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FM 34-81-1: Battlefield Weather Effects

APPENDIX I

WEATHER EFFECTS ON INTELLIGENCE AND ELECTRONIC WARFARE

Intelligence operations, primarily sensors, are influenced by weather. Collection and dissemination may be hindered by weather. All-source processing requires evaluation of all weather conditions as they impact enemy and friendly operations and systems. Listed below are other weather effects for IEW operations that are not listed in the WTDA tables.

CLOUDS AND SKY COVER. Overcast skies with low cloud bases reduce the effectiveness of infrared and photographic collection systems, and may restrict the use of UAVs.

ICING. In addition to icing conditions associated with aircraft, ice is also a problem with electronic systems that depend on ice-free antennas for optimum operation.

ILLUMINATION. NVD require about a quarter (23 percent) of the moon, 30 degrees above the horizon, scattered clouds, and the sun more than 5 degrees below the horizon. See Appendix F for further information.

PRECIPITATION. Even moderate amounts of rain and snow will obstruct vision and degrade photographic and infrared collection systems. Heavier amounts of rain can generate background electronic noise that reduces the efficiency of GSR.

SURFACE WIND. Strong winds may damage or prevent erection of system antennas.

TEMPERATURE. Frozen soil increases the difficulty of grounding equipment. At extreme cold temperatures cables snap and wire is unmanageable. Extreme cold also shortens battery life and may put systems requiring a good source of battery power out of service.

VISIBILITY. Low visibility decreases the effectiveness of visual, photographic, infrared, and E-O collection systems. However, LRSU's may benefit from restricted visibility and increase their infiltration success. This condition may affect visual, laser range finding, and target acquisition systems.