An Evolutionary Step in Data Gathering, Target Tracking and Acquisition - The Sniper's Data Book

By

John D. Taylor

As many of you know, I'm interested in the evolution of scoped sniper rifles and their cartridges in order to predict where both might evolve during the future. Some items, ancillary to the scoped sniper rifle, are included in my studies in order to obtain a fuller understanding of the rifle/cartridge evolutionary pathways in response to the requirements of military and law enforcement (LE) sniping. The question posed with each ancillary item under review is, "Will the item remain the same, disappear, evolve parallel to or evolve as an integral part of the scoped sniper rifle?" Thus far, I have analyzed nomograph and analog mil-dot calculators (1) as well as Center Mass' Sharpshooters Rifle Rest. (2).

Both reviews gave keen insights that have broadened my understanding for the future of the scoped sniper rifle and its cartridge. One might ask how? Today, both the mil-dot

nomograph and analog calculators are manually operated and require knowledge of the logic behind the mil-dot concept, as well as knowledge of the calculator and its operation. Because they easily provide valuable trajectory information, I proposed that of the two calculators investigated, Mildot Master should be an integral part of the sniper's gear. An integral part of the gear for how long? Tough to answer, but it seems reasonable that tomorrow's technology will yield a laser target-tracking computer integrated into the sniper's scope, which will replace

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today's mil-dot calculators. What will happen to the mil-dot calculator? It will experience the same fate as the sliderule.

Signs are evident that tomorrow's technology is evolving as evidenced by the Swarovski Laser Rangefinding Riflescope (LR) -- the high cost of the riflescope prevents many of us to evolve with it. It seems reasonable to assume that technology will continue to evolve that will produce an optoelectronic target-tracking riflescope integrated with a computer -- preloaded with the cartridge ballistics data. In addition, environmental sensors will be incorporated to determine temperature, altitude etc. The final system will integrate all components to operate a reticle, which will adjust in response to the target's range and speed (if moving) as determined by laser ranging, in response to environmental conditions as determined by built-in sensors and in response to the cartridge's ballistics characteristics as predetermined by down-loaded values.

Tomorrow's sniper will not require log tables, physical ranging by analog calculations or moving target formulae. In their place will be an optoelectronic system that engages as soon as the sniper initiates his trigger pull. The trigger moving a fraction of an inch results in the

optoelectronic sights ranging the target. As a result, the reticle readjusts in response to the known range, environmental conditions and ballistic characteristics of the cartridge being used. The sniper places this newly created reticle on the target as he completes the trigger pull.

A critical, but yet unattainable variable is accurate wind measurements between the sniper and the target. In a US Army study, Weaver raised the need for projectiles with greater

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wind resistance because that was the only variable that could not be controlled (3). If true, then the most reasonable approach would be to use a heavier projectile by increasing the mass of the projectile in calibers currently being used, by using larger calibers or by increasing the mass as well as the caliber.

Does it appear that remote wind sensing may not be solvable with existing technology? Perhaps not. Thermal infrared imaging might be one possibility. Thermal energy is transmitted in the infrared wavelength (1 to 100 microns). Thermal infrared imagers translate the energy transmitted within the infrared wavelength into data that can be processed into multiple forms. Wind is created by the sun's uneven heating of the atmosphere. In other words, this is air in motion -- usually found as a horizontal motion to the earth. It is produced by differences in atmospheric pressure that are caused by temperature differences. Thermal sensors could be designed to record atmospheric temperatures and their movements.

A second and an approach currently being used is LIDAR, which is an acronym for Light Detection And Ranging. LIDAR is similar to radar but it is an optical radar that uses short pulses of laser light. The laser bean is scattered by the particles called aerosols that make up the atmosphere due to a process called Rayleigh scatter. Photons from the laser beam that hit a molecule are scattered in all directions with equal probability. Some of the laser light is scattered back to a telescope. If the particles are moving, the scattered light has a slight shift in frequency, called a Doppler shift, due to the motion of the particle relative to the telescope. By analyzing the frequency of the Doppler shift, the changes in wind velocity along the laser beam's path can

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be determined. Satellites that monitor weather patterns are currently utilizing this technique.

