Shot trajectory. external ballistics. Trajectory and its elements. Exceeding the trajectory of the bullet above the point of aim. Trajectory shape. Direct shot its definition and practical use in a combat situation

1.1.1. Shot. Shot periods and their characteristics.

Shot is called the ejection of a bullet from the bore of a weapon by the energy of gases formed during the combustion of a powder charge.

When fired from small arms the following phenomenon occurs. From the impact of the striker on the primer of a live cartridge sent into the chamber, the percussion composition of the primer explodes and a flame forms, which through the seed holes in the bottom of the sleeve penetrates to the powder charge and ignites it. When a charge is burned, a large number of highly heated gases that create high pressure on the bottom of the bullet, the bottom and walls of the sleeve, as well as on the walls of the barrel and the bolt. As a result of the pressure of gases on the bottom of the bullet, it moves from its place and crashes into the rifling - rotating along them, it moves along the bore at a continuously increasing speed and is thrown out.

During the combustion of a powder charge, approximately 25-35% of the energy released is spent on communicating the bullet forward movement(main job); 15-25% of energy - to perform secondary work (cutting and overcoming the friction of a bullet when moving along the bore; heating the walls of the barrel, cartridge case and bullet; moving the moving parts of the weapon, gaseous and unburned parts of gunpowder); about 40% of the energy is not used and is lost after the bullet leaves the bore.

The shot occurs in a very short period of time (0.001 - 0.06 sec).

When fired, four consecutive periods are distinguished(fig.116):

Preliminary;

First or main;

The third or period of aftereffect of gases.

Preliminary period lasts from the beginning of the burning of the powder charge to the complete cutting of the shell of the bullet into the rifling of the barrel. During this period, the gas pressure is created in the barrel bore, which is necessary in order to move the bullet from its place and overcome the resistance of its shell to cutting into the rifling of the barrel. This pressure is called boost pressure. It reaches 250-500 kg/cm, depending on the rifling device, the weight of the bullet and the hardness of its shell. It is assumed that the combustion of the powder charge in this period occurs in a constant volume, the shell cuts into the rifling instantly, and the movement of the bullet begins immediately when the forcing pressure is reached in the bore.

First or main period lasts from the beginning of the movement of the bullet to the moment complete combustion powder charge. During this period, the combustion of the powder charge occurs in a rapidly changing volume.

At the beginning of the period, when the speed of the bullet along the bore is still low, the number of cores grows faster than the volume of the bullet space (the space between the bottom of the bullet and the bottom of the case), the gas pressure quickly rises and reaches largest. This pressure is called maximum pressure. It is created in small arms when a bullet passes 4-6 cm. of the path. Then, due to the rapid increase in the speed of the bullet, the volume of the bullet space increases faster than inflow new gases, and the pressure starts to drop. By the end of the period, it is approximately 2/3 of the maximum pressure. The speed of the bullet is constantly increasing and by the end of the period reaches approximately 3/4 of the initial speed. The powder charge completely burns out shortly before the bullet leaves the bore.

The second period lasts from the moment of complete combustion of the powder charge until the moment the bullet leaves the bore. With the beginning of this period, the influx of powder gases stops, however, highly compressed and heated gases expand and, putting pressure on the bullet, increase its speed. The pressure drop in the second period occurs quite quickly and at the muzzle - the muzzle pressure - is 300-900 kg / cm for various types of weapons. The speed of the bullet at the time of its departure from the bore (muzzle velocity) is somewhat less than the initial velocity. For some types of small arms, especially short-barreled ones (for example, the Makarov pistol), there is no second period, since the complete combustion of the powder charge does not actually occur by the time the bullet leaves the barrel.

Rice. 116 - Shot periods

The third period, or the period of aftereffect of gases, lasts from the moment the bullet leaves the bore until the moment the action of powder gases on the bullet ceases. During this period, powder gases flowing out of the bore at a speed of 1200-2000 m/s continue to act on the bullet and give it additional speed. The bullet reaches its greatest (maximum) speed at the end of the third period at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the muzzle of the barrel . This period ends at the moment when the pressure of the powder gases at the bottom of the bullet is balanced by air resistance.

1.1.2. Initial and maximum speed.

muzzle velocity(v o) - the speed of the bullet at the muzzle of the barrel.

For initial speed the conditional speed is accepted, which is slightly more than the muzzle and less than the maximum. It is determined empirically with subsequent calculations. The value of the initial velocity of the bullet is indicated in the firing tables and in the combat characteristics of the weapon.

The initial speed is one of the most important characteristics combat properties of weapons. With an increase in the initial speed, the range of the bullet, the range of a direct shot, the lethal and penetrating effect of the bullet increases, and the influence of external conditions for her flight.

The muzzle velocity of a bullet depends on:

1) Barrel length.

2) Bullet weight.

3) Weight, temperature and humidity of the powder charge, the shape and size of the powder grains and loading density.

1) The longer the barrel, the longer the powder gases act on the bullet and the greater the muzzle velocity of the bullet.

