Observation Posts
Observation Posts are usually vital necessities for force protection.
An observation post consists of a small enclosed space. Observers in a sangar are
vulnerable to rocket, mortar fire and small arms fire. The walls
of these observation posts are made of steel or, preferably, reinforced
concrete with a composite style liner.
Outside these walls a yielding steel mesh rocket
screen is needed to catch, disrupt or detonate any incoming
projectiles. Inside these walls a standoff is needed to protect
the occupants from any sudden bulge or residual fragments.
The roof of the sangar should preferably be reinforced concrete
with a composite style liner held on a Defence-Structures
frame. Above this, with a standoff, should be a yielding steel mesh
mortar screen. Below the roof should be a liner at a standoff to
protect the observers from sudden bulges in the roof or residual
fragments.
In the walls of the observation post are fitted embrasures. These
are formed holes in the reinforced concrete wall with steel backing
plates. They are equipped with sliding steel closers or with sliding
polycarbonate panels.
The entrance to the sangar, if at ground level, is a steel door
with lesser protection, from the "safe side", though this
may be protected by cover from view
screens and/or rocket screens,
depending on the threat. If the OP is to be elevated it should be
built on a Defence-Structures tower. Access is
then from the underside through a trap door. The sides of the tower
need protection of rocket screens
and walls, or at the least cover from
view screens around the access ladder or stair.
The rocket screen in front of the embrasure may need drop-gates
to allow improved view but rapid closure.
Ground level observation post
The above sketch shows the following:
| a) |
Steel entrance door from the "safe" (far) side. |
| b) |
Drop panels on rocket screen may be needed to improve view. |
| c) |
Perimeter walls may be hardened or may be simple Cover From
View Screens. |
| d) |
Embrasure |
Tower observation post
The above sketch shows the following:
| a) |
Mortar screen/Rocket screen around. |
| b) |
Hardened roof. |
| c) |
Embrasure. |
| d) |
Access from underneath (may be simple Cover From View or may
be hardened panels). |
A sangar style observation post
The above sketch shows the following:
| a) |
Elevated Sangar with embrasures and trap door. |
| b) |
Steel gates, plain or hardened. |
| c) |
Cover from view screen. |
| d) |
Elevated tower. |
| e) |
Vehicle check points and search bays. |
| f) |
Staircase with cover from view screen. |
| g) |
Crash out traps. |
| h) |
4m high clear under roof steel |
For further information on observation posts please use our contact
form. |
