target-acquisition-systems
Various technologies for detecting and tracking enemy forces, including laser range-finders, thermal imaging, drones (RPVs), airborne radar, and heliborne systems like SOTAS, are discussed as crucial yet often underdeveloped components of modern warfare.
1 chapter across 1 book
The Third World War: The Untold Story (1982)Sir John Hackett
Chapter 5 of 'The Third World War: The Untold Story' examines the state and development of battlefield weaponry leading up to the mid-1980s, focusing heavily on tank technology and the challenges of target acquisition and engagement. It contrasts Western and Soviet tank designs, highlighting differences in sophistication, firepower, and reliability, while also discussing the limitations in surveillance and target acquisition systems that affected the effective use of advanced munitions. The chapter underscores the critical importance of early attrition of enemy armor and the technological arms race in fire control, sensors, and munitions.