2) With a constant barrel length and constant weight powder charge, the initial velocity is greater, the lower the weight of the bullet. A change in the weight of the powder charge leads to a change in the amount of powder gases, and, consequently, to a change in the maximum pressure in the bore and the initial velocity of the bullet.

3) Than more weight powder charge, the greater the maximum pressure and muzzle velocity of the bullet. The length of the barrel and the weight of the powder charge increases when designing weapons to the most rational sizes.

With an increase in the temperature of the powder charge, the burning rate of the powder increases, and therefore the maximum pressure and initial speed increase. When the temperature of the charge decreases, the initial velocity decreases. An increase (decrease) in the initial velocity causes an increase (decrease) in the range of the bullet.

In this regard, it is necessary to take into account range corrections for air and charge temperature (charge temperature is approximately equal to air temperature).

With an increase in the humidity of the powder charge, its burning rate and the initial speed of the bullet decrease. The shape and size of the powder have a significant impact on the burning rate of the powder charge, and hence on the muzzle velocity of the bullet. They are selected accordingly when designing weapons.

Loading density is the ratio of the weight of the charge to the volume of the sleeve with the inserted pool (charge combustion chamber). With a deep landing of a bullet, the loading density increases significantly, which can lead to a sharp pressure jump when fired and, as a result, to a rupture of the barrel, so such cartridges cannot be used when firing. With a decrease (increase) in the loading density, the initial velocity of the bullet increases (decreases).

The bullet reaches its greatest (maximum) speed at the end of the third period at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the muzzle of the barrel.

1.1.3 Weapon recoil and takeoff angle (Fig. 117).

Recoil is the movement of the weapon (barrel) back during the shot.. Recoil is felt in the form of a push to the shoulder, arm or ground. The recoil action of a weapon is characterized by the amount of speed and energy that it has when moving backward.

The recoil speed of the weapon is about as many times less than the initial speed of the bullet, how many times the bullet is lighter than the weapon. The recoil energy of hand-held small arms usually does not exceed 2 kgm and is perceived by the shooter painlessly.

When firing from automatic weapons, the device of which is based on the principle of using recoil energy - part of it is spent on communicating movement to moving parts and reloading weapons. Recoil energy is generated when firing from such weapons or from automatic weapons, the device of which is based on the principle of using the energy of powder gases discharged through a hole in the barrel wall.

The pressure force of powder gases (recoil force) and the recoil resistance force (butt stop, handles, weapon center of gravity, etc.) are not located on the same straight line and are directed in opposite directions. They form a pair of forces, under the influence of which the muzzle of the weapon barrel deviates upward.

The amount of deflection of the muzzle of the barrel this weapon the more than more shoulder this pair of forces.

In addition, when fired, the barrel of the weapon makes oscillatory movements - it vibrates.

As a result of vibration, the muzzle of the barrel at the moment the bullet takes off can also deviate from its original position in any direction (up, down, right, left). The value of this deviation increases with improper use of the firing stop, contamination of the weapon, etc.

In an automatic weapon with a gas outlet in the barrel, as a result of gas pressure on the front wall of the gas chamber, the muzzle of the weapon barrel, when fired, deviates somewhat in the direction opposite to the location of the gas outlet.

The combination of the influence of barrel vibration, weapon recoil and other causes leads to the formation of an angle between the direction of the axis of the bore before the shot and its direction at the moment the bullet leaves the bore - this angle is called the departure angle.

The departure angle is considered positive when the axis of the bore at the time of the bullet's departure is higher than its position before the shot, and negative when it is lower.

The influence of the departure angle on firing for each weapon is eliminated when it is set to normal combat.

In order to reduce the harmful effect of recoil on the results of shooting, some types of small arms (for example, the Kalashnikov assault rifle) use special devices - compensators. The gases flowing out of the bore, hitting the walls of the compensator, somewhat lower the muzzle of the barrel to the left and down.

1.2. Basic terms and concepts of the theory of external ballistics

External ballistics is a science that studies the movement of a bullet (grenade) after the cessation of the action of powder gases on it.

1.2.1 Bullet flight path and its elements

trajectory called a curved line, described by the center of gravity of a bullet (grenade) in flight (Fig. 118) .

A bullet (grenade) when flying in the air is subjected to two forces :

gravity

Forces of resistance.

The force of gravity causes the bullet (grenade) to gradually fall, and the force of air resistance continuously slows down the movement of the bullet (grenade) and tends to overturn it.

As a result of the action of these forces, the speed of the bullet (grenade) gradually decreases, and its trajectory is an unevenly curved line in shape.

Air resistance to the flight of a bullet (grenade) is caused by the fact that air is elastic medium and therefore part of the energy of the bullet is expended on movement in this medium.

The force of air resistance is caused by three main reasons (Fig. 119):

1) Air friction.

2) The formation of swirls.

3) The formation of a ballistic wave.

Air particles in contact with a moving bullet (grenade), due to internal adhesion (viscosity) and adhesion to its surface, create friction and reduce the speed of the bullet (grenade).

The layer of air adjacent to the surface of the bullet (grenade), in which the movement of particles changes from the speed of the bullet (grenade) to zero, is called the boundary layer, and this layer of air, flowing around the bullet, breaks away from its surface and does not have time to immediately close behind the bottom part.