Can thermal infrared imagers or LIDAR sensors detect a curtain of wind -- 600 meters downrange and 50 meters wide -- that is moving perpendicular to the sniper who has scoped a target 800 meters downrange? It seems reasonable to assume that if the technology can be created to detect, then it can be incorporated into the computerized optoelectronic riflescope to determine wind speed and direction.

I can hear the groans now along with the question, "Hasn't John heard of the KISS Principle?" My response is that during the future the proposed system will represent the KISS Principle because something more complicated will have been proposed to replace it. The KISS Principle is a concept that contrasts an existing object or method with those that have been proposed for the future, particularly those future objects or methods that are more complicated but perform the same function as those in use today.

Today, a specialty rifle rest such as Center Mass' Sharpshooters Rifle Rest may or may not be a part of the sniper's gear -- largely depends upon the nature of the mission. Do I predict that tomorrow a specialty rest will be part of the scoped rifle? No, I predict that it will still be a part of the sniper's gear and will not be integrated into the scoped rifle. However, I can envision it becoming lighter and easier to set-up and takedown, but I don't see it being integrated into the scoped rifle. On the other hand, we do see attached bipod rifle rests -- the bipod concept, best exemplified by the Harris Bipod and the Versa Pod, are now being integrated into rifles; e.g.,

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Steyr Tactical Scout, Butler Creek Ruger 10/22 Target Stock etc. So I see integrated rifle bipod rests for the future, but not an integrated specialty rifle rest such as The Sharpshooters Rifle Rest. As a side note, I suspect the integrated bipod rest will make the Chandler brothers unhappy (see 4, for their views on rifle stocks), but evolution -- either biological or mechanical has experienced more failures than successes. Either we are not aware of or soon forget the failures but instead, tend to focus on the successes. The Chandlers' position may prevail for some time into the future.

I want to look at another item -- also ancillary to the scoped sniper rifle and its cartridge, in order to review its current role and suggest what its role might be in the future, particularly if signs now exist that it will evolve either as free standing or integrated into either the scope or rifle. I've selected the field data book a.k.a. the sniper data book.

Before examining the field data book, a terminology foundation should be established because my perception is that a universal adoption of terminology is lacking. From my vantage point, it appears that three separate entities exist within or ancillary to the field data book. They are 1) training log book, 2) mission log book and 3) sector sketch/range card(s). These entities may stand alone, combined as two (i.e., mission book and sector sketch/range page [card]) or combined as three, which may be called a "Field Data Book" or "Field Data Log." Whether

each entity stands alone or is combined with a second or third entity, all are intended to be reserved for one and only one scoped rifle.

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The training logbook is used with the purpose of establishing zero's under a variety of altitudinal and environmental conditions -- similar in logic to the competitive shooter's logbook. It represents the totality of all rounds fired with different lots of cartridges. If the training book were a "stand-alone", then it probably would not go into the field. The mission log book has shooting data represented as zero summary tables along with formulae that factor the influences of wind, angle of fire etc. The mission logbook may contain sector sketch/range pages for a particular mission or it may be a stand-alone. In either case, with the sketch/range pages, data are recorded as the mission progresses, which in the end will serve as a permanent record of the mission. After a LE mission is completed, the pages are probably duplicated to stand as a permanent record for future training as well as for evidence in potential liability cases. In the military mission, the pages may be retained for intelligence gathering and for future training.

When experts are asked,

"What is the best training log, mission log or sector

sketch/range card", the answer I hear the most can be summarized as, "Whatever is best for you after you have gained enough experience that qualifies you to determine what is best for you. In the meantime, use this one or that one and understand the logic behind its design."

