Distances at which Visual/Aural disturbances can be identified at Night

Bibliography:
ARMOR Magazine – March-April 1983; Page 14.

Distances that light sources can be detected with the naked eye at night

NOTE: Air observation doubles/triples these distances.

Headlights of motor vehicles and tanks

4-8 kilometers

Muzzle flashes from single cannons

4-5 kilometers

Muzzle flashes from small arms

1.5-2 kilometers

Bonfire

6-8 kilometers

Flashlight

up to 1.5 – 2 kilometers

Light match

up to 1.5 kilometers

Lighted cigarette

500 – 800 meters

Distances that sounds are perceptible to a man at night in open areas

Cannon shot

up to 15 kilometers

Single shot from a rifle

2-3 kilometers

Automatic weapons fire

3-4 kilometers

Tanks
(Dirt Road)

up to 1.2 kilometers

Tanks
(Highway)

3-4 kilometers

Motor Vehicles
(Dirt Road)

up to 500 meters

Motor Vehicles
(Highway)

up to 1 kilometer

Troops on Foot
(Dirt Road)

up to 300 meters

Troops on Foot
(Highway)

up to 600 meters

Small arms loading

up to 500 meters

Metal on metal

up to 300 meters

Conversation of a few men

up to 300 meters

Steps of a single man

up to 40 meters

Axe blow or
sound of a saw

up to 500 meters

Blows of shovels
and pickaxes

up to 1,000 meters

Screams

up to 1,500 meters

Oars on water

up to 2,000 meters