TACTICAL MISSILE AND ARTILLERY COLLECTION: THE COMBAT USE OF ANTITANK GUIDED MISSILES (PTURS) IN A BATTLE AND IN AN OPERATION

• Document Type: CREST
• Collection: General CIA Records
• Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): CIA-RDP80T00246A029500270001-5
• Release Decision: RIPPUB
• Original Classification: S
• Document Page Count: 42
• Document Creation Date: December 22, 2016
• Document Release Date: January 6, 2012
• Sequence Number: 1
• Publication Date: May 7, 1962
• Content Type: MEMO

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The Combat Use of &ntita-nk Guided Missiles (PTURS)
in a Battle and in an Operation
The role of armored troops in combat and in an operation
is increasing considerably under conditions in which nuclear
weapons are used.
The increase in the role of armored large units and
units has :'led' to an increase in their relative importance
in the composition of the ground troops of the armies of
the capitalist states, to the perfection of the principles
of their combat use, and to the further perfection of
the design of tanks.
Tanks are equipped with various mechanisms and
stabilizing devices, which ensure an increase in the
rate, the effective range, and the accuracy of their
fire, not only at the halt but also from the march.
This all demonstrates that the significance of combat
with tanks in modern operations is not only not decreasing
but is increasing more and more. In this respect, because
of changed principles in the combat use of tank troops
and the availability of new and more modern types of tanks,
the conditions of combat with the tanks of the enemy have
become more complex.
The perfection of a system of antitank defense,
taking into account the possible nature of enemy tank
operations in an operation and the new weapons of combat
adopted for the armament of our troops, is one of the most
important tasks.
As we know, in all types of troop combat activity,
combat with enemy tanks is organized and conducted in
a definite system which envisages the destruction
of the tanks even before their entry into combat (at
unloading sites, in concentration areas, on the march,
and on the lines along which they deploy into combat
formation) and during the immediate course of combat,
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The destruction of enemy tanks on distant approaches
to the combat formation of our troops is achieved by
nuclear/missile strikes, by aircraft strikes, and by
artillery fire from concealed firing positions.
In addition to the weapons mentioned, as enemy
tanks approach the combat formations of our troops, the
antic ,nk.-- weapons of the infantry, the antitank
artillery, and tanks enter into combat with them. In
this article the use of new weapons, antitank guided
missiles (protivotankovyy upravlyayemyy reaktivnyy
snaryad -- PTURS) is examined.
The Role and Place of the PTURS in the System
of Antitank Defense o the Troops
The PTURS models which exist as armament are
remotely controlled (teleupravlywpe) missiles .
Control of their flight is carried out from the launching
mount by wires or by radio. Some PTURS models have
distant control (distantsionnoye upravleniye) which
allows the operator to conduct fire against enemy
tanks outside the firing position.
The maximum range of fire of the PTURS is 2,000
to 2,500 meters and the minimum is 600 meters.
The chassis of the armored reconnaissance patrol
vehicle (bronirovannaya razvedyvatelno-dozornaya
mashina -- BRDM) and the chassis of the UAZ-69 vehicle,
which have good cross-country ability and the ability to
overcome trenches and steep ascents, and to cross
water barriers independently, serve as combat vehicles
for the PTURS. The PTURS considerably exceed conventional
antitank artillery in maneuverability on the battle-
field, which increases their capabilities in combat
with enemy tanks.
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The most important characteristic of the PTURS,
which plays a main role when the enemy is making mass
use of tanks, is the effective firing range, i.e, the
range from which enemy tanks can be destroyed with a
high level of reliability, which is characterized by
a probability of destruction by one round of not less
than P=0.7 to 0.8. The higher the effective firing
range of the antitank weapon, the greater the destruction
that can be inflicted on the enemy's tanks even before
their approach to the line from which they can effectively
destroy targets with direct fire. Grazing range for
modern tanks, with stabilizing equipment, firing from
the march, is approximately 1,500 meters. Therefore,
in a system of antitank defense in which there are PTURS,
of which the maximum range of fire according to type
is 2,000 to 2,500 meters, enemy tanks can be destroyed
even before they come up to their grazing range. In:practice, the
effectiveness of PTURS fire does not depend on the
range of fire, speed, or angle of approach of the tanks.
Owing to their great armor-piercing capability
(the "Shmel" -- 300 mm and the "Falanga" -- 500 mm),
antitank guided missiles will become the basis of
modern antitank defense. Possessing high maneuverability
and great effective firing range, they can be used
equally for combat with enemy tanks both in defense and
in offense.
The possibility of controlling the fire of PTURS
with a portable control panel makes it difficult for
the enemy to reconnoiter their positions from tanks
and ground observation points and thus decreases the
effectiveness of the fire of his tanks and artillery.
Research and experience from firings which have
been conducted indicate that one PTURS launching mount
is capable of destroyingan average of two or three
enemy tanks with a reliability of destruction of one
round of 70 to 80 percent. A PTURS platoon (3 or 4
launching mounts) can repel an attack by a tank company
(17 tanks), destroying not less than 40 to 50 percent
of the tanks in the process.
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The employment of such a powerful weapon as the
PTURS permits considerable strengthening of the
antitank defense of troops and, at the same time, reduces
the requirement for antitank weapons and consequently
their density in defense. In the last war, this density,
as is generally known, consisted of 25 to 30 units
(antitank guns and tanks) for one front kilometer.
Antitank guided missiles have their own particular
deficiencies which should be considered. Among these
deficiencies one can cite: the existence of a dead
zone within the radius of the minimum range of fire
(600 meters) as the result of which they cannot conduct
combat with enemy tanks which have broken through to
the area of the firing positions; the great influence of
the terrain, of the hours of darkness; and of meteorological
conditions on the effectiveness of fire (Sketch 1).
Sketch 1. Fire sector of a PTURS launching
mount
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Open, flat terrain is the most favorable for the use of
the PTURS. In operating on such terrain, favorable
conditions are created for the observation of targets and
the capability of destroying tanks in the entire coverage
of the PTURS range of fire is ensured.
Dead spaces (terrain sectors where a tank is
temporarily invisible to the operator of the launching
mount) are created for the PTURS on average broken
terrain,especially terrain affording concealment where
there are shrub vegetation, knolls, hollows, and ravines.
It is evident from Sketch 2 that if there is concealment
on the route of an attacking enemy tank, then while going
through it the tank will leave the observer's field of
vision for some time (from point B to point C). In
order to destroy the tank, the operator must either open
fire prior to the tank's arrival at the belt of concealment
or after it has negotiated this belt. In the second case,
delay in firing a round is not ruled out and the enemy tank
will enter the dead zone, delimited by the minimum range of
fire (the dead zone is indicated by the hachures in
Sketch 2).