Field data books may be a simple hand-written notebook that a sniper puts together himself by filling in blank pages of information crucial for him to complete his mission as well as blank pages to draw sector sketch/range information. However, it may be more extensive in which it includes external ballistics tables and sector sketch/range pages, both photocopied from published literature (for examples, see 5-7) or downloaded from the web (multiple sources, use

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"sniper log book" as key term to locate). Finally, commercial field data books are available, which vary in price -- depending upon their complexity and accessory items such as a carrying case. Note: Mike Lau devotes an entire chapter of his book entitled The Military and Police Sniper to managing the field data book and it is recommended reading for those in the early stages of using a field data book (7).

Rather than reviewing all the commercial field data books, I've examined two books. Both are excellent, but each is quite different from the other. Different because the authors addressed different goals, which are based upon their previous experiences. From my

perspective, one book though designed for both LE and military snipers, it has a "military" feel to it while the other clearly is oriented toward the LE sniper. The contrast is striking.

After reviewing the books' contents, I want to discuss how the information conveyed by these books might be used in the future. For example, will these books evolve as separate entities or will the information somehow be incorporated into the scoped rifle? At this time, I predict the latter.

The two books under review have the same name: Sniper Data Book. Both are the same size (5.5" x 8.5"), have the sample color (olive green) and are printed on the same type of paper (Rite in Rain). Both books have the advantage in that a Mildot Master is the same size and can be taped to either the inside front or back cover.

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The first book, produced by Snipercraft Inc., made its appearance in 1994, while the second book, produced by T.R.G.T. - L.L.P, made its appearance in 1999. The people behind these books are well known to the readers of Tactical Shooter magazine.

From Snipercraft, Inc., Derrick Barlett provided the leadership for their field data book. Derrick is a member of the Fort Lauderdale Police Department and Managing Director of Snipercraft, Inc.; an organization dedicated to the instruction for snipers and supervisors of hundreds of police agencies throughout the United States. In addition, Derrick has written a highly successful book called Snipercraft: The Art of the Police Sniper (8).

Kent Gooch and Hugo Teufel are the sparkplugs behind T.R.G.T. - L.L.P., a limited liability partnership that sells products directed toward the tactical operator and the civilian competitor alike. Kent is retired career military sniper who graduated from USMC and US Army sniper schools for scout/snipers. He was an instructor at Quantico and NCOIC of the U.S. Army National Guard Scout/Sniper School. Currently, he is the chief instructor at Storm

Mountain Training Center. Hugo is a practicing attorney, former Deputy Solicitor General for the State of Colorado, LE academy graduate and P.O.S.T. certified. Hugo is also a core staff member for Tactical Shooter magazine and is well known for his great articles.

Before reviewing these two commercial field data books, a short examination of the origin and evolution of the field data book is in order. History helps to guide us to the future -assuming we pay attention.

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Adrian Gilbert traces the origin of field data books back to back to World War I (9). Most snipers preferred to establish their "hides" (a British term) 100-200 yards behind the front line in order to obtain a better field of fire. Multiple hides were selected. For each hide, the sniper or sniper team would have a sector sketch/range card, which was a simple hand-drawn map with the ranges of the likely targets. The logic continues with today's sector sketch/range card, only the amount of data recorded has expanded. Once the target became visible, the observer voiced the determined range followed by the sniper making his adjustments and taking his shot. Along with the range card was a log listing the sight settings, ammunition used, wind, temperature and other environmental and altitudinal conditions. Using this information, a sniper was able to obtain a total picture of the conditions and how these conditions affected his shooting. Some snipers listed their kills, while others did not.

Evolution of the field data book appears not to be extensive through World War II. Reasons may vary, but the experiences by the Russian snipers may be similar to snipers from other nations. Attempts were made to introduce field logbooks to snipers; but by in large, snipers disregarded the books and didn't take them into action. Instead, they settled for basic information, marked on a small piece of paper, together with a map. The logic was not to be caught with information and thus identified as a sniper. In case they were captured, a small piece of paper could be chewed and swallowed in a hurry. In addition, many snipers carried a submachine gun or an assault rifle with a folding stock on their back. The sniper rifle would be discarded and the sniper would be captured with a standard weapon.

