr Oberst]

With TOT, there is much less chance of making it to the trench/hole/burrow because the whole area erupts at the same time.

Consider it "Surprise bombardment".

[Jager 7]

A good TOT is more than just a surprise bombardment, although it is that. A TOT masses the fires of several batteries/battalions or even regiments on a specific target.

Most folks (Allies or Axis) in WWII couldn't accomplish effective TOTs without having the various firing units co-located. TOT missions take good preparation and close coordination between the controlling FDC (Fire Direction Center), the subordinate FDCs and the firing units. The Americans in WWII enjoyed a very flexible and efficient FDC that was at the top of the heap and had the communication assets to make it all work.

Hope that helps.

Out here...

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When the situation is obscure....attack!

CGen. Heinz Guderian