Sketch 2. The dead zone of a PTURS launching mount
on the route of movement of tanks
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Good visibility of the area of targets is also one
of the conditions for the effective use of the PTURS.
Precipitation, in the form of rain and snow, and fog and
night conditions, considerably decrease the possibility
of using remote controlled PTURS.
These deficiencies of the PTURS as an antitank
weapon do not lessen their role in combat with enemy
tanks, especially since understanding and a complete
consideration of these deficiencies largely reduce their
harmful effects.
The existence of weak points peculiar to the PTURS
necessitates the closest fire coordination between them
and other antitank weapons. The principle of the combined
combat use of PTURS subunits with subunits of antitank
artillery, with tanks, and with the means of the engineer
troops is the basis for their use in any type of combat.
Only then can a unified and effective system of antitank
fire be created, permitting the successful conduct of combat
with enemy tanks when these are being used on a mass
scale. Furthermore, in organizing combat operations by
PTURS, special attention must be given to the selection
of their combat formations, taking into account the
disposition of the other weapons assigned for combat
with tanks, to the configuration of the terrain, and to
the probable axes of enemy tank operations, and also to
the organization of reliable illumination of the terrain
if missions are to be carried out at night.
The main task of the PTURS is the annihilation of
the tanks and other armored targets of the enemy. In
troop operations in coastal axes, they can be used for
the destruction of enemy landing means and amphibious tanks
during the latter's approach to the shore.
Antitank weapons, and the PTURS in particular, must
be used in such a way that the efforts of the antitank
defense can be concentrated on any major axis in an
offensive as well as in defense. This task can be
accomplished primarily by the decisive maneuver of
antitank weapons. Therefore, PTURS can be used in the
complement of the antitank reserves.
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At the same time, the combat formations of motorized
rifle companies and battalions must also be able to
withstand mass attacks by enemy tanks. Therefore,
PTURS can also be used in the complement of motorized
rifle subunits.
It should be kept in mind that the use of PTURS in
a regiment or a division can have certain special
features during troop operations under particular
conditions. The experience of exercises indicates
that during operations in hills or in wooded and
swampy terrain, the antitank reserves sometimes do not
succeed in occupying the lines of deployment or in
participating in the repulse of tank attacks in front
of the main line of resistance. It is clear that, under
these conditions, it is advantageous to locate part of
the PTURS subunits of a regiment or division on the most
probable axes of tank approach beforehand, and to have
part of them in the complement of the antitank reserves.
Combat Formations of PTURS Subunits and the
Requirements Levied on Them
The combat formations of PTURS subunits are a
component part of the combat formations of combined-arms
large units (units, subunits). The selection and
preparation of combat formations in areas determined
by the combined-arms commander are conducted by the
commander of the PTURS subunit. If a PTURS subunit is
.included in the complement of the antitank reserve,
the selection of a combat formation is made in accordance
with the. instructions of the commanding officer of the
antitank reserve. -
The combat formation of a PTURS battery consists
of the combat formations o the platoons, the assembly
(vyzhidatelnyy) position of the battery, and the observation
post of the battery commander. A battery forms i:ts combat
formation, as a rule, by platoons. The distance between
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the platoons, depending on the terrain, can be 800 to
1,500 meters; fire coordination between the platoons
is then ensured and the destruction of the entire
battery by one nuclear burst during the delivery of a
nuclear strike by the enemy is prevented.
The observation post of the battery commander is
usually located in a place from which good observation
of enemy tanks and of the operations of the platoons is
ensured. When possible, it is advisable to locate it
near one of the platoons on the most probable axis of
tank approach.
The mutual disposition of the platoons in the
combat formation of a battery depends on the conditions
of the terrain and on the expected nature of the operations
of enemy tanks.
On terrain which is accessible everywhere for tank
operations, and where the enemy tanks can operate on a
wide front (for example, as battalions in single-
echeloned formation), it is more advantageous to
locate the PTURS platoons on one line in relation to
the front (axis) of the tank operations, while echeloning
the platoon launching mounts in depth. If the terrain
restricts enemy tank operations on the entire front, it
is advisable to echelon the PTURS platoons in depth,
taking the probable axes of enemy tank operations into
consideration.
In organizing the combat formation of a battery,
it is necessary in all cases to provide for maneuver by
the platoons or the individual PTURS launching mounts in
the event of a change in the operational axes of the
enemy tanks.
Depending on the composition of the PTURS battery
and the situation, the make-up of its combat formation
can be varied. Sketch 3 shows a basic scheme for the
combat formation of a PTURS battery when it has two
platoons with three launching mounts in each.
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The combat formation of a PTURS platoon consists of the
firing positions of the com at vehicles, the assembly
position, the control point of the platoon commander, and
the control points of the commander-operators of the combat
vehicles (in the case of distant control). Control points
for commander-operators may not be selected in the case of
rapid(s khodu) deployment of the platoon. In this case,
the operator will control the flight of the missile directly
from the launching mount.
The mutual disposition.of the launching mounts of
a PTURS platoon in combat formation is conditioned mainly
by the technical characteristics of each launching mount,
in particular by the zone of destruction, which is limited
in range by the maximum and minimum range of fire; and in
direction by the capabilities of the traversing mechanism
of the launching and sighting devices of the control
system, and also by the flight characteristics of the missile
itself (in addition, for PTURS which are controlled by radio,
by the capabilities of the receiving and transmitting
antenna apparatus).
The dimensions of the fire sector can be varied,
depending on the type of launching mount, the type of
missile, and the control system. An average fire sector
for the existing PTURS models and types of combat vehicles
is shown in Sketch 1.
To ensure all-around fire, canting (razvorot) of the
launching mount is necessary, which entails an increase in
the time for a firing. Therefore, while combat formation is
being taken up, the launching mounts are located in firing
positions so that their launch rails (napravlyayushchiy)
are oriented in the primary fire sector. A secondary fire
sector is assigned for each launching mount, taking its
cant in the direction of possible enemy tank operations
into consideration.