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My search for information on the evolution of the field data book during the Korean conflict turned up little. My assumption is that what was used came out of the World War II, which seems logical as much of the weapons used came out of that war.

During the Vietnam conflict, the training logbooks apparently were copied from NRA High Power books. The mission logbook contained both the sector sketch/range cards and field data books called the Sniper Firing Data Book. The range cards are similar to those used today and were carried into the field. Entries were made into the data book during training sessions and following a mission, but the book was not carried on a mission (10). Recording "hits," whether wounded or killed was an important data gathering process.

Let's examine the two sniper data books. Both books represent the extreme ends of a quantitative spectrum. The first produced by Snipercraft (Figure 1) provides four pages of a "rounds fired log" followed by 73 pages of 5-round cranial silhouette log (Figure 2). The second produced by T.R.G.T. - L.L.P (Figure 3) provides 14 pages of very useful tables followed by 13 sections of multiple shooting exercises (Table I). The first eight sections are intended as "data" pages, while the last five sections are intended as "mission" pages. The latter are intended from the LE sniper who would only use them if departmental policy permits or for the practical field shooter in a course in which tactical scenarios are performed. Each section has one exercise that is represented by duplicate pages of varying length.

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Is one better than the other? They are not comparable -- one's an apple while the other is an orange. The authors have different goals and those goals are presented extremely well in each book.

Derrick informed me that in the early 1990's his agency was in need of a new data book for the sniper team. At that time, all that were available were geared toward the military sniper. Even though much of the information presented in these books was of interest to Derrick and his colleagues, as police snipers, they wanted a way to record headshots and nothing more. A review of Figure 3 illustrates a non-complicated recording log that achieves this goal. Five numbered "point of aim," small cranial-silhouettes record the sniper's intent while the large cranial silhouette represents the results based on the number from the small cranial silhouette. Also included is a silhouette to record the cold shot. Finally, nicely packaged on the page is a place to record minimal environmental conditions as well as rifle, cartridge, spotter and shooter information.

The Snipercraft's Sniper Data Book is well-organized, simple to use and records the appropriate data for the police sniper. Clearly, this book is meant for training and well as to take on a mission as a reference to the data that was recorded during the last training session. It also gives the sniper a record of his training over a period of time in case he faces judicature and/or a liability suit.

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Upon receiving T.R.G.T.'s Sniper Data Book, I spent about an hour absorbing a wealth of useful information that Kent and Hugo had compiled in an easy to use handbook and log. It was evident than these gentlemen had spent a great deal of time on this endeavor. Contrasting this data book with that from Snipercraft, it was clear that the targeted audience was the practical field shooter; i.e., military, LE and civilian.

Because of the extensive amount of information presented by T.R.G.T. Sniper Data Book, I want the opinion of an expert in LE sniping as to some of the information's relevance to LE sniping. I sent my copy for review to Sergeant Jeff Felts, Sniper Team Leader/Instructor for Western Wayne County Special Operations (Michigan). Jeff was enthusiastic with the T.R.G.T. Sniper Data Book, particularly the logbook's range tables, which include preprinted images of commonly encountered items. He felt that it would serve the LE sniper well and that it would be useful to the LE sniper once they understood the fundamentals as they continue to train. Clearly, the T.R.G.T. Sniper Data Book might also be useful for the police sniper from a small department who has not received any formal training. It's not a substitute for formal training, but in some cases formal training is not an option.

Would the T.R.G.T. logbook be carried on a military mission? I doubt it. Instead, I see military sniper tearing out pages from perhaps the Observation Log, Field Sketch and Range Card sections. With regard to the police sniper, he might tear out a page that best reflects the performance of his rifle during its last firing, but I don't see him carrying it on a mission. With

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regard to training, I can envision the military sniper using only the T.R.G.T. logbook, while I can envision the police sniper, particularly the police sniper instructor, utilizing both.

Clearly both logbooks serve a particular audience, with T.R.G.T. logbook serving a broader audience. I strongly recommend both.