A rarefied space is formed behind the bottom of the bullet, as a result of which a pressure difference appears on the head and bottom parts. This difference creates a force directed to the side opposite to the movement of the bullet and reduces the speed of its flight. Air particles, trying to fill the rarefaction formed behind the bullet, create a vortex.

When the speed of the bullet is higher than the speed of sound, a wave of highly compacted air is created from the incursion of sound waves against each other - a ballistic wave that slows down the speed of the bullet, since the bullet spends part of its energy on creating this wave.

The resultant (total) of all forces, formed due to the influence of air on the flight of a bullet (grenade), is the force of air resistance. The point of application of the resistance force is called the center of resistance. The effect of the resistance force on the flight of a bullet (grenade) is very large. It causes a decrease in the speed and range of a bullet (grenade).

To study the trajectory of a bullet (grenade), the following definitions were adopted (Fig. 120)

1) The center of the muzzle of the barrel called the departure point. The departure point is the start of the trajectory.

2) The horizontal plane passing through the departure point, called the weapon horizon. The horizon of the weapon looks like a horizontal line. The trajectory crosses the horizon of the weapon twice: at the point of departure and at the point of impact.

3) A straight line, which is a continuation of the axis of the bore of the aimed weapon, called the line of elevation.

4) The vertical plane passing through the line of elevation, called the shooting plane.

5) The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the horizon of the weapon, called the angle of elevation. If this angle is negative, then it is called the angle of declination (decrease).

6) A straight line, which is a continuation of the axis of the bore at the time of the bullet's departure, called the throw line.

7) The angle enclosed between the line of throw and the horizon of the weapon is called throw angle.

8) The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of throwing , is called the departure angle.

9) Point of intersection of the trajectory with the horizon of the weapon called the drop point.

10) The angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory at the point of impact and the horizon of the weapon, called the angle of incidence.

11) Distance from departure point to drop point is called the total horizontal range.

12) The speed of the bullet (grenade) at the point of impact called final speed.

13) The time of movement of a bullet (grenade) from the point of departure to the point of impact called full time flight.

14) The highest point of the trajectory called the vertex of the trajectory.

15) The part of the trajectory from the departure point to the top is called the ascending branch; part of the trajectory from the top to the point of impact is called the outgoing branch of the trajectory.

16) The point on or off the target at which the weapon is aimed, is called the aiming point.

17) A straight line passing from the shooter's eye through the middle of the sight slot (level with its edges) and the top of the front sight to the aiming point, called the line of sight.

18) The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of sight, called the aiming angle.

19) The angle enclosed between the aiming line and the horizon of the weapon, called the elevation angle of the target.

20) Distance from the point of departure to the intersection of the trajectory with the line of sight called the target range.

21) The shortest distance from any point of the trajectory to the line of sight called the excess of the trajectory over the line of sight.

23) Distance from the departure point to the target along the target line called slant range.

24) Point of intersection of the trajectory with the surface of the target (land, obstacles) called the meeting point.

25) The angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory and the tangent to the surface of the target (ground, obstacles) at the meeting point, called the meeting angle.

The trajectory of a bullet in the air has the following properties:

The descending branch is shorter and steeper than the ascending one;

The angle of incidence is greater than the angle of throw;

The final speed of the bullet is less than the initial one;

The lowest speed of a bullet when firing at high angles of throw - at

descending branch of the trajectory, and when firing at small throwing angles - at the point

The time of movement of the bullet on the ascending branch of the trajectory is less than on the descending one.

1.2.2. The shape of the trajectory and its practical value (Fig. 121)

The shape of the trajectory depends on the magnitude of the elevation angle. With an increase in the elevation angle, the height of the trajectory and the full horizontal range of the bullet (grenade) increase, but this occurs up to a known limit. Beyond this limit, the trajectory height continues to increase and the total horizontal range begins to decrease.

Elevation angle, at which the full horizontal range of the bullet (grenade) becomes the greatest, called an angle longest range. The value of the angle of greatest range for bullets various kinds arms is about 35 degrees.

Rice. 121 Trajectory shapes

Trajectories obtained with elevation angles, smaller angle longest range, called flat.

Trajectories obtained at elevation angles greater than the angle of greatest range , are called hinged .

When firing from the same weapon (with the same initial speeds) you can get two trajectories with the same horizontal range: flat and hinged

Trajectories having the same horizontal range at different elevation angles, are called conjugate.

When firing from small arms and grenade launchers, only flat trajectories are used .

How flatter trajectory, the greater the extent of the terrain, the target can be hit with one sight setting (the less impact on the shooting result is caused by errors in determining the sight setting).

The flatness of the trajectory is characterized by its greatest excess over the aiming line. At a given range, the trajectory is all the more flat, the less it rises above the aiming line. In addition, the flatness of the trajectory can be judged by the magnitude of the angle of incidence - the trajectory is the more flat, the smaller the angle of incidence.

The flat trajectory affects the value of the range of a direct shot, struck, covered and dead space.

