I know american tank fire command as it is well presented from movies and manuals, but I have never seen a British tank crews fire command manual. I did heard chieftain crews shouting fire command, but it was all muffled up and inaudible. Does anyone know any books or documents that may have fire commands for British tank crew?
here is american and korean tank fire command for reference
American (they are all identical fire commands)
TC: Gunner tank sabot 12o clock twelve hundred meters
GUR: Identified
LOD: UP!
TC: Fire!
GUR: On the way!
Korean
TC:포수 날탄 전방 적전차 1200 미터
GUR: 표적확인
LOD: 장전끝!
TC: 쏴!
GUR: 발사!
Pretty similar.
The command would start with the weapon. Generally "Fin", "HESH", "Coax". Then the target type. When on target (TC Override) "On" When directing, "Traverse left/right... steady...on". When identified by gunner "On". "Loaded" indicates armed gun by the loader. "Fire". "Firing NOW" (Chieftain, Challenger) or just "Firing" (Challenger 2). The 'now' is removed because there could be a delay induced by the FCS in the more modern tank if the FCS isn't happy with the gun/sight alignment. In ye olden days, the shot went off at the 'now' in a similar manner to the 'way' of "on the way".
If it's a miss, announced "Missed" and adjustment is provided. eg. "Correction, drop" If it's a hit, Gunner or TC will announced "target". If the target is destroyed, "Target Stop" ends the engagement.
So... "Fin tank on". "on". "Loaded". "Fire". "firing... Target". "Target stop".