What about the future -- do I see these books free standing or will their services somehow be incorporated into a scoped rifle? It's clear that the data provided by the books are intimately related to the mil-dot computer. Thus their fates are related as well. As a result, we should look beyond the Swarovski Laser Rangefinding riflescope to several other related items that have been offered by various manufacturers to determine how the information found within the field data books is utilized. For example, have data gathering and target tracking and acquisition become automated? If so, to what extent?

First let's examine what has been accomplished with the storage of data other than recording manually in a logbook. A Swiss "confirmed kill" camera was manufactured from the late 1980s to the early 1990s, which was supplied to the Swiss Federal Police and German Elite Police and Army units. It is currently marketed by Capital City Firearms. The camera uses Polaroid film and places four images per picture via a rotating mechanism that works at 12:00, 3:00, 6:00 and 9:00 o'clock positions. The camera attaches to a Hensoldt 6X or 10X riflescope as supplied with an Hockler and Keck PSG-1 sniper rifle. A trigger pack, which replaced the original trigger, contains a trip mechanism that trips the camera shutter at the same instant the

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firing pin hit the cartridge. Even though this technology is dated, it's easy to visualize replacing the Polaroid camera with a digital camera. Here, images could be stored on a microdisc that would be down loaded into a computer at a later time.

This concept can be taken a step further where multiple images could be taken during training and would become part of the sniper's training record. As a result, storage of the shooting would be in a computer rather than a logbook.

As yet not available, a new training system from Finland is emerging that will assist in the training of snipers. Under the leadership of Dr. Juhari Heinula, Noptel Oy has developed a number of instruments that measure distance, position, alignment and vibration by means of laser technology.

The Noptel ST-2000 system measures and stores points of impact and the on-target trajectories of the alignment of the weapon. It can be used simultaneously with cartridges, but will only record the hit of the "light projectile." It consists of an optical unit located on the rifle, a reflector besides the target as well as electronics that connects the optical unit to a personal computer for data display, analysis, and storage. Each shot is tracked graphically and by numbers through statistical analysis. As a result, each shot is subdivided into the phases of aiming, triggering, and hold, including release as a follow-through. This system allows the analysis of each phase separately, which provide details of the shooter's technique not possible to see with an unaided eye. There are currently three systems available in the ST-2000 series: ST-

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2000 Sport, ST-2000 and the ST-2000 Sniper.

Their ranges, with the proper amount of

reflectors, are 100 meters, 300 meters and 600 meters respectively. The shorter ranges are designed for the LE sniper, while the 600-meter is designed for the military sniper. I am making arrangements with Dr. Heinula to review the system shortly after the New Year.

In April 1998, the Joint Service Small Arms Program (JSSAP) office at the US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering center (TACOM-ARDEC) awarded an $8.5M contract modification for the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW) system to Alliant Techsystems. Alliant has combined forces with Contraves Brashear Systems, Inc. (firecontrol system); Heckler and Koch GmbH and HK Inc. (weapon design); Dynamit Nobel AG, (5.56mm and 20mm high-explosive [HE] improvements); and Octec (target tracking). Much has been written and speculated about this new project, but it is of interest to focus on the target tracking.

The target-tracking system for the OICW is not designed for a sniper rifle. However, it is not difficult to envision how some of its technology can be applied to a sniper's target tracking. What is this technology? OICW will be equipped with a combined laser range finder - thermal close combat optics. The laser range finder that will send multiple pulses to the target. Each pulse will be analyzed, which will then compensate for slight variations in the shooter's aim. This will be coupled to the known ballistics of the projectile's (s') intended flight path(s) and the precise range. With regard to the HE, target-range information will be communicated

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automatically via a fuse-setter mechanism and ballistic computer instantaneously to the airbursting fuse before the HE round is fired.

The thermal portion of the sight's design allows the shooter to visualize infrared thermal images of enemy personnel through dense fog/smoke or at night. The close combat portion places a red dot in the middle of the shooter's field of view, which allows the aiming and firing to be accomplished with both eyes open.