1.2.3. Direct shot (Fig. 122).

direct shot- a shot in which the trajectory does not rise above the aiming line above the target throughout its entire length.

Within the range of a direct shot in tense moments of the battle, shooting can be carried out without rearranging the sight, while the aiming point in height, as a rule, is chosen at the lower edge of the target.

The range of a direct shot depends on:

target heights;

Flatness of the trajectory;

The higher the target and the flatter the trajectory, the greater the range of a direct shot and the greater the extent of the terrain, the target can be hit with one sight setting. The range of a direct shot can be determined from the tables by comparing the height of the target with the values \u200b\u200bof the greatest excess of the trajectory above the line of sight or with the height of the trajectory.

1.2.4. Affected space (depth of the affected space) (Fig. 123).

When firing at targets located at a distance greater than the range of a direct shot, the trajectory near its top rises above the target and the target is at

some area will not be affected with the same installation of the sight. However, there will be such a space (distance) near the target in which the trajectory does not rise above the target and the target will be hit by it.

Affected space (depth of the affected space) - the distance on the ground during which the descending branch of the trajectory does not exceed the height of the target.

The depth of the affected space depends on:

From the height of the target (it will be the higher, the higher the target);

From the flatness of the trajectory (it will be the greater, the flatter

trajectory);

From the angle of inclination of the terrain (on the front slope it decreases, on the reverse slope

increases).

In the case when the target is located on a slope or there is an elevation angle of the target, the depth of the affected space is determined by the above methods, and the result obtained must be multiplied by the ratio of the angle of incidence to the angle of impact.

The value of the meeting angle depends on the direction of the slope:

On the opposite slope, the meeting angle is equal to the sum of the angles of incidence and slope;

On the reverse slope - the difference of these angles;

In this case, the value of the meeting angle also depends on the elevation angle of the target:

With a negative elevation angle of the target, the meeting angle increases by the magnitude of the elevation angle

With a positive elevation angle of the target, it decreases by its value.

The affected space to some extent compensates for the errors made when choosing a sight, and allows you to round the measured distance to the target up.

To increase the depth of the space to be struck on sloping terrain, the firing position must be chosen so that the terrain in the enemy's disposition, if possible, coincides with the continuation of the aiming line.

1.2.5. Covered space (Fig. 123).

covered space- the space behind the shelter, not penetrated by a bullet, from its crest to the meeting point.

The covered space will be the greater, the greater the height of the shelter and the flatter the trajectory.

Dead (unaffected) space- part of the covered space in which the target cannot be hit with a given trajectory.

Dead space will be the greater, the greater the height of the shelter, the lower the height of the target and the flatter the trajectory. The other part of the covered space in which the target can be hit is the hit space.

The depth of the covered space (PP) can be determined from the tables of excess trajectories over the line of sight. By selection, an excess is found that corresponds to the height of the shelter and the distance to it. After finding the excess, the corresponding setting of the sight and firing range is determined. The difference between a certain range of fire and the range to cover is the depth of the covered space.

The depth of the dead space is equal to the difference between the covered and affected space.

Knowing the size of the covered and dead space allows you to correctly use shelters to protect against enemy fire, as well as take measures to reduce dead spaces through right choice firing positions and firing at targets with weapons with a more trajectory.

Rice. 123 - Covered, dead and affected space

1.2.6. Influence of firing conditions on the flight of a bullet (grenade).

The following are accepted as normal (table) conditions:

A) Meteorological conditions:

Atmospheric (barometric) pressure on the horizon of the weapon 750 mm Hg. ;

The air temperature on the horizon of the weapon is + 15 degrees. WITH. ;

Relative Humidity air 50% (relative humidity

is the ratio of the amount of water vapor in the air to

the largest amount of water vapor that can be contained in the air

at a given temperature);

There is no wind (the atmosphere is still);

B) Ballistic conditions:

Bullet (grenade) weight, muzzle velocity and departure angle are equal to the values

indicated in the shooting tables;

Charge temperature + 15 deg. S.;t

The shape of the bullet (grenade) corresponds to the established drawing;

The height of the front sight is set according to the data of bringing the weapon to normal combat; - the height (divisions) of the sight correspond to the tabular aiming angles.

C) Topographic conditions:

The target is on the weapon's horizon;

There is no side slope of the weapon;

If the firing conditions deviate from normal, it may be necessary to determine and take into account corrections for the range and direction of fire.

Influence of atmospheric pressure

1) With magnification atmospheric pressure the air density increases, and as a result, the air resistance force increases and the range of the bullet (grenade) decreases.

2) With a decrease in atmospheric pressure, the density and force of air resistance decrease, and the range of the bullet increases.

Temperature effect

1) As the temperature rises, the air density decreases, and as a result, the air resistance force decreases and the range of the bullet increases.

2) With a decrease in temperature, the density and force of air resistance increase and the range of a bullet (grenade) decreases.

With an increase in the temperature of the powder charge, the burning rate of the powder, the initial speed and range of the bullet (grenade) increase.

When shooting in summer conditions, the corrections for changes in air temperature and powder charge are insignificant and are practically not taken into account. When shooting in winter (under conditions low temperatures) these amendments must be taken into account, guided by the rules specified in the manuals on shooting.