The loe;at_[on oL the launching mounts in firing positions
must ensure tote conduct of Lire in one direction by not less than
two.. launching mounts. and ; 'Lie mutual coverage of zones of de-
struction; i,t must preclude the simultaneous destruction of the
launching mounts of a platoon by enemy artillery and tank fire;
and?,it . must ensure the maneuver of the launching mounts
as a unit and fire to the maximum range. Linear disposition
of launching mounts at the firing positions, as investigation
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age 200 to 600 meters (Sketch 3).
shows, does not meet this requirement. It is advisable to
distribute them in platoon combat formation by echelon to
the right (to the left) (ustup vpravo (vlevo
the rear (ugol nazad), depending on the terrainoandnthed to
possible axes of enemy tank operations. The distance between
the launching mounts can aver
T / a J
BATTERY z, 0~~ pF' .C7 STiQUCT/ON
Zo G . Des~.f /,~ /'J4
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eyy~ONNT
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Sketch 3 . Fundamental
h
sc
eme of the combat formation
and fire of a PTURS battery.
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With this mutual disposition of launching mounts, a
platoon's zone of destruction at the minimum range will
be 600 to 800 meters or more, which corresponds to the
front of an attacking tank company. At maximum range it
can be 2,000 to 2,500 meters or more.
It is necessary to select PTURS firing positions
in places providing observation of enemy operations and
the ability to destroy his tanks at maximum range.
On terrain not meeting these conditions, firing
positions can be selected in places which permit the
commander-operators to observe individual sectors of
the possible routes of movement of the enemy tanks over
not less than 150 to 200 meters, i.e., to such an
extent as to ensure the combat vehicles the capability
of firing at least two rounds against the moving tanks.
In mountainous and wooded terrain, the firing
positions of the launching mounts can be located at bends
before straight stretches on roads, on mountain plateaus
from which the most important road junctions, mountain
passes, crossings over mountain rivers, gorges, etc, in
the enemy's disposition within the limits of the range
of fire can be observed.
In wooded and swampy terrain, the firing positions
can be selected on the edges of forests turned toward
the enemy, on roads, wide lanes, and cleared areas with a
view to conducting fire along them.
In cities, the most convenient places for firing
positions may be wide streets, prospects, and squares.
Here, attention should be given to existing suspension
equipment in the form of power lines for street transport,
trolleys, and trolleybuses, since the possibility arises
that the missiles may be caught by them during ascent
between the moment of launch and a height of 6 to 10
meters.
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The disposition of PTURS firing positions in
places ensuring a good view of the fire sector facilitates
the enemy's reconnaissance of them, particularly of
those positions which do not have distant control. There-
fore, it may not always be advantageous to locate the
PTURS directly at firing positions. Sometimes it is
advisable to locate the PTURS at selected assembly
positions at a distance of not more than 200 to 300
meters from their firing positions before the
beginning of an enemy tank attack. These positions can
also be used for the storage of reserves and of
ammunition and for the reloading/of the combat vehicles.
So that the launching mounts can occupy the firing
positions in the shortest period of time, routes (roads)
from the assembly positions to primary and alternate
firing positions are prepared in advance.
In the operation of PTURS in combat, assembly
positions are not, as a rule, designated; in this case,
the launching mounts occupy firing positions during
deployment in combat formation.
For PTURS with distant control, control points are
selected and prepared for the operators in locations
with good conditions for the observation of enemy tank
operations and at a distance from their firing positions
within the limits of the length of the control cable.
Close coordination between PTURS and other antitank
weapons is ensured by:
-the advantageous mutual disposition of combat
formations;
-coordination between the fire and maneuver of
PTURS subunits, other antitank weapons, and the artillery,
which is located at concealed firing positions;
-the existence of uninterrupted communications and
of a unified system of control and orientation, knowledge
and skilful use of the methods of target designation and
of the signals established for fire requests;
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-the advantageous assignment of targets among PTU.RS
subunits and the other antitank weapons by lines and axes
during the repulse of enemy tank attacks.
For the purpose of fire coordination, depending on
the range of fire and the terrain,subunits of other
antitank weapons can be located directly in the area of
the firing positions of PTURS subunits or at some distance,
with the primary mission of destroying enemy tanks in
the dead zone of the PTURS. In particular, as experience
from combat firings which have been conducted shows, anti-
tank guns can fulfil the tasks of destroying enemy tanks
in the PTURS dead zone, taking up combat formation at a
distance of between 400 and 900 meters from the PTURS
firing positions with the tanks not more than 400 to
600 meters away.
Coordination of the fire of the artillery, located
in concealed firing positions, consists of destroying
enemy tanks even before they reach the line of the
maximum range of fire of the PTURS.
By its fire, the artillery must also impede the
maneuver of enemy tanks,,their conduct of reconnaissance
and of aimed fire against the combat formations of the
PTURS and of the other antitank weapons, and must
destroy infantry operating jointly with the tanks.
While repelling enemy tank attacks at night, the
artillery provides illumination of the terrain in support
of PTURS firing and destruction of lighting means which
the enemy is using for reconnaissance and the conduct
of fire against the PTURS combat formations.
Coordinated action by PTURS subunits and engineer
subunits consists in helping PTURS subunits to prepare
combat formations, especially in the preparation of routes
and approach roads to the firing positions, and also in
setting up antitank minefields in front of the firing
positions on the most important of the probable axes
of tank approach.
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Communications are organized for the control of
PTURS subunits and of the individual launching mounts in
combat, and also to ensure uninterrupted coordination
with the subunits of other antitank weapons.
Communications can be organized with radio, wire,
mobile, and signal means. However, in view of the fast-
moving and mobile nature of combat with tanks, radio
communications will be the basic means of communication
with PTURS subunits. At the same time, signal
communications will be widely used for control, especially
of the PTURS launching mounts.
For the control of PTURS combat operations,
communications are organized:
-within PTURS subunits;
-between PTURS subunits and the antitank weapons
and artillery operating in coordination with them,
which provide illumination of the terrain while enemy
tank attacks are being repelled at night;
-for combined-arms commanders (chiefs of the anti-
tank reserves) with PTURS subunits which are either
permanently or temporarily subordinated to them.
Within PTURS subunits, communications with each
launching mount are organized by their own means of radio
communication. Furthermore, the platoon commanders,
for communications with the battery commander, and the
commander-operators of the launching mounts for
communications with the platoon commander, use the radio
sets of the launching mounts at which they are located.
During combat, radio communication is duplicated by
signal communications, particularly by signal flares, in
cordance with, thepreviously established control signals
which are provided to all personnel.
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Communications for coordination between PTURS sub-
units and other antitank weapons and the artillery
are organized by radio by the forces and means o'`,the
subunits operating in coordination with them.
Commanding officers or chiefs to whom PTURS
subunits are subordinated, establish communications
with them by their own forces and means.
