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SAM N-Ajax/N-Hercules SSM Redstone SSM Corporal Howitzer 8" Self Propelled 762mm, Honest John 280mm Gun SSM Lacrosse

ORGANIZATION

AD MSL BN

The NIKE-HERCULES Battalion consists of a battalion headquarters battery, with 17 officers and 101 enlisted men, and 4 firing batteries containing 8 officers and 133 enlisted men.

TACTICAL USAGE

Each Nike missile battery is divided into three principal areas: The administrative area, the fire control area, and the launching area.

The administrative area is composed of the facilities necessary for billeting, feeding, and recreation of the personnel of the battery. The fire control area consists of three radars, a computer, three van-type trailers and necessary electrical equipment. The fire control area must be a minimum distance of 1,000 yards from the launching area, and there must be line-of-sight between the two areas.

The control equipment for the radars and computer are housed in three trailers. The Battery Control Trailer contains the computer, the acquisition radar scope and its controls, and a switchboard. From this trailer the Battery Commander directs the acquisition of targets and the firing of the missile. The Radar Control Trailer contains the controls and electronic equipment for the target and missile tracking radars. The third trailer, the Maintenance and Spare Parts Trailer contains the electronic equipment shop equipment and spare components.

The first of three radars is the Acquisition Radar which is a search radar. It rotates constantly at a predetermined speed and targets coming within its range are presented pictorially on a radar scope to the Battery Commander at his tactical control position. The Battery Commander, by electronic interrogation, can determine whether target indications appearing on the scope are friendly or hostile.

The second radar is the Target Tracking Radar. As targets are acquired by the Acquisition Radar, they are transferred to the Target Tracking Radar which automatically tracks the target in range, direction and elevation, establishing its location. This information is transmitted electrically to the Computer for use in guiding the missile to its destination.

The Missile Tracking Radar tracks the missile automaticalyl throughout its flight and continuously sends the location of the missile to the computer. In addition, steering commands received from the computer are transmitted to the missile which directs it toward the predicted intercept point. Continuous commands are sent to the missile to correct for evasive action of the target. When target and missile converge, the missile is detonated and the Missile Tracking Radar automatically transfers to the next missile readied for firing.

The third area, which is apart from the Administrative and Control Areas, is the Launching Area. This area is composed of the buildings and items of equipment necessary for assembling, testing, fueling, and firing a NIKE missile.

The Missile Assembly and Test Building provides facilities for the uncrating, assembling, and testing of the missiles in the battery. Each missile is given a series of mechanical, hydraulic and electrical checks to assure its proper functioning.

Three Launching Sections form the firing components of the battery. Each Launching Section consists of four launcher-loaders from which missiles are fired, a missile storage building, and a personnel shelter which protects personnel during firing and houses electronic equipment.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

The Nike utilizes a command guidance type of control. The target is initially picked up by the acquisition radar. From the information provided by the acquisition radar, the target-tracking radar acquires the designated target and tracks it throughout the engagement. Another radar, the missile-tracking radar, locks on the missile prior to firing and tracks that missile throughout the entire flight. The two tracking radars feed target and missile. Using this information, the computer continuously determines a predicted point of interception and issues those steering orders necessary to guide the missile continuously toward the predicted point of interception. At that time which will result in the highest kill probability, the computer issues a burst order to the missile. This order detonates the three missile warheads simultaneously. Orders are transmitted by the computer to the missile through the missile tracking radar.

The battery control officer, stationed in the battery control trailer, is provided with all of the information and controls necessary to engage targets effectively. A series of lights and a meter show the battery control officer the number of rounds prepared for firing and the progress of the fire unit in accomplishing the steps necessary to prepare and fire the round. Prior to firing, the predicted point of intercept and the present position of the target are continuously displayed on the two plotting boards in the battery control trailer. With this information, knowing the rules of engagement and the restricted areas, the battery control officer determines the most advantageous time to fire the round. After the round has been fired, these two plotting boards plot the course of the target flight paths. Controls necessary for premature or delayed detonation of the warheads are incorporated into the system.

