A lob fire is a military term referring to a specific type of artillery fire in warfare. It is characterized by the technique used to propel projectiles in a high, arcing trajectory towards a target, as opposed to a straight, direct fire.
In a lob fire, the artillery piece is elevated to a high angle, usually above 45 degrees, resulting in a steep ascent and descent of the shell. This technique allows the projectiles to bypass obstacles such as hills, buildings, or fortifications, providing a tactical advantage when direct line-of-sight is obstructed.
The lob fire is particularly useful when targeting enemy positions hidden behind cover or in trenches. By firing shells in a parabolic trajectory, they can land directly on the target, achieving a plunging effect that can penetrate or damage otherwise protected positions. Moreover, lob fire can be employed to reach targets at longer distances, as the increased elevation maximizes the range potential of the artillery piece.
Lob fires can be executed by various types of artillery, including mortars, howitzers, or rockets. The positioning and adjustment of the artillery piece are crucial to ensure the correct angle and aim, enabling accurate targeting of the desired objective. Overall, lob fire is a strategic artillery technique that offers increased command of the battlefield by enabling indirect fire and engaging heavily defended positions that might otherwise be inaccessible or difficult to hit with direct fire.