Control of the Fire and Maneuver of PTURS Subunits
The fast-moving and highly mobile nature of combat,
in the course of which abrupt changes of the situation
are inevitable, makes great demands on the control of
antitank weapons, particularly of PTURS subunits.
The respective commanding officers or chiefs (the
commander of a battalion or company, the chief of an
antitank reserve) control the PTURS subunits which are
subordinate to them. They assign combat missions
to them, organize reconnoitering of the areas of
disposition of the combat formations and coordination,
control their fire and maneuver during combat, exert
constant control over the timeliness of fulfilling
tasks, and take measures for the political, combat,
materiel, and engineer support of combat operations.
The following are indicated to the commander of a
PTURS battery (platoon) in the assignment of combat
missions:
-the area of the primary and alternate firing
positions;
-the probable axes of tank approach and the nature
of possible enemy tank operations;
-the order for opening fire against tanks, the
general reference points, the signals for control and
coordination;
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-the antitank weapons operating in coordination with
the PTURS subunits, and their missions;
-the primary and secondary firing zones;
-possible maneuver by the battery (platoon) during
combat;
-measures for protection from nuclear weapons and
other weapons of mass destruction;
-the order and timing of engineer work, the forces
and means for carrying it out, the locations of explosive
and mine obstacles set up in support of the combat
operations of the PTURS;
-the time of readiness for firing.
In addition, the chief of the antitank reserve indicates
the following to the commanders of PTURS subunits operating
in the complement of the antitank reserve:
-the location of the reserve before the beginning
of combat;
-the possible lines of deployment, the routes of
movement to them, and the order for moving up to and
occupying the lines of deployment (while moving the anti-
tank reserve in a combined-arms column which is executing
a march in anticipation of a meeting engagement, he
indicates the formation of the reserve column and its
place in the march order of the combined-arms columns).
Depending on the situation, on the nature of the
combat operations, and on the availability of time,
missions are given verbally to the PTURS subunit
commanders during the issuance of the combat order or
in short combat instructions. In the course of combat,
missions are continually amplified in accordance with
changes in the situation.
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Reconnoitering the disposition areas of the combat
formations (lines of deployment) of PTURS subunits is
conducted in all cases, if time is available and if
the situation permits. It is conducted by the
appropriate chiefs of the antitank reserves. As a
rule, the commanders of PTURS subunits are brought
into the composition of the reconnoitering groups.
The task of reconnoitering is study of the terrain
in the area of the firing positions with the aim of:
-determining the most suitable locations for the
disposition of the combat formations of the PTURS
subunits and locations for the launching mounts;
-selecting the battery commander's observation
post, the control points for the platoons, and,if
necessary, for the commander-operators;
-selecting assembly positions for the disposition of
the PTURS subunits before repelling enemy tank attacks;
-selecting routes for the movement of the combat
vehicles up to the primary (alternate) firing positions
from the assembly positions and routes for maneuver of
the battery (platoon) and of the individual launching
mounts;
-defining precisely the locations of the firing
positions for the antitank weapons operating in coordination
with the PTURS.
In the course of reconnoitering, clarification of
the combat missions of the PTURS on the terrain and the
coordination of their operations with the other anti-
tank weapons are carried out, the problems of engineer
preparation of the combat formations are resolved, routes
for maneuver and measures for security and camouflage
are planned.
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In studying the terrain, on the basis of the mission
assigned to him, the commander of a PTURS battery
defines the primary and secondary firing zones for the
platoons precisely and plans the fire sectors for each
launching mount, with the aim of creating solid zones
of destruction along the axes of possible enemy tank
operations and of ensuring fire coordination between
PTURS platoons, individual launching mounts, and the
other antitank weapons. At the same time, the
reference points indicated by the superior commander
are defined in detail on the terrain or are selected
independently. It is advisable to plan the reference
points so that it is easy to determine on the terrain
the lines for opening fire at the maximum and minimum
range for each launching mount, together with the
fire sectors, and the lines where dead spaces might be
formed in the PTURS zone of fire.
Knowledge of the exact distances to the reference
points is extremely important for the conduct of firing
and for control of the fire of PTURS subunits. The
distances to reference points can be determined on a
map and with the aid of azimuth instruments.
In the course of combat, situations will frequently
arise in which PTURS subunits are compelled to
assume combat formations precipitately, without
preliminary reconnoitering and preparation of the firing
position areas. Under these conditions, questions
connected with the preparation of PTURS subunits for
combat operations must be resolved during the approach to
the designated area. Specifically, the firing position
areas, thefiring zones for the subunits, and the :fire.
sectors of the launching mounts can be determined on a
map. While combat formation is being assumed, the
missions and the order of operations of the PTURS
subunits are clarified on the terrain. In this process,
all organizational measures must be completed not
later than the moment when the enemy tanks reach the
line of maximum range of the PTURS.
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For the control of the fire of a PTURS battery
(platoon), a chart of antitank fire is compiled, on
which the firing positions of each launching mount, the
firing positions of the antitank weapons operating in
coordination, the primary and secondary firing zones, the
dead spaces in these zones and the near limits of fire in
front of them, the reference points with an indication
of their distances (the distance is indicated for the
observation post of the commander of the PTURS subunit),
and the signals for control and coordination are
indicated.
It is advisable to compile the chart for antitank
fire on a map with a scale of 1:25,000 or on a blank
sheet of paper. The fire chart is forwarded to the
commander-operators of the launching mounts in the
units concerned.
Maneuver by PTURS subunits or by individual
launching mounts during combat can be executed for
the purpose of changing the firing positions within
an occupied siting area and also for the purpose of
reaching threatened axes to occupy lines of deployment.
For the rapid execution of maneuver, alternate firing
positions or lines of deployment, routes for maneuver,
control signals, and the order for execution of a march
and for the occupation of firing positions (lines of
deployment) are indicated beforehand to the commanders
of the PTURS subunits (commander-operators of the launching
mounts).
Control of the fire and maneuver of the PTURS
subunits and launching mounts during combat includes:
-the conduct of continuous observation of.the
enemy's operations, especially the operations of his
tanks ;
-distribution of the fire of PTURS subunits against
groups of enemy tanks or of the fire of the launching
mounts against individual tanks;
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-determination of the moment for opening fire against
moving tanks and issuance of the appropriate commands or
signals for opening and ceasing fire;
-determination of the beginning of a change of firing
positions or of movement to another line and of periods
of readiness for the conduct of fire from the new
firing positions (lines).
At the beginning of an enemy tank attack, the
PTURS battery commander allocates the groups of moving
tanks among the platoons and assigns fire missions for
their destruction. The platoon commanders in turn assign
fire missions to the commander-operators, indicating specific
targets for each launching mount. Target designation is
mainly conducted from the reference points, or in their
absence, from easily visible features of the terrain.
