An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 17 THE JAvElIn The Javelin is a "fire-and-forget" missile with lock-on before launch and automatic self-guidance. This means that after the weapon has fired, the missile does not need any human intervention and the gunner is free to reload, change position, or avoid enemy countermeasures. The Javelin weapon system consists of two distinct components: The Command Launch Unit (CLU) and the Missile. The CLU incorporates an integrated day sight and a thermal imaging sight. The gunner's controls for the missile system are on the CLU. The day sight is equipped with x4 magnification and the night sight with x4 and x9 magnification optics. The Javelin has two attack modes: Direct attack and Top attack. In direct attack mode, the missile travels to the target using the short- est route possible. This method is useful for covered targets such as bunkers and buildings. In top attack mode, the missile climbs above the target and strikes the roof of the target. This method is effective against armoured vehicles where the roof is the least protected area of the vehicle. The system is manufactured by Raytheon/Lockheed Martin and is manufactured in the USA, the DF first purchased it in 2003. The mis- sile diameter is 126mm and weapon length of 1,260mm with a combined weight of 22.3kg. Its range is 2,500m and uses a LOCK-ON automatic Self- Guidance system with a detachment of 4. 4TH InTERMEDIATE snIPER COuRsE While the combined shoot was taking place the 4th Intermediate Sniper Course also took part in the shoot. The course was run by Compl TACA, 1 Cn Cois from the 12th October to the 4th November. The course was made up of 17 students from 7 units of the Defence Forces and instructors from Compl TACA, 1 Cn Cois. This course is designed to give students a better un- derstanding of ballistics, shooting techniques, sniper tactics techniques and procedures and also qualify the students in the .338 Accuracy International Sniper rifle and 7.62 FN spotter rifle. The course has 10-days of field firing which was conducted primarily in Galway with LFTT shoots in Kilworth and the culminating long range shoot in the Glen of Imaal, seeing students engaging multiple targets up to 1,500m. the days shoot, although starting off slowly took flight in the after- noon, with mortars landing rounds within meters of the target area, the hMg teams pounding rounds down range into different targets and the sniper course targeting individual targets consistently and accurately. the javelin kicked off the shoot, with it being fired at a stationary target on the range. A direct hit set the mood as all targets were obliterated throughout the day and into the night shoot.

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