Wind influence

1) With a tailwind, the speed of a bullet (grenade) relative to the air decreases. With a decrease in the speed of the bullet relative to the air, the air resistance force decreases. Therefore, with a tailwind, the bullet will fly further than with no wind.

2) With a headwind, the speed of the bullet relative to the air will be greater than with no wind, therefore, the air resistance force will increase and the range of the bullet will decrease

The longitudinal (tail, head) wind has little effect on the flight of a bullet, and in the practice of shooting from small arms, corrections for such a wind are not introduced.

When firing from a grenade launcher, corrections for a strong longitudinal wind should be taken into account.

3) Crosswind exerts pressure on side surface bullets and deflects it away from the firing plane depending on its direction. Crosswind has a significant effect, especially on the flight of a grenade, and must be taken into account when firing grenade launchers and small arms.

4) The wind blowing at an acute angle to the plane of fire, simultaneously affects both the change in the range of the bullet and its lateral deviation.

Influence of air humidity

Changes in air humidity have little effect on air density and, consequently, on the range of a bullet (grenade), so it is not taken into account when firing.

Influence of sight installation

When firing with one sight setting (with one aiming angle), but at different target elevation angles, as a result of a number of reasons, incl. Changes in air density at different heights, and, consequently, the air resistance force, the value of the oblique (sighting range of a bullet (grenade)) changes.

When firing at small target elevation angles (up to +_ 15 degrees), this bullet (grenade) flight range changes very slightly, therefore, equality of the inclined and full horizontal range bullet flight, i.e. the invariance of the shape (rigidity) of the trajectory (Fig. 124).

The basic concepts are presented: periods of a shot, elements of the trajectory of a bullet, a direct shot, etc.

In order to master the technique of shooting from any weapon, it is necessary to know a number of theoretical provisions, without which not a single shooter will be able to show high results and his training will be ineffective.
Ballistics is the science of the movement of projectiles. In turn, ballistics is divided into two parts: internal and external.

Internal ballistics

Internal ballistics studies the phenomena that occur in the bore during a shot, the movement of a projectile along the bore, the nature of the thermo- and aerodynamic dependences accompanying this phenomenon, both in the bore and outside it during the aftereffect of powder gases.
Internal ballistics solves the most rational use the energy of the powder charge during the shot so that the projectile given weight and caliber to report a certain initial speed (V0) while respecting the strength of the barrel. This provides input for external ballistics and weapon design.

Shot is called the ejection of a bullet (grenade) from the bore of a weapon by the energy of gases formed during the combustion of a powder charge.
From the impact of the striker on the primer of a live cartridge sent into the chamber, the percussion composition of the primer explodes and a flame forms, which through the seed holes in the bottom of the cartridge case penetrates to the powder charge and ignites it. During the combustion of a powder (combat) charge, a large amount of highly heated gases are formed, which create high pressure in the bore on the bottom of the bullet, the bottom and walls of the sleeve, as well as on the walls of the barrel and the bolt.
As a result of the pressure of gases on the bottom of the bullet, it moves from its place and crashes into the rifling; rotating along them, it moves along the bore with a continuously increasing speed and is thrown outward in the direction of the axis of the bore. The pressure of gases on the bottom of the sleeve causes the movement of the weapon (barrel) back.
When fired from an automatic weapon, the device of which is based on the principle of using the energy of powder gases vented through a hole in the barrel wall - sniper rifle Dragunov, part of the powder gases, in addition, after passing through it into the gas chamber, hits the piston and throws the pusher with the shutter back.
During the combustion of a powder charge, approximately 25-35% of the energy released is spent on communicating the progressive motion of the pool (the main work); 15-25% of energy - for secondary work (cutting and overcoming the friction of a bullet when moving along the bore; heating the walls of the barrel, cartridge case and bullet; moving the moving part of the weapon, the gaseous and unburned part of the gunpowder); about 40% of the energy is not used and is lost after the bullet leaves the bore.

The shot occurs in a very short period of time (0.001-0.06 s.). When fired, four consecutive periods are distinguished:

preliminary
first or main
second
the third, or period of the last gases

Preliminary period lasts from the beginning of the burning of the powder charge to the complete cutting of the shell of the bullet into the rifling of the barrel. During this period, the gas pressure is created in the barrel bore, which is necessary in order to move the bullet from its place and overcome the resistance of its shell to cutting into the rifling of the barrel. This pressure is called boost pressure; it reaches 250 - 500 kg / cm2, depending on the rifling device, the weight of the bullet and the hardness of its shell. It is assumed that the combustion of the powder charge in this period occurs in a constant volume, the shell cuts into the rifling instantly, and the movement of the bullet begins immediately when the forcing pressure is reached in the bore.