The Nike system is designed to operate with three sections per battery and four launches per section, but may use a smaller number. The battery is only 25% mobile and is classified as a semi-mobile battery.

ORGANIZATION

CORPORAL Bn

The CORPORAL Battalion is the firing battery rather than the battery. It is fully mobile and consists of a battalion headquarters, a headquarters and service battery, a firing battery and a medical detachment.

The headquarters and service battery provides the administrative, supply, mess, motor maintenance, survey, fire direction and communications elements in the battalion.

The firing battery is divided into a guidance platoon and two firing platoons. The guidance platoon contains both the operational personnel necessary to guide the missile and the specialist personnel required to maintain the fire control equipment. Each firing platoon contains sufficient personnel to check out, assemble, fuel and fire missiles. Personnel within this platoon are also equipped to perform organizational maintenance on missiles and associated firing and test equipment.

The medical section, in addition to performing the normal functions of such a unit, is specially trained in the treatment of injuries resulting from exposure to nitirc acid, aniline and electric shock.

TACTICAL USAGE

The CORPORAL Battalion is assigned to a Field Army and may or may not be attached to a Corps. A battalion not attached to a Corps may be given a tactical mission of general support of the Field Army; general support of the Field Army -- reinforcing a specific Corps Artillery; or reinforcing a specific Corps Artillery.

A battalion may be assigned a mission of general support of the Field Army -- reinforcing a specific Airborne Division Artillery, or air-landed Infantry Division Artillery, which is in a deep objective area.

When a battalion is attached to a Corps, it is normally assigned a mission of general support of the Corps.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

The Force Artillery Commander normally selects primary areas for CORPORAL Battalions under his control. A CORPORAL Battalion Commander makes the detailed reconnaissance and selection of these positions. Normally the battalion occupies a position area with a common perimeter, requiring an area of about 1000 by 1500 meters. The position area should have good access roads and firm ground as well as good natural cover and concealment.

CORPORAL position areas constitute a prime target and will be the subject of diligent search by enemy intelligence and target acquisition agencies. All possible measures must be taken to preclude identification of the CORPORAL position area.

Fire planning and fire support coordination are functions of higher artillery headquarters. Once the fire mission is received at battalion the firing data is computed and final missile preparations are completed. The radar is locked in azimuth on the target line, the computer and doppler are then readied for firing. 15 minutes prior to firing the countdown is started. As the missile is fired it rises slowly and vertically for the first few seconds. Then by preset programming it pitches toward the target and moves laterally into the radar beam. The radar tracks the missile and provides the computer with the missile's location in the sky. The computer compares this information to a standard trajectory and generates commands to keep the missile directed toward the target. Radar transmits these commands back to the missile.

The missile's velocity is measured by the doppler radio and assisted by the computer, shuts off the rocket engine when the missile reaches the appropriate speed consistent with the desired range.

After shut-off the missile follows a ballistic trajectory toward the target and is guided by the radar in azimuth only.

At appropriate zenith of its trajectory, the missile's location and velocity is again measured and compared to the standard trajectory. Any predictable range error will result in a computation of a final range correction maneuver which is sent to the missile immediately. The command for this maneuver is stored on board the missile until it reaches denser atmosphere where its control surfaces are most effective.

ORGANIZATION

8in SP How Btry

There are three principal elements within this Self-Propelled Howitzer Battery organization; the battery headquarters, a detail section, and the firing battery. The detail platoon has the communications and survey personnel necessary to support the battery's operations. The firing battery, the largest element of the battery, is commanded by the executive officer. It consists of a firing battery headquarters, four howitzer sections and an ammunition section.