The goal is for Alliant to build and deliver several weapon systems and ammunition for testing by the JSSAP during the past summer of 1999. Engineering and manufacturing development is scheduled to begin in 2000.

Even though technology today moves quickly, it's reasonable to envision that the technology proposed here will not be in the hands of the military or LE sniper within the near future. What this means is that sniper log books will remain with us for the foreseeable future. They will continue to represent a critical step in target tracking and acquisition. The sniper log books evaluated here are good examples of the best that are available.

John D. Taylor, Ph.D. Professor, Wayne State University Detroit, Michigan 48202 Words: 4,739 November 26, 1999

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References

1. Taylor, J. D. 1999. Nomograph versus Analog Mil-Dot Calculators. Tactical Shooter, Vol. 2, No. 4, pp. 28-30.

2. Taylor, J. D.

1999. A Step in the Evolution of the Portable Shooting Platform: The

Sharpshooters Rifle Rest. Tactical Shooter, Vol. 2, No. 9, pp. 53-58.

3. Weaver, J. M. 1990. System Error Budgets, Target Distributions and Hitting Performance Estimates for General Purpose Rifles and Sniper Rifles of 7.62x51mm and Larger Calibers. U.S. Army Material Systems Analysis Activity, Technical Report No. 461.

4. Chandler, N. and R. Chandler. 1999. On Sniper Rifle Stocks. Tactical Shooter, Vol. 2, No. 8, pp. 55-57.

5. Plaster, J. L. 1993. The Ultimate Sniper. Paladin Press, Boulder, CO.

6. Lauck, D. M. 1996. The Tactical Marksman. Paladin Press, Boulder, CO.

7. Lau, M. R. 1998. The Military and Police Sniper. Precision Shooting Inc., Manchester, CT

8. Bartlett, D. D. 1999. Snipercraft: The Art of the Police Sniper. Precision Shooting Inc., Manchester, CT.

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9. Gilbert, A. 1994. Sniper. The World of Combat Sniping. St. Martin's Press, New York, NY.

10. Senich, P. R. 1994. The Long-Range War: Sniping in Vietnam. Paladin Press, Boulder, CO.

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For Additional Information:

Capital City Firearms 313 Berwickshire Drive Richmond, VA 23229 Voice: 804-740-4926 FAX: 804-740-9599 http://www.ccfa.com Center Mass, Inc. 6845 Woonsocket Canton, MI 48187 Voice: 734-416-0047 FAX: 734-416-0650 Email: centermas@aol.com www.centermassinc.qpg.com Mildot Enterprises P.O. Box 1535 Los Lunas, NM 87031 Voice: 505-565-0760 Email: bnrobins@flash.net Noptel Oy Teknologiantie 2, 90570 Oulu, Finland Voice: 358-8-551 4351 FAX: 358-8-556 4101 http://www.noptel.fi/nop_eng/index.html Snipercraft 472 Lakeside Circle Fort Lauderdale, FL 33326 Voice: 954-389-0829 Email: SniperZ2@aol.com http://members.aol.com/sniprcraft/training.htm T.R.G.T. - L.L.P. P.O. Box 471 Littleton, CO 80160 Email: email@trgt.com http://www.trgt.com

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Figure Legends

Figure 1. Sniper Data Book by Snipercraft.

Figure 2. Sniper Data Book by T.R.G.T. - L.L.P.

Figure 3. Page taken from Snipercraft's Sniper Data Book. This easy to follow five numbered "points of aim" small cranial-silhouettes record the sniper's intent while the large cranialsilhouette records his results.

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Table I Section Contents of Sniper Data Book (T.R.G.T. - L.L.P.) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Introduction with reference tables Zero Summary Charts - Notes Cold Bore Data and Remarks Zero Data Bullseye Target Data Stationary Target Data - Notes Unknown Distance Data Range Card & Data - Notes Moving Target Lead Summary - Moving Target Data Target Dimensions Observation Log Field Sketch Range Card Barrel Log