The commander of a PTURS subunit also determines
the time for opening fire and at the necessary moment
gives the appropriate commands (signals). Usually,
fire is opened at the approach of the enemy tanks to
the line marking the maximum range of fire. Subsequently,
the commander-operators carry out missions independently,
taking into account the nature of the enemy's tank
operations, the conditions for observation, and the
terrain in the fire sector of the launching mounts. If
necessary, while repelling enemy tank attacks the
battery (platoon) commander can change the order of
conduct of fire and can redistribute missions among
the platoons (launching mounts).
When the tanks approach the line of the effective
firing range of the other antitank weapons which are
operating in coordination with the PTURS, the former
open fire against them, in the first place against
the tanks located in the dead zone of the PTURS,
ensuring their elimination from combat and the assumption
of new firing positions.
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After performing the task of destroying one group
of enemy tanks, the battery (platoon) commander assigns
missions for the destruction of another group, if the
range of fire permits. In cases when the fulfilment
of a new mission from the firing positions which have
been assumed is impossible, the decision to change
firing positions can be taken.
In determining the time needed to carry-out a
maneuver, it should be taken into account that loaded
launching mounts can move on surfaced roads at a speed
of up to 50 kilometers per hour, on country dirt roads
at a speed of 20 to 25 kilometers per hour, and cross-
country at a speed of up to 10 to 15 kilometers per
hour. The time spent in evacuating firing positions
or in preparing the launching mounts for fire from new
firing positions averages 1.5 to 2 minutes.
In all cases, one should strive to conceal the
execution of a maneuver, using natural terrain features
and natural concealment for this purpose.
Operations by PTURS Subunits in the
Main Types of Combat
PTURS subunits operating within the complement of the
antitank reserves of units, large units, and formations, in
'.coordination with other antitank fire weapons can fulfil.
the following missions.
-repel enemy tank counterattacks in the departure
position and during the offensive;
-support the deployment of the main forces in a
meeting engagement;
-support the commitment to battle of the second
echelons and reserves;
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-support the consolidation of lines and important
installations seized in the course of an offensive;
-cover the areas (sectors)subjectedto enemy nuclear
strikes.
In defense:
-reinforce the antitank defense of the combined-
arms subunits, units, and large'.unitsi of ', therst
echelon along the axes on which the enemy is making mass
use of tanks;
-destroy tanks and other armored targets as they
reach the line of the maximum range of fire, and also tanks
and other armored targets which have btoken through to
the depth of our defense.
PTURS subunits operating in the complement of
motorized rifle battalions in an offensive are used
to repel enemy tank counterattacks and to consolidate
captured lines and installations.
When the battalions go over to the defensive,
PTURS subunits can be used to combat enemy tanks ahead
of the defense front and in gaps between the defense
areas of the battalions and companies.
The number of PTURS subunits assigned to the
complement of the antitank reserves and motorized
rifle battalions is determined in each particular case.
Under the conditions of modern combat, with troop
operations on separate axes, the antitank reserves must
be highly mobile and, at the same time, sufficiently
strong to resist massed tank strikes by the enemy.
The antitank reserves are distributed among the
operational formation of the troops of an army (the
combat formations of large units and units) in areas
determined for them, on the most important of the axes
along which tanks will probably approach, in constant
readiness for maneuver.
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Depending on the situation, PTURS subunits located in
a disposition area can either take up combat formation
or can be dispersed. With a view to executing rapid
maneuver during combat on threatened axes, the possible
lines of deployment, the missions for each line, the
routes for moving up to the lines of deployment and
the order for their occupation, and also the order and
periods of time for the engineer preparation of the
lines of deployment, are indicated beforehand to the
commanders of the PTURS subunits.
In an offensive, the lines of deployment designated
to PTURS operating in the complement of the antitank
reserves are on the most important axes, taking into
account the missions of their troops and the possible
operations of enemy tanks. In particular, they can be
designated to the axes of possible enemy counterstrikes
(counterattacks) and on the lines of commitment to combat
(battle) of the second echelons.
At the beginning of an offensive and during its
course, the PTURS subunits in the complement of the
antitank reserves are moved on indicated routes behind
the first echelons of the large units and units in
readiness for deployment along selected lines.
The PTURS subunits are deployed according to the
orders of the commanding officer of the antitank reserve
in the complement of which they are operating. Mobile
obstacle detachments, operating jointly with the anti-
tank reserves, mine the terrain for use by the PTURS.
Organic and attached PTURS subunits, operating
in the complement of a battalion assigned to an advance
guard or to a forward detachment, are deployed in combat
formation together with the other antitank weapons from
the beginning of combat and conduct combat with enemy
tanks by supporting the battalion in the holding of an
advantageous line until the approach of the main forces.
The deployment of an antitank reserve in combat
formation depends largely on its place in the combat
formation of the troops.
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During the execution of a march by a division in
anticipation of a meeting engagement, its antitank
reserve will move, as a rule, behind the advance guard.
(forward detachment) or in front of the column of the
main forces. An army antitank reserve will usually
move behind the divisions of the first echelon. The
command for deployment can be given either on the
approach to the probable line of encounter with the
enemy or with the initiation of combat by the advance
guard (forward detachment).
Under these conditions, from the moment when the
mission is received until readiness for opening fire,
time will usually be greatly limited. An antitank
reserve, including the PTURS subunits, will therefore
be deployed into combat formation rapidly. The
commanders of PTURS subunits, having received a mission
from the commander of the antitank reserve, move up
to the assigned area, select the locations of the
launching mounts, and organize control. If time permits,
the launching mounts are assigned fire sectors, but in
the absence of time they can be given a primary direction
of fire.
In defense, the lines of deployment of the antitank
reserves are assigned on the most important of the
probable axes of tank approach, taking into account the
missions of their troops echeloned in depth. The lines
of deployment closest to the main line of resistance
must be sufficiently near to ensure their timely occupation
by the antitank reserves and the readiness of the subunits
to conduct fire before the enemy tanks reach the line of
maximum range of fire.
During a shift to the defensi.ve,it will often be
possible to reconnoiter the lines of deployment and
routes of movement in advance, to prepare them from
the engineering standpoint, and to organize a traffic
control service on the routes. At the first opportunity,
routes for moving up to the lines of deployment must be
studied by the commanders of the PTURS subunits until
the actual departure of the individual launching mounts.
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Night battles and engagements acquire great significance
under the conditions of modern troop operations. Thorough
organization of PTURS operations is necessary for success in
combat with enemy tanks at night.
