What does Mask Interference impede?

Mask interference is a phenomenon that occurs when obstacles, such as terrain or vegetation, block the line of sight for a weapon system, which can significantly affect its firing capabilities. In the context of artillery, high angle fire typically refers to firing at a steep trajectory, which often allows projectiles to bypass many types of obstacles.

Low angle fire, on the other hand, involves a flatter trajectory, making it more susceptible to obstacles in the environment. When using low angle fire, the trajectory may be obstructed by hills, buildings, or other cover, resulting in ineffective targeting or complete inability to engage the intended objective. Mask interference can prevent the projectile from reaching its target due to these physical obstructions, which is particularly relevant when employing low angle fire strategies.

Conversely, direct fire is aimed straight at the target and seldom relies on angled trajectories that could be impacted by such interference. Indirect fire uses elevation and is thus generally less affected by obstacles compared to low angle fire. Hence, the proper understanding of mask interference shows its most notable impact on low angle fire, emphasizing the importance of terrain analysis and positioning in artillery operations.