DA Form 4201: High Burst MPI Registration Guide (2026) – U.S. Army form used in field artillery operations for conducting high burst/mean point of impact (HB/MPI) registrations.
This article provides a comprehensive guide for U.S. Army artillery personnel, fire support teams, and training units on the purpose, use, and procedures associated with DA Form 4201.
What Is DA Form 4201?
DA Form 4201, titled High Burst (Mean Point of Impact) Registration, records data for HB/MPI registrations. These determine accurate firing corrections by observing the mean location of high-burst artillery rounds rather than ground impacts.
The current version is dated JAN 2016 (previous editions are obsolete). It supports computations for burst location and Gun Fire Table (GFT) settings.
Download the official DA Form 4201 PDF here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A4201.pdf
Purpose of High Burst (HB/MPI) Registration
HB/MPI registration is one of two main registration types in U.S. Army field artillery (alongside precision registration). It determines nonstandard conditions’ effects on projectiles, especially for time-fuzed or high-burst munitions.
Key objectives include:
- Locating the mean burst point using observations from multiple stations.
- Computing corrections for deflection, range, and fuze settings.
- Improving accuracy for subsequent fire missions without relying on visible ground impacts.
This method is particularly useful in environments where ground observation of impacts is difficult or when registering time or proximity-fuzed rounds.
When to Use DA Form 4201?
Use DA Form 4201 during:
- HB/MPI registrations as outlined in TC 3-09.81 (Field Artillery Manual Cannon Gunnery) or successor publications.
- Situations requiring mean point of impact data from aerial bursts.
- Training and qualification exercises for fire direction centers (FDC).
- Operations needing precise meteorological and ballistic corrections.
It transfers data from the Record of Fire (e.g., DA Form 4504) once observers confirm burst observations.
How to Fill Out DA Form 4201: Step-by-Step Guide?
The form has dedicated sections for Computation of HB (MPI) Location and Computation of GFT Setting. Key elements include:
Message to Observers and Initial Data
- Record observer designations (e.g., Observer 01, 02).
- Enter fired data: Charge, Deflection (Df), Fuze Setting (FS), Quadrant Elevation (QE).
Observer Readings and Interior Angles
- Log azimuths (Az) and vertical angles (VA) from observers for each round.
- Calculate apex angles and bearings using standard trigonometric procedures (e.g., +6400 mils if necessary for back azimuths).
Determining Mean Burst Location (MBL)
- Use polar plot or grid coordinate methods.
- Compute differences in easting (dE), northing (dN), and height (dH).
- Apply logarithmic calculations for distances, sines, cosines, and tangents as per form layout.
GFT Setting Computation
- Apply chart data corrections to the HB/MPI location.
- Determine adjustments for range, elevation, time, and other factors.
- Record altitude of burst (Alt HB/MPI), VI/HB corrections, etc.
Pro Tips for Accuracy:
- Circle expended rounds and cross out erratic ones.
- Follow precise procedures in FM 6-40 / TC 3-09.81 for polar plotting and chart data determination.
- Double-check trigonometric sums and coordinate transformations.
For detailed examples and tables, refer to official Army field manuals.
Key Procedures in HB/MPI Registration
- Selection of Orienting Point and Observers — Choose suitable observation posts.
- Firing the Registration — Fire rounds and collect observer spottings.
- Mean Burst Location Calculation — Use DA Form 4201 worksheets for geometry.
- Applying Corrections — Transfer results to firing data for improved accuracy.
Radar-assisted registrations may follow similar principles with specific message formats.
Importance in U.S. Army Artillery Operations
Accurate registrations directly impact mission effectiveness, safety, and ammunition efficiency. DA Form 4201 ensures standardized documentation for HB/MPI, supporting:
- Precision fires in contested or complex terrain.
- Joint fire support integration.
- Training readiness for cannon artillery units.
Proper use helps mitigate effects of weather, propellant variations, and other nonstandard conditions.
Where to Find Official Guidance?
- Primary Reference: TC 3-09.81 (or current equivalent Field Artillery Gunnery manual).
- Form Source: U.S. Army Publishing Directorate (APD) at armypubs.army.mil.
- Additional context in historical FM 6-40 publications.
Always use the latest TRADOC-approved doctrine and forms for compliance.
Download DA Form 4201: Official PDF
This guide is for informational purposes based on publicly available U.S. Army resources. For training or operational use, consult your unit’s Field Artillery standards, current TCs/FMs, and qualified instructors. Procedures may be updated; verify with official sources.