TACTICAL USAGE

The 8" howitzer battery is the general support weapon of the field artillery and is normally employed in battalion-sized organizations; however, a battery or either of its two platoons can operate independently in certain tactical situations for limited periods. The battery is 100% mobile.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

The 8" howitzer battery may receive a fire mission while on the march or while in a prepared position. If the battery is on the march when the fire mission is received, the howitzers are immediately moved off the road and emplaced. The spade is dropped and the weapon is backed onto the spade. The turret rear doors are opened and the crew prepares the weapon for action. The battery executive officer lays the weapon on the azimuth of fire as aiming posts are placed out. The fire direction center computes the mission and sends firing data to the weapons. The projectile is fuzed and placed on the loading tray, and power rammed into the breech recess. The powder charge is inserted with the primer. The gunner places deflection and elevation on the panoramic telescope and traverses the turret electrically to the aiming posts. Upon command of the chief of section, the weapon is fired sending the 200 lb HE projectile on the way to the target.

ORGANIZATION

HJ MSL Battalion

The HONEST JOHN Missile Battalion is authorized by TO&E, a total of 19 officers, 4 warrant officers, and 261 enlisted men. These officers and men make up the Battalion Headquarters, Headquarters and Service Battery, Medical Detachment, and Firing Battery. Within the Headquarters and Service Battery there are 10 sections: Headquarters and Service Battery Headquarters, Operations and Intelligence, Survey, Liaison, Communications Platoon, Assembly and Transport Platoon, Personnel, Maintenance, Mess, and Supply. The Firing Battery is composed of two platoons each of two sections. Each of these sections is responsible for the operation of one 762MM Rocket Launcher.

TACTICAL USAGE

The 762MM Rocket is a short-range weapon designed primarily for targets of opportunity. It is usually in general support of a division. The rocket launcher is a highly mobile carrier, thus the emphasis is centered upon speed both in firing and in tactical movement to capitalize on targets of opportunity. The battalion itself is 100% mobile. The rocket itself is free-flight, that is, there are no electronic flight control gear since the accuracy of the weapon depends solely upon an initial azimuth lay. After firing, the rocket becomes a missile immune to countermissile electronic interference.

Thus, once fired, the HONEST JOHN Rocket is a weapon delivering an atomic warhead comparable with the larger missiles requiring intricate and sometimes unreliable electronic guidance systems. The simplicity of operation and highly mobile characteristics of the HONEST JOHN makes it of prime importance in tactical use. The artillery commander has at his call a weapon capable of neutralizing strategic-sized targets, yet requiring only a minimum of notification or support.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

To facilitate handling between the ammunition supply point and the battalion position area, the rocket is divided into three major components. These components, consisting of the warhead, the rocket motor, and the fins, all of which are rapidly assembled near the firing site. Eight spin rockets, set ninety degress apart are contained in the forward end of the rocket motor. Activation of these spin rockets as the missile leaves the launcher reduces inaccuracies caused from thrust malalignnent.

Upon receipt of a fire mission, the launcher with a rocket loaded on the rail moves from a concealed position to the firing site. As the vehicle stops with its sight mount over the surveyed hub, three crewmen lower the side and rear jacks while other crewmen elevate and extend the launching beam to the firing position. The gunner lays the beam on the proper deflection in the same manner as a conventional artillery piece. As these operations are being accomplished, the rocket specialist is inserting the igniter in the pedestal, sealing the forward end of the rocket motor with the heavy closure plug, and arming the spin rockets. With this completed, the electrical circuits are connected and the rocket is armed and ready to fire. The gunner and one canoneer set the firing deflection and elevation and stand by to apply final low level wind corrections. Low level wind measurements are obtained from the wind measuring set, converted to firing data and applied to the launcher immediately prior to firing. With wind corrections applied the crewmen take up positions on the perifery of the firing site and wait the final countdown. At the count of zero a button is pushed on the firing panel box. A split second later a gust of yellow orange flame bursts from the nozzle end of the rocket. For an instant the Honest John appears to nudge forward hesitatingly on the launcher rail. Then it surges into space with a roar at an ever mounting speed.

After the rocket leaves the launcher the crewmen rapidly march order the section. The tell tale dust cloud makes it imperative that the section displace immediately, to avoid enemy counter fire. Upon arriving at a new hide position the crewmen transfer another rocket onto the launcher, and await the next fire mission.

The battalion is capable of firing four rockets simultaneously.

