METHODOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES OF SHOOTER TRAINING AND THE USE OF SMALL ARMS IN URBAN ENVIRONMENTS

Abstract

The article is devoted to the development of methodological principles for the training of shooters and the effective use of small arms in urban environments, where combat operations are characterized by confined spaces, high dynamics, and complex spatial configurations. The research is based on an analysis of contemporary combat experience gained in urban theaters of war, as well as experimental testing on specialized training grounds and in virtual and augmented reality environments. Structural, simulation, and situational modeling methods were used to replicate real urban combat conditions, including shooting in confined spaces, from non-standard positions, and in the presence of obstacles. As a result of the study, it was established that the effectiveness of small arms in urban environments is determined by their accuracy, penetration capability, ergonomics, and adaptability to rapidly changing combat situations, as confirmed by testing of compact assault rifles and submachine guns. The scientific novelty lies in the creation of a comprehensive assessment methodology that integrates the analysis of ballistic characteristics, ricochet safety, acoustic stealth, and the shooter’s psychological readiness. New approaches to combat scenario modeling are proposed, taking into account the multi-level structure of urban spaces and stress factors. The obtained results make it possible to formulate substantiated recommendations for selecting optimal weapon models for units operating in urban conditions. Further research is aimed at improving virtual training systems using biometric sensors to assess the shooter's psychophysiological state under real combat conditions. The development of universal testing standards for modular weapon systems is planned to ensure their effectiveness in dynamic urban environments.