First or main period lasts from the beginning of the movement of the bullet until the moment of complete combustion of the powder charge. During this period, the combustion of the powder charge occurs in a rapidly changing volume. At the beginning of the period, when the speed of the bullet along the bore is still low, the amount of gases grows faster than the volume of the bullet space (the space between the bottom of the bullet and the bottom of the cartridge case), the gas pressure quickly rises and reaches its highest value - a rifle cartridge of 2900 kg / cm2. This pressure is called maximum pressure. It is created in small arms when a bullet travels 4 - 6 cm of the path. Then, due to the rapid speed of the movement of the bullet, the volume of the bullet space increases faster than the influx of new gases, and the pressure begins to fall, by the end of the period it is equal to approximately 2/3 of the maximum pressure. The speed of the bullet is constantly increasing and by the end of the period reaches approximately 3/4 of the initial speed. The powder charge completely burns out shortly before the bullet leaves the bore.

Second period lasts until the moment of complete combustion of the powder charge until the moment the bullet leaves the bore. With the beginning of this period, the influx of powder gases stops, however, highly compressed and heated gases expand and, putting pressure on the bullet, increase its speed. The pressure drop in the second period occurs quite quickly and at the muzzle, the muzzle pressure is 300 - 900 kg/cm2 for various types of weapons. The speed of the bullet at the time of its departure from the bore (muzzle velocity) is somewhat less than the initial velocity.

The third period, or the period after the action of gases lasts from the moment the bullet leaves the bore until the moment the powder gases act on the bullet. During this period, the powder gases flowing out of the bore at a speed of 1200 - 2000 m / s continue to act on the bullet and give it additional speed. The bullet reaches its greatest (maximum) speed at the end of the third period at a distance of several tens of centimeters from the muzzle of the barrel. This period ends at the moment when the pressure of the powder gases at the bottom of the bullet is balanced by air resistance.

The muzzle velocity of a bullet and its practical significance

initial speed called the speed of the bullet at the muzzle of the barrel. For the initial speed, the conditional speed is taken, which is slightly more than the muzzle and less than the maximum. It is determined empirically with subsequent calculations. The value of the initial velocity of the bullet is indicated in the firing tables and in the combat characteristics of the weapon.
The initial speed is one of the most important characteristics of the combat properties of weapons. With an increase in the initial speed, the range of the bullet, the range of a direct shot, the lethal and penetrating effect of the bullet increases, and the influence of external conditions on its flight also decreases. The muzzle velocity of a bullet depends on:

barrel length
bullet weight
weight, temperature and humidity of the powder charge
shape and size of powder grains
loading density

The longer the trunk topics more time powder gases act on the bullet and the greater the initial velocity. With a constant barrel length and a constant weight of the powder charge, the initial velocity is greater, the lower the weight of the bullet.
Powder charge weight change leads to a change in the amount of powder gases, and consequently, to a change in the maximum pressure in the bore and the initial velocity of the bullet. The greater the weight of the powder charge, the greater the maximum pressure and muzzle velocity of the bullet.
With an increase in the temperature of the powder charge the burning rate of gunpowder increases, and therefore the maximum pressure and initial speed increase. When the charge temperature drops initial speed is reduced. An increase (decrease) in initial velocity causes an increase (decrease) in the range of the bullet. In this regard, it is necessary to take into account range corrections for air and charge temperature (charge temperature is approximately equal to air temperature).
With increasing moisture content of the powder charge the speed of its burning and the initial speed of the bullet are reduced.
Shapes and sizes of gunpowder have a significant effect on the burning rate of the powder charge, and consequently, on the initial velocity of the bullet. They are selected accordingly when designing weapons.
Loading density is the ratio of the weight of the charge to the volume of the sleeve with the inserted pool (charge combustion chamber). With a deep landing of a bullet, the loading density increases significantly, which can lead to a sharp pressure jump when fired and, as a result, to a rupture of the barrel, so such cartridges cannot be used for shooting. With a decrease (increase) in the loading density, the initial velocity of the bullet increases (decreases).
recoil is called the movement of the weapon back during the shot. Recoil is felt in the form of a push to the shoulder, arm or ground. The recoil action of the weapon is about as many times less than the initial velocity of the bullet, how many times the bullet is lighter than the weapon. The recoil energy of hand-held small arms usually does not exceed 2 kg / m and is perceived by the shooter painlessly.

The recoil force and the recoil resistance force (butt stop) are not located on the same straight line and are directed in opposite directions. They form a pair of forces, under the influence of which the muzzle of the weapon barrel deviates upward. The magnitude of the deviation of the muzzle of the barrel of a given weapon is the greater, the greater the shoulder of this pair of forces. In addition, when fired, the barrel of the weapon makes oscillatory movements - it vibrates. As a result of vibration, the muzzle of the barrel at the moment the bullet takes off can also deviate from its original position in any direction (up, down, right, left).
The magnitude of this deviation increases with improper use of the firing stop, contamination of the weapon, etc.
The combination of the influence of barrel vibration, weapon recoil and other causes leads to the formation of an angle between the direction of the axis of the bore before the shot and its direction at the moment the bullet leaves the bore. This angle is called the departure angle.
The departure angle is considered positive when the axis of the bore at the time of the bullet's departure is higher than its position before the shot, negative - when it is lower. The influence of the departure angle on shooting is eliminated when it is brought to normal combat. However, in case of violation of the rules for laying weapons, using the stop, as well as the rules for caring for weapons and saving them, the value of the departure angle and the weapon’s combat change. In order to reduce the harmful effect of recoil on the results of shooting, compensators are used.
So, the phenomena of a shot, the initial velocity of a bullet, the recoil of a weapon have great importance when shooting and affect the flight of the bullet.

