Wind: introduction - Guide - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)




Wind: introduction
The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.



Current Version (227 days ago)

Guide
FM/BG-573.V2.03 - Wind: introduction
Guide

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot. 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. Fortunately, UNITAF's environmental settings do not reproduce all variables present in real life wind, permitting the topic to be accessible and more predictable for the highest levels of marksmanship.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 4mps wind from 3 o'clock may deflect a bullet 2 mils to the left.

A 4mps wind from 4 o'clock may only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a dynamic force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Wind speed may change at distance when obstructions are present.

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Accounting for wind obstructions at all points in a flight path.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by Sgt Jochem on 05/07/2024 at 21:25

Previous Versions

Guide
FM/BG-573.V2.02 - Wind: introduction
Guide

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot. 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. Fortunately, UNITAF's environmental settings do not reproduce all variables present in real life wind, permitting the topic to be accessible and more predictable for the highest levels of marksmanship.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 4mps wind from 3 o'clock may deflect a bullet 2 mils to the left.

A 4mps wind from 4 o'clock may only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a Dynamic Force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Wind speed may change at distance when obstructions are present.

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Accounting for wind obstructions at all points in a flight path.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by Sgt Jochem on 05/07/2024 at 20:42
Guide
FM/BG-573.V2.01 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot. 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. Fortunately, UNITAF's environmental settings do not reproduce all variables present in real life wind, permitting the topic to be accessible and more predictable for the highest levels of marksmanship.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 4mps wind from 3 o'clock may deflect a bullet 2 mils to the left.

A 4mps wind from 4 o'clock may only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a Dynamic Force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Wind speed may change at distance when obstructions are present.

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Accounting for wind obstructions at all points in a flight path.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by Sgt Jochem on 05/07/2024 at 20:25
Guide
FM/BG-573.V2.00 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot. 

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. Fortunately, UNITAF's environmental settings do not reproduce all variables present in real life wind, permitting the topic to be accessible and more predictable for the highest levels of marksmanship.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

 

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 4mps wind from 3 o'clock may deflect a bullet 2 mils to the left.

A 4mps wind from 4 o'clock may only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a Dynamic Force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Wind speed may change at distance when obstructions are present.

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Accounting for wind obstructions at all points in a flight path.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 24/05/2024 at 23:05
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.09 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

 

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 4mps wind directly from the left will deflect a bullet 2 mils to the right.

A 4mps wind from the back-left will only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a Dynamic Force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

Wind speed and direction conditions will also change at distance.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Estimating and accounting for wind at the target position
  • Estimating and accounting for wind in between.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 12:19
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.08 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

 

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 5mph wind directly from the left will deflect a bullet 2 mils to the right.

A 5pm wind from the back-left will only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a Dynamic Force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

Wind speed and direction conditions will also change at distance.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Estimating and accounting for wind at the target position
  • Estimating and accounting for wind in between.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 01:13
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.07 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

 

The direction of wind will also influence how much of a winds “pushing power” is used to push a bullet left or right, and how much is used to raise or lower point of impact. For example;

A 5mph wind directly from the left will deflect a bullet 2 mils to the right.

A 5pm wind from the back-left will only deflect a bullet 1 mil to the right, but will also raise point of impact.

 

As a Dynamic Force

The variables of direction and speed are the only practical aspects of wind that can deflect a bullet at any given time. Accounting for these variables holistically is exceedingly difficult, however, as:

Both wind speed and direction may change sporadically.

Wind speed and direction conditions will also change at distance.

The most thorough and accurate wind solutions will include:

  • Measuring and accounting for wind at the firing position
  • Estimating and accounting for wind at the target position
  • Estimating and accounting for wind in between.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 01:11
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.06 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle; meaning a wind that blows from both behind and to the left can shift point of impact higher and to the right simultaneously.

 

The direction of wind will also influence

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 00:29
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.05 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet:

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

These principles can be combined if the wind comes at a quartering angle, meaning a tailwind that is also blowing to the left can shift point of impact both higher and to the right simultaneously.

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 00:22
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.04 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

Direction and speed are the primary two variables to consider when factoring for wind. Although wind speed affects a bullet in a straightforward fashion (faster wind produces more deflection), wind direction has more complicated effects on the path of a bullet.

A wind from the left pushes the bullet to the right.

A wind from the right pushes the bullet to the left.

A wind from directly behind (tailwind) raises point of impact.

A wind from directly ahead (headwind) lowers point of impact.

 

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 00:17
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.03 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

 

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield. The level of care that must be applied to account for all variables present in wind deflection, however, depends heavily on the application of marksmanship.

Although wind must be accounted for by anyone firing a rifle, the level of detail required when compensating varies by role.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 00:10
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.02 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

 

Relevance

Wind makes itself a relevant factor in all applications of marksmanship, the force having a much greater effect on a bullets trajectory than intuition would hold. Even wind speeds not yet fast enough to be felt on our faces can produce a point of impact shift large enough to produce an outright miss at distance. Especially when placed in the context of human targets, which are much less forgiving horizontally than they are vertically, wind must be accounted for by all - from SF Sniper teams engaging an HVT to riflemen on a conventional battlefield.

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 17/05/2024 at 00:04
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.01 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to guide a bullet to its target in the face of the many unknowns on the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

 

Relevance

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 16/05/2024 at 23:54
Guide
FM/BG-573.V1.00 - Wind: Introduction
Guide

Introduction

Wind deflection is by a wide lead the most challenging topic in marksmanship, both to navigate conceptually and to accurately account for in field. While most variables in a ballistic solution can be corrected for with certainty and consistency, by nature wind is a dynamic force, making this topic the least predictable aspect of any long range shot.

 

Accurate accounting of wind deflection requires not only an understanding of wind direction and speed at the firing position, but also an understanding of wind behavior at the target location and everywhere in between. Accounting for the effects of wind on our bullets trajectory is where science meets art - even ballistic computers fall very short of reliable when considering the full spectrum of wind variables on the path from rifle to target. The complexities of wind deflection make it the first consideration of any long range shooter when considering probability and practicality of a shot, and learning to find precision in the many unknowns of the topic is the absolute highest hallmark of an experienced marksman.

 

Variables

 

Relevance

Published by SFC mbaker5114 on 16/05/2024 at 23:52
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