A Constantly Computed Impact Point (CCIP) is a calculation provided by a weapon's sighting system. It is a predicted point of impact found from the launch platform's movement, the target's movement, gravity,
projectile
A projectile is an object that is propelled by the application of an external force and then moves freely under the influence of gravity and air resistance. Although any objects in motion through space are projectiles, they are commonly found i ...
launch velocity, projectile drag, and other factors that can be entered. It is usually displayed on the
Head Up Display (HUD).
The HUD
crosshairs will move around dependent on where the computer predicts the selected rocket, bullet or bomb will hit. Normally a
radar lock is necessary, but when strafing or bombing a ground target (A/G mode; A/A mode will simply put the hairs in the centre of the HUD), the crosshairs will move along the ground.
This system is normally used in
aircraft
An aircraft is a vehicle that is able to fly by gaining support from the air. It counters the force of gravity by using either static lift or by using the dynamic lift of an airfoil, or in a few cases the downward thrust from jet engines. ...
, other large vehicles, or large static weapons, but it is in principle possible for such a system to be miniaturized for a man-portable
firearm or
Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle
An unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), also known as a combat drone, colloquially shortened as drone or battlefield UAV, is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is used for intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance ...
(UCAV).
The
Continually Computed Release Point (CCRP) inverts the principle of CCIP. A desired ''impact'' point is indicated. The HUD puts a vertical line along the bearing to the impact point, and the pilot points the aircraft onto that line and flies a steady course, whether
level bombing,
dive bombing, or
toss bombing (releasing bombs on a lofted climbing trajectory.) The pilot or
Weapon systems officer authorizes weapon release but for maximum precision the exact timing is determined and executed by the computer.
See also
*
TERCOM
Terrain contour matching, or TERCOM, is a navigation system used primarily by cruise missiles. It uses a pre-recorded contour map of the terrain that is compared with measurements made during flight by an on-board radar altimeter. A TERCOM syst ...
References
Aircraft weapons
Weapon guidance
Targeting (warfare)
{{mil-stub