External ballistics

This is a science that studies the movement of a bullet after the action of powder gases on it has ceased. The main task of external ballistics is the study of the properties of the trajectory and the laws of bullet flight. External ballistics provides data for compiling shooting tables, calculating weapon sight scales, and developing shooting rules. Conclusions from external ballistics are widely used in combat when choosing a sight and aiming point depending on the firing range, wind direction and speed, air temperature and other firing conditions.

Bullet trajectory and its elements. Trajectory properties. Types of trajectory and their practical significance

trajectory called the curved line described by the center of gravity of the bullet in flight.
A bullet flying through the air is subjected to two forces: gravity and air resistance. The force of gravity causes the bullet to gradually descend, and the force of air resistance continuously slows down the movement of the bullet and tends to knock it over. As a result of the action of these forces, the bullet's flight speed gradually decreases, and its trajectory is an unevenly curved curved line in shape. Air resistance to the flight of a bullet is caused by the fact that air is an elastic medium and therefore part of the energy of the bullet is expended on movement in this medium.

The force of air resistance is caused by three main causes: air friction, the formation of vortices and the formation of a ballistic wave.
The shape of the trajectory depends on the magnitude of the elevation angle. As the elevation angle increases, the height of the trajectory and the total horizontal range of the bullet increase, but this occurs up to a certain limit. Beyond this limit, the trajectory height continues to increase and the total horizontal range begins to decrease.

The angle of elevation at which the full horizontal range of the bullet is at its greatest is called the angle of greatest range. The value of the angle of greatest range for bullets of various types of weapons is about 35°.

Trajectories obtained at elevation angles smaller than the angle of greatest range are called flat. Trajectories obtained at elevation angles greater than the angle largest angle longest range are called mounted. When firing from the same weapon (at the same initial speeds), you can get two trajectories with the same horizontal range: flat and mounted. Trajectories having the same horizontal range and swarms of different elevation angles are called conjugated.

When shooting from small arms, only flat trajectories are used. The flatter the trajectory, the greater the extent of the terrain, the target can be hit with one sight setting (the less impact on the shooting results is the error in determining the sight setting): this is the practical significance of the trajectory.
The flatness of the trajectory is characterized by its greatest excess over the aiming line. At a given range, the trajectory is all the more flat, the less it rises above the aiming line. In addition, the flatness of the trajectory can be judged by the magnitude of the angle of incidence: the trajectory is the more flat, the smaller the angle of incidence. The flatness of the trajectory affects the value of the range of a direct shot, struck, covered and dead space.

Trajectory elements

Departure point- the center of the muzzle of the barrel. The departure point is the start of the trajectory.
Weapon horizon is the horizontal plane passing through the departure point.
elevation line- a straight line, which is a continuation of the axis of the bore of the aimed weapon.
Shooting plane- a vertical plane passing through the line of elevation.
Elevation angle- the angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the horizon of the weapon. If this angle is negative, then it is called the angle of declination (decrease).
Throw line- a straight line, which is a continuation of the axis of the bore at the time of the bullet's departure.
Throwing angle
Departure angle- the angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of throwing.
drop point- the point of intersection of the trajectory with the horizon of the weapon.
Angle of incidence- the angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory at the point of impact and the horizon of the weapon.
Total horizontal range- the distance from the point of departure to the point of fall.
final speed- the speed of the bullet (grenade) at the point of impact.
Total flight time- the time of movement of a bullet (grenade) from the point of departure to the point of impact.
Top of the path - highest point trajectories over the horizon of the weapon.
Trajectory height- the shortest distance from the top of the trajectory to the horizon of the weapon.
Ascending branch of the trajectory- part of the trajectory from the departure point to the top, and from the top to the drop point - the descending branch of the trajectory.
Aiming point (aiming)- the point on the target (outside it) at which the weapon is aimed.
line of sight- a straight line passing from the shooter's eye through the middle of the sight slot (at the level with its edges) and the top of the front sight to the aiming point.
aiming angle- the angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of sight.
Target elevation angle- the angle enclosed between the aiming line and the horizon of the weapon. This angle is considered positive (+) when the target is higher and negative (-) when the target is below the weapon's horizon.
Sighting range - distance from the departure point to the intersection of the trajectory with the line of sight. The excess of the trajectory over the line of sight is the shortest distance from any point of the trajectory to the line of sight.
target line- a straight line connecting the departure point with the target.
Slant Range- distance from the departure point to the target along the target line.
meeting point- point of intersection of the trajectory with the surface of the target (ground, obstacles).
Meeting angle- the angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory and the tangent to the target surface (ground, obstacles) at the meeting point. The meeting angle is taken as the smaller of the adjacent angles, measured from 0 to 90 degrees.

