Which reference plane is established first for combat system alignment?

The Centerline Reference Plane is established first for combat system alignment because it serves as a critical reference point from which other measurements and alignments can be made throughout the ship's structure. This plane runs from the bow to the stern along the ship’s centerline, providing a consistent and uniform baseline that is crucial for ensuring the accuracy of various systems, including weapons and sensors.

Establishing the Centerline Reference Plane first allows for the correct alignment of all other reference planes that are used in the combat system. Without this initial alignment, subsequent adjustments made to the other reference planes could lead to discrepancies and misalignments in systems that rely on precise coordinates and orientations. Therefore, it serves as the foundational reference for alignment efforts across combat systems, ensuring that everything is aligned correctly relative to the ship’s main axis.