Before nightfall, the commanders of PTURS subnit$ must
study the terrain held by the enemy, and their own missions;
designate reference points and ,determine their distance; define
in greater detail on the terrain the disposition of their troops
in the primary and secondary fire sectors, the missions of the
cooperating antitank weapons, and coordinate with them the
procedure for requesting and conducting fire.
The commanders of PTURS subunits must also study thoroughly
the routes for maneuver in the course of battle and must carry
out their preparation for a night maneuver.
Special attention must be given to the organization of
uninterrupted illumination of the terrain in the zone of enemy
tank operations. Commanders of PTURS subunits must know who
is called on for the illumination of the terrain and how to submit
a request for fire. For this purpose, a plan of the illumination
of the terrain for the area with which they are concerned, worked
out by the division staff, is sent to them.
The Firing of PTURS
The difference between guided missile fire and the fire of
other weapons is that the trajectory of a missile can be changed
in flight, thus eliminating aiming errors and the effect of
external factors on the deviation of the missile from its target.
This all considerably increases the accuracy of fire and,
consequently, the effectiveness of PTURS fire. Moreover, the
ability to control the flight of a missile after its launching,
essentially changes the content of a number of questions in the
theory and practice of firing, by comparison with corresponding
questions in the theory and practice of firing, by comparison
with corresponding questions of firing a free-flight projectile.
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The flight of a PTURS is controlled with an
appropriate control system, which is an aggregate of
instruments, determining the position of target and
missile and introducing the necessary corrections into
the flight trajectory of the missile. Consequently,
the nature of the control of a missile in flight is
determined primarily by the instruments of the control
system and by its technical capabilities.
Remote control (teleupravleniye) is used in the
PTURS examined in this article.
Control of the movement of a missile which'is
executed at a distance from the control point, is
called remote control. The position of the target and
of the missile is determined at the control point and
on this basis the necessary commands are worked out.
During the entire flight time, contact is maintained
between the control point and the missile.
The control system of the PTURS includes:
-measuring devices which determine the position of
the target and of the missile or the deviation of the
missile from the target during the entire flight time
to the target;
-computing (schetno-reshayushchiy) devices which
work out the command on the basis of data from the
measuring devices;
-control devices which change the position of the
missile's steering mechanism (rul) in accordance with
a received command;
-stabilizing devices which ensure the missile's flight
in a prescribed direction.
In remote control, the elements of the control system
are located separately: the measuring and computer devices
at the control pointl and the control and stabilizing
1. The control point can be located on the launching
mount or can be portable.
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devices on the missile. Radio or wire links are
established between the elements of the control system
located at the control point and those on the missile.
The degree of automation of the system of remote
control of the PTURS can be varied. At the present time,
non-automated control systems (systems with manual control)
as the most simple and economical, have been widely used.
The commander-operator of the launching mount controls
the missile in flight. This to some extent simplifies
the control process but at the same time it imposes
on the operator great responsibility for the results
of each firing. Insufficient training of the operator,
fatigue, and difficult external conditions decrease
the effectiveness of PTURS fire greatly. Therefore,
particular attention must be given to the selection
and training of commander-operators of PTURS mounts.
During the, control of a missile's flight, the
operator performs the following operations:
-he observes and estimates the relative positions
of the missile and target;
-on the basis of the results of his observation,
he determines the command for guiding the missile to
the necessary trajectory and holding it on this trajectory;
-he transmits the command to the control instruments
of the missile.
Impact of the missile on a moving target can be
achieved from various trajectories, depending on the
technical data of the missile, the instrumentation
equipment of the control system, the nature of the
target's movement, the terrain, and the possibility of
carrying out practical aiming.
Guiding the PTURS to a target is executed on
two planes:
50X1-HUM
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a. O,n the vertical plane passing through the
control point and the target (longitudinal aiming);
b. On the plane passing through the control
point and the target and the perpendicular plane of
the longitudinal aiming (lateral aiming).
In firing the PTURS, it is most difficult to
carry out aiming on the vertical plane, since the
guidance of the missile to the target cannot begin
immediately after it has left the launching rails,
since, when it has an air steering mechanism, it
becomes controlled only when it attains a certain
speed. So that the missile does not crash to the
ground immediately oh', leaving the launching rails
because of the delay in beginning control and be-
cause of the existence of trajectory dispersion,
its launching on a vertical plane is carried out
at a certain angle of elevation, Q. During movement
in the initial (uncontrolled) sector of the trajectory,
the missile travels 80 to 100 meters and rises to an
altitude averaging 5 to 8 meters (Sketch 4). Control
of the flight of the PTURS begins approximately 1 second
after launching.
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A - position of the observation device (sight)
Sketch 4. Diagram of the trajectory of a PTURS on a
vertical plane.
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The most advisable method of guiding the remotely
controlled PTURS to a target on the vertical plane, is
a combined method based on the successive employment
of the angle method (uglovoy metod) and the target
straddling method (metod nakrytiya tseli) (the three-
point method). Initially, the angle method is employed in
the guidance sector during the time tu, and the target
straddling method is used in the final sector of the
trajectory during the time th (Sketch 4).
The essence of the angle method of guiding the
PTURS to a target is that, during the time of its movement,
the missile must be held on beam AB (Sketch 4), comprising
the variable angle 4. (t) from the target sighting line ATs.
During the time of movement of the missile the angle 4 (TY
changes in such a way that at the transition to guidance
by the target straddling method, it equals zero.
The target straddling method is based on the fact
that during the time of its movement, the missile must
be located on the target sighting line ATs, i.e., at
every moment of time, the control point,The missile,
and the target must lie on a single straight line
(another name for this method is derived from this --
the three point method).
Before firing, the operator must determine the
moment when the transition from the angle method of
guidance to the target straddling method should be carried
out. The guidance of the missile to the target by the
target straddling method must take the miminum time.
This is explained by the fact that a missile under the
influence of various factors may be deflected from its
assigned direction and, at a low flight altitude, may
crash to the ground. The likelihood that the missile
will crash to the ground is greater when the time during
which it is guided at a low altitude is longer.
In firing the PTURS against a tank, the center of
the visible configuration of the tank is usually taken
as the aiming point. On the average, the height of the
aiming point above the surface is 2.8 to 3.0 meters.
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By tests and theoretical calculations it has been
established that the time during which a missile is
guided by the target straddling method with the aiming
point at the above height, can be from 0.5 to 5 seconds,
depending on the range.
