Hull down

Hull down is a military term describing a tactical position where a vehicle, typically an armored fighting vehicle like a tank, uses terrain to conceal its hull from enemy observation and fire. Only the vehicle's turret, or other top-mounted weaponry and sensors, are exposed. This provides significant protection to the vehicle's more vulnerable hull, making it a smaller and harder target to hit.

The effectiveness of a hull-down position depends on several factors, including the size and shape of the vehicle, the type of terrain available, the range and accuracy of enemy weapons, and the skill of the crew in utilizing the terrain. Suitable terrain for hull-down positions includes crests of hills, depressions in the ground, or even man-made obstacles like berms and fortifications.

The primary benefit of the hull-down position is enhanced survivability. By minimizing the exposed surface area, the chances of the vehicle being hit and damaged or destroyed are significantly reduced. It also allows the vehicle to engage the enemy while remaining relatively protected.

The term "hull down" is typically associated with ground warfare, but the concept of using terrain to conceal and protect a portion of a vehicle can be applied to other domains as well, albeit with different terminology.