Two assumptions underpinned the British approach to HAA fire; first, aimed fire was the primary method and this was enabled by predicting gun data from visually tracking the target and having its height. Second, that the target would maintain a steady course, speed and height. This HAA was to engage targets up to 24,000 feet. Mechanical, as opposed to igniferous, time fuses were required because the speed of powder burning varied with height so fuse length was not a simple function of time of flight. Automated fire ensured a constant rate of fire that made it easier to predict where each shell should be individually aimed. COUNT 5
QSN1 What was the primary method for HAA fire? ANS1 aimed fire QSN2 Along with predicting the gun data from tracking the target, what else needed to be known about the target to enable the aimed fire? ANS2 its height QSN3 Another assumption was that the target would maintain a steady course along with what other two factors? ANS3 speed and height QSN4 Targets could be how many feet for the HAA to engage them? ANS4 24,000 feet QSN5 What kind of fuses were needed? ANS5 Mechanical