Direct shot, hit and dead space most closely related to issues of shooting practice. The main task of studying these issues is to gain solid knowledge in the use of a direct shot and the affected space to perform fire missions in combat.

Direct shot its definition and practical use in a combat situation

A shot in which the trajectory does not rise above the aiming line above the target for its entire length is called direct shot. Within the range of a direct shot in tense moments of the battle, shooting can be carried out without rearranging the sight, while the aiming point in height, as a rule, is chosen at the lower edge of the target.

The range of a direct shot depends on the height of the target, the flatness of the trajectory. The higher the target and the flatter the trajectory, the greater the range of a direct shot and the greater the extent of the terrain, the target can be hit with one sight setting.
The range of a direct shot can be determined from tables by comparing the height of the target with the values of the greatest excess of the trajectory above the line of sight or with the height of the trajectory.

Direct sniper shot in urban environments
The installation height of optical sights above the bore of the weapon is on average 7 cm. At a distance of 200 meters and the sight "2", the greatest excesses of the trajectory, 5 cm at a distance of 100 meters and 4 cm - at 150 meters, practically coincide with the aiming line - the optical axis of the optical sight. The height of the line of sight at the middle of the distance of 200 meters is 3.5 cm. There is a practical coincidence of the trajectory of the bullet and the line of sight. A difference of 1.5 cm can be neglected. At a distance of 150 meters, the height of the trajectory is 4 cm, and the height of the optical axis of the sight above the horizon of the weapon is 17-18 mm; the difference in height is 3 cm, which also does not play a practical role.

At a distance of 80 meters from the shooter, the height of the trajectory of the bullet will be 3 cm, and the height of the sighting line will be 5 cm, the same difference of 2 cm is not decisive. The bullet will fall only 2 cm below the aiming point. The vertical spread of bullets of 2 cm is so small that it is of no fundamental importance. Therefore, when shooting with division "2" of the optical sight, starting from 80 meters of distance and up to 200 meters, aim at the bridge of the nose of the enemy - you will get there and get ± 2/3 cm higher lower throughout this distance. At 200 meters, the bullet will hit exactly the aiming point. And even further, at a distance of up to 250 meters, aim with the same sight "2" at the enemy's "top", at the upper cut of the cap - the bullet drops sharply after 200 meters of distance. At 250 meters, aiming in this way, you will fall 11 cm lower - in the forehead or bridge of the nose.
The above method can be useful in street battles, when the distances in the city are about 150-250 meters and everything is done quickly, on the run.

Affected space, its definition and practical use in a combat situation

When firing at targets located at a distance greater than the range of a direct shot, the trajectory near its top rises above the target and the target in some area will not be hit with the same sight setting. However, there will be such a space (distance) near the target in which the trajectory does not rise above the target and the target will be hit by it.

The distance on the ground during which the descending branch of the trajectory does not exceed the height of the target, called the affected space(the depth of the affected space).
The depth of the affected space depends on the height of the target (it will be the greater, the higher the target), on the flatness of the trajectory (it will be the greater, the flatter the trajectory) and on the angle of the terrain (on the front slope it decreases, on the reverse slope it increases).
The depth of the affected space can be determined from the tables of the excess of the trajectory above the aiming line by comparing the excess of the descending branch of the trajectory by the corresponding firing range with the height of the target, and if the target height is less than 1/3 of the trajectory height, then in the form of a thousandth.
To increase the depth of the space to be struck on sloping terrain, the firing position must be chosen so that the terrain in the enemy's disposition coincides, if possible, with the aiming line. Covered space its definition and practical use in a combat situation.

Covered space, its definition and practical use in a combat situation

The space behind a cover that is not penetrated by a bullet, from its crest to the meeting point is called covered space.
The covered space will be the greater, the greater the height of the shelter and the flatter the trajectory. The depth of the covered space can be determined from the tables of excess trajectory over the line of sight. By selection, an excess is found that corresponds to the height of the shelter and the distance to it. After finding the excess, the corresponding setting of the sight and the firing range are determined. The difference between a certain range of fire and the range to cover is the depth of the covered space.

Dead space of its definition and practical use in a combat situation

The part of the covered space in which the target cannot be hit with a given trajectory is called dead (not affected) space.
Dead space will be the greater, the greater the height of the shelter, the lower the height of the target and the flatter the trajectory. The other part of the covered space in which the target can be hit is the hit space. The depth of the dead space is equal to the difference between the covered and affected space.

Knowing the size of the affected space, covered space, dead space allows you to correctly use shelters to protect against enemy fire, as well as take measures to reduce dead spaces by choosing the right firing positions and firing at targets from weapons with a more hinged trajectory.

The phenomenon of derivation

Due to the simultaneous impact on the bullet of a rotational movement, which gives it a stable position in flight, and air resistance, which tends to tip the bullet head back, the axis of the bullet deviates from the direction of flight in the direction of rotation. As a result, the bullet encounters air resistance on more than one of its sides and therefore deviates from the firing plane more and more in the direction of rotation. Such a deviation of a rotating bullet away from the plane of fire is called derivation. This is a rather complex physical process. The derivation increases disproportionately to the flight distance