It was noted above that the guidance of the missile
when control starts after launching is carried out by
the angle method. The time for which a missile is guided
by this method depends on the range; the greater the
range, the longer the time. In practice, guidance by
this method consists of a gradual lowering of the
missile to the height of the aiming point.
The changeover from one method of guidance to
another is not carried out instantaneously, but takes
some time. During the time of movement in the transitional
period the missile must take a position which is determined
by the subsequent method of guidance. The average duration
of the transitional period for the modern models of
remote-controlled PTURS is 3 to 4 seconds. Therefore,
in practice, when firing at a range of up to 1,000 meters,
guidance is carried out by the target straddling method.
When firing at a range of from 1,000 to 2,000 meters,
guidance of the missile during the first 5 to 9 seconds
is carried out by the angle method and subsequently by
the target straddling method.
Guidance of a missile in a lateral direction is
carried out only by the target straddling method. Here,
longitudinal and lateral aiming can be conducted both
simultaneously and consecutively. In guiding the
missile to a target, the operator works as follows:
-when firing at a range of up to 1,000 meters, he
immediately directs the missile toward the outline of the
target and holds it near the aiming point during the
entire flight time;
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-when firing at a range greater than 1,000 meters,
he lowers the missile to the height of the aiming point
gradually, in order to hold it at the height of the
aiming point for 2 to 5 seconds before contact with the
target; when there is a significant lateral deviation,
the missile is lowered to the height of the aiming point
after it has been guided to the target laterally.
It should be kept in mind that while firing the
PTURS, deviations from the target of individual missiles,
which lead to firing errors, are not precluded. The
factors causing the PTURS to deviate from a target
are varied in their nature. When the control devices
are working perfectly, deviations can occur, because
the system for controlling the missile in flight cannot
ensure precise achievement of the required trajectory
of movement. Such deviations in the control of a
missile's movement are called dynamic errors. Another
group of errors in firing guided missiles includes
deviations resulting from inaccurate measurement of
various magnitudes, imperfect working of the control
system devices, errors in the work of the operator,
accidental deviations of the various parameters of the
missile, and accidental disturbances affecting the missile
during its flight and launching. These errors in the
firing of guided missiles are called accidental errors.
The accuracy of the modern models of remote-controlled
PTURS is represented by the following average errors,
in altitude En = 0.3 to 0.5 meters and in direction
En = 0.6 to 0.8 meters.
The greater accuracy in guiding the PTURS by
altitude is explained by the fact that the operator,
in preventing the missile from crashing to the ground,
gives primary attention to the altitude of the missile
during guidance.
In order to eliminate a number of accidental errors,
extremely thorough training of commander-operators of
combat vehicles and the execution of a number of
measures in preliminary preparation for firing are necessary.
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Preliminary preparation for firing the PTURS
includes:
-reconnaissance and study of the terrain in the
primary and secondary fire sectors;
-clarification or selection of reference points and
determination of the distance to them;
-preparation of the missiles and observation devices,
and control of the launching mount;
-the compilation of a range card (kartochka ognya)
for the launching mount.
Reconnaissance and study of the terrain are conducted
by the forces of the launching mount crew. In the course
of reconnaissance and study of the terrain, the following
are determined:
-the most probable directions of movement of enemy
tanks;
-the sectors of the terrain which are out of view
and the distances to the nearest and furthest boundaries
of these sectors;
-the position on the terrain of the line corresponding
to the minimum range of fire and the near limits of fire
ahead of which enemy tanks cannot be observed;
-the routes of movement up to the firing position, if
the launching mount is located at the assembly position.
In studying the terrain, a map must be used.
The range card (Sketch 5) is compiled by the commander-
operator of the launching mount. The following are
indicated on it:
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-the station (tochka stoyaniya) of the launching
mount;
-the reference points, their numbers and their
distances;
-the line of the minimum range of fire;
-the primary and secondary fire sectors;
-the near limits of fire ahead of the sectors which
are out of view and the distances to them;
-the stations of the weapons operating in coordination
with a given launching mount and their fire sectors.
It is advisable to indicate the distances to the
reference points and the near limits of fire on the
fire chart in missile flight times (rounded off in full
seconds).
I
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Control Signals
Request for fire: a. By the PTURS launching mount - a red flare
in the direction of the target
b. By the gun - a green flare in the direction
of the target
Cessation of fire: a series of yellow flares
Comment: 1/22 - numerator - number of a reference point,
denominator - range to the reference point
in seconds of flight time of a missile
Commander-Operator of the Launching Mount - Sergeant Ivanov
Sketch 5. Fire chart of a PTURS launching mount (version)
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 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/06: CIA-RDP80T00246AO29500270001-5
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In the conduct of fire against tanks by a PTURS
platoon or battery, each launching mount is assigned
an individual target. After receiving the target, the
commander-operator determines the missile's flight time,
aims the launching mount in the direction of the target,
and then fires.
Proper aiming of the launching mount at the target
before firing facilitates the work of the operator
and ensures greater reliability in the performance of
the mission. Since a missile is controlled in its
trajectory, aiming can be carried out vis-ug:lly with
sufficient accuracy.
Some Problems of'". the Combat, Materiel, and
Engineer Support of the Operations of PTURS Subunits.
Reconnaissance in the interests of the combat use of
PTURS subunits, is conducted with the aim of establishing
the nature and possible operational axes of enemy tanks,
the lines for their deployment in combat formation
(departure lines), the time for the beginning of an
attack, and the expected number of tanks in each of the
possible operational axes.
In addition, the task of reconnaissance includes:
study of the terrain and relief, determination of the
radiation and chemical situation in the areas of the
PTURS combat formations, and observation of the position
and operations of friendly troops and of the results of
the fire of the launching mounts.
The commanders of PTURS subunits are responsible
for the organization and conduct of reconnaissance. The
commanders of batteries and platoons must personally
conduct reconnaissance of the enemy and the terrain, and
must also supervise the operations of their troops and the
results of the fire of the combat vehicles. They must:
assign missions to commander-operators for the conduct
of reconnaissance; organize continuous observation in the
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 Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/06: CIA-RDP80T00246A029500270001-5
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platoons along the axes of possible enemy tank operations
in order to give the command in good time to repel their
attacks. If the launching mounts are located at assembly
positions before the beginning of combat, reconnaissance
from the area of the firing positions is carried out by
specially assigned observers. The observers must have
means of communication to transmit a signal at the
appearance of enemy tanks.
PTURS subunits possess extremely limited capabilities
for the conduct of reconnaissance, especially for the
conduct of reconnaissance of the operations of enemy
tanks before the beginning of their combat operations.