ORGANIZATION

280mm Gun Battalion

The 280mm Gun Battalion is composed of a Headquarters, and a Headquarters and Service Battery, which directs, administers and furnishes logistic support, and three firing batteries of two guns each. Each firing battery has its own survey and fire direction and is capable of almost independent action for a period of up to two weeks. The Headquarters and Service Battery normally supplements the Firing Battery with communications personnel and equipment, and additional ammunition carrying vehicles when the battery is separated from the battalion.

TACTICAL USAGE

In a tactical situation the guns are placed in positions of concealment with batteries separated by about 8,000 to 12,000 meters. Guns are moved frequently to make their location by the enemy more difficult. Communications is by telephone as much as possible for the same reason. The entire battalion is 100% mobile.

The gun with its transporters, in traveling position, is about 3.5 meters wide, 27 meters long, 4 meters high and weighs about 71 metric tons. This great weight makes detailed route, and especially bridge, reconnaissance extremely important. The size, in itself, does not pose so great a problem because of the high degree of maneuverability. This piece can make a right angle turn in a walled intersection of two streets which are 9 meters wide, can move laterally, and can execute a 360 degree turn in a circle 90 meters in diameter.

OPERATIONAL CONCEPTS

In the 280mm Gun Battalion, movement to a firing position is normally done only under the cover of darkness or during period of very low visibility. A well-trained crew under average condition can occupy a firing position in 12-15 minutes. Movement out of a position after firing normally required approximately 10 minutes. Firing positions are prepared in advance and survey completed to a stake which marks the location for the center of the turntable. Other stakes are used to mark the direction of fire. A few minutes before the arrival of the gun, the line of fire and center of the turntable are marked with white tape to guide the chief of section and driver, in employing the piece. At night, signals are given by the chief of section to the drivers and winch operator by the use of socially modified flash lights.

This is the only cannon in the United States Army capable of full circle traverse without displacement. This capability is useful in engaging targets of opportunity to the flanks or rear, and in those situations in which the direction of fire is such that transporters could not set the gun down and have room to move away. The gun fires a shell weighing 272 kilograms a distance of 27 kilometers. It is probably the only gun in existence which was designed specifically to fit the ammunition.

280mm fires at Graf


Hank McCarrick at Graf, 1961

2nd Gun Bn, 38th Arty

3rd Gun Bn, 39th Arty

3rd Gun Bn, 79th Arty

3rd Gun Bn, 80th Arty

3rd Gun Bn, 81st Arty

3rd Gun Bn, 82d Arty

3rd Gun Bn, 84th Arty

CORRECTIONS / ADDITIONS:

(Source: Email from Joerg Windmueller, Germany)
According to USAREUR documents, the 1st Battalion / 34th Field Artillery (part of the 24th Infantry Division / VII Corps), stationed at Munich's "Will Caserne" was a "Honest John" unit. It moved to Augsburg's "Sheridan Kaserne" in 1968. I could not find it in the "Honest John" listing!

1st FA Rkt Btry

3rd FA Rkt Btry

6th FA Rkt Btry

7th FA Rkt Btry

84th FA Rkt Btry

85th FA Rkt Btry

259th FA Msl Bn

530th FA Msl Bn

531st FA Msl Bn

557th FA Msl Bn

558th FA Msl Bn

559th FA Msl Bn

601st FA Msl Bn

I was a member of the 557th Field Artillery Battalion.

In March 1956 we were deployed to Bleidorn Kaserne (I think my spelling is correct) in Ansbach, Germany. My memory isn't to good on details, but as I recall our commanding officer was Lt. Col. John Stevens (or Stephens), and the adjudant (or deputy?) was Maj. Dale Denman. I think that we were part of the 18th F.A. Group, and the commander was Col. Vernon Rawie.

We were the only Corporal missile battalion in the Group, and, as far as I know, the second such battalion in Germany. The 3rd F.A. Battery (Honest John) was also in Bleidorn Kaserne at the time.

I was a PFC, and was discharged in January 1957, and returned to college.
Donald Wilson

18th FA Gp

35th FA Gp

36th FA Gp