Point target

Targets such as city buildings, and targets in the midst of many non-targets are considered to be point targets. When attacking point targets, weapons with only the necessary amount of spread and power are employed.

A point target is:

  1. A target of such small dimension that it requires the accurate placement of ordnance in order to neutralize or destroy it.
  2. A nuclear target in which the ratio of radius of damage to target radius is equal to or greater than 5.[1]
  3. A radar target that is small compared with the pulse volume, which is the cross-sectional area of the radar beam multiplied by half the length of the radar pulse. [2]

Point targets are often located near other buildings which contain civilians and other innocents, therefore guided munitions are used to take out only the intended target. A strike executing in this manner is often referred to as a surgical strike.

Citations and notes
  1. (JP 1-02) FM 101-5-1 Operational Terms and Graphics, 30 September 1997, Headquarters, Department of the Army
  2. Meteorology Glossary, American Meteorological Society
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References
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