Reconnaissance data must therefore be obtained by the
forces and means of the combined-arms, artillery, and
air reconnaissance elements and must be conveyed in a
timely manner to the commanders of PTURS subunits.
Radiation and chemical reconnaissance on behalf of
the PTURS subunits is conducted by chemical observation
posts, assigned by the commanders of the antitank reserves,
or by the combined-arms commanders. On the march, it is
conducted by the forces of the PTURS subunits.
The security and self-defense of PTURS subunits are
organized by the commanders of the batteries and platoons
in all cases, independently of measures undertaken by
the chiefs and commanding officers under whose subordination
these subunits are located.
In organizing security and self-defense , the commanders
of subunits must provide for all-around observation
which should, as a rule, be charged to those spotting for
enemy tanks. In addition, they must determine the order
for operations by the personnel in destroying enemy
infantry and tanks which have broken through to the
location of the subunit, making use of personal small
arms and organic antitank hand grenade launchers (RPG-2)
(ruchnoy protivotankovyy granatomet).
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However, for security and self-defense, measures
undertaken by the commanders of PTURS subunits should
not be considered sufficient. While conducting fire
against enemy tanks, the crews of the combat vehicles
cannot be diverted to the performance of other tasks.
Therefore, a number of measures for the security and
defense of the PTURS subunits operating in the complement
of the antitank reserves or of the combined-arms subunits
(units), must be taken by the chiefs of the reserves or
by the respective combined-arms commanders. They must
assign missions to the antitank fire weapons,operating
in coordination with the PTURS subunits, for the
destruction of enemy tanks and infantry in the dead
zone of the launching mounts, and must make extensive use
of engineer antitank and anti-infantry obstacles in the
areas adjacent to the combat formations of the PTURS
subunits.
Protection of the PTURS subunits from nuclear
weapons and other weapons of mass destruction is
organized along normal lines.
The camouflage of combat operations of PTURS sub-
units has great significance for the successful performance
of tasks. The camouflaging properties of the terrain and
local means must be used primarily to camouflage the
launching mounts and the PTURS subunits as a whole, when
they are occupying combat formations. The mobile nature
of the operations of PTURS subunits greatly restricts
the use of artificial camouflage materials. However, in
a number of cases when they are operating on open terrain,
standard (tabelnyy) means of camouflage, in particular,
camouflage nets, can be used. Under these conditions,
such a method of camouflage as artificial scarring of
the terrain (iskusstvennoye raspyatneniye mestnosti),
can be employed especially in combination with the use
of camouflage nets.
The materiel support of PTURS subunits is organized
by the commanding officers or the chiefs under whose
subordination they operate. Of all the questions of
materiel support of the combat operations of PTURS sub-
units, the transport of munitions and the provision to
the launching mounts of fuel and lubricants are of
paramount significance.
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The existing models of launching mounts carry with
them 4 to 6 missiles each. It will therefore be
repeatedly necessary to reload them during battle and
this, as a rule, is carried out at the assembly positions,
i.e., away from the firing positions. In these places,
it is advisable to create the requisite stockpile of
missiles, which must constantly be replenished. The
commanders of PTURS subunits must make timely reports
on the expenditure of munitions and the requirements
for it and for other types of materiel support,
particularly for fuel and lubricants.
Missiles, fuel, and lubricants for the servicing
of the launching mounts are transported by the transport
of those units in which the PTURS subunits are
organizational. components. The organic PTURS subunits of
motorized rifle battalions are supplied by the regiment's
transport.
Depending on the situation, missiles are brought up
by this transport from battalion or army depots either
to the assembly positions of the platoons or directly
to the firing positions. The servicing of the launching
mounts is carried out at their disposition areas.
During a march, PTURS subunits must have, besides
the missiles on the launching mounts, a reserve of not
less than two loadings for each launching mount. This
reserve is brought up either by the transport of the unit
in which the PTURS subunits are organizational' :components,
or by the transport of the motorized rifle regiments and
divisions.
Engineer support of the operations of PTURS subunits
includes-
-engineer preparation of combat formations;
`the preparation of approach routes to the firing
positions and routes for the maneuver of the PTURS sub-
units;
-the installation. of explosive and mine obstacles in
support of the operations of the PTURS subunits.
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The engineer preparation of combat formations of
PTURS subunits must ensure a reduction of the effects of
the destructive factors of nuclear weapons on personnel
and materiel. The fulfilment of this general requirement
is achieved by the maximum use of terrain conditions,
and also by the preparation in the area of the assembly
positions of shelters for the personnel and of appropriate
trenches (pits) for materiel.
In the majority of cases the construction features
of the launching mounts and the necessity for all-around
fire, do not permit their firing positions to be
prepared with regard to antiatomic protection. The
depth of the trench for a launching mount at the firing
position for firing in any direction cannot exceed 0.8
to 1.2 meters, or firing becomes impossible. On terrain
where the use of tanks by the enemy is limited and where
there is no necessity for all-round fire, firing positions
can be prepared with regard to antitatomic protection.
In this case, the ability to fire only in the primary
fire sector of the launching mount is provided for.
In all cases, if time permits, it is necessary to
carry out engineer preparation of firing positions.
Even the small depth of the trench (not more than 0.8
to 1.2 meters) reduces the effect of the return fire
of enemy tanks and artillery to a significant degree
(15 to 20 percent).
In the absence of time, engineer preparation can
be limited to the preparation of platforms for the
launching mounts to ensure that they can turn to fire
in any direction, and to the digging of slit trenches for
the protection of personnel..
Explosive and mine obstacles in the form of antitank
minefields supporting PTURS operations are set up to
cover their combat formations and to ensure the most
advantageous conditions for inflicting destruction on
enemy tanks. With this aim, it is advisable to
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establish two belts of antitank minefields: one at a
distance of 1.2 to 1.5 or 1.5 to 2.0 kilometers from the
firing positions of the launching mounts, depending on
thws:4ype of PTURS, calculated so that the enemy tanks
in front of the minefield will be located in the zone
of the most effective fire; the other, in front of the
dead zone of the launching mounts so that it covers
the firing positions and~at the same timesensures
effective conduct of fire by the antitank weapons operating
in coordination with the PTURS subunits.
The principles stated in this article on the use of
the PTURS were determined as a re.ault of scientific-
research work and experimental combat firings which have
been conducted. These principles must therefore be used,
not as a matter of routine, but with regard to the
experience accumulated in the troops and the specific
conditions of a situation.
Declassified in Part - Sanitized Copy Approved for Release 2012/01/06: CIA-RDP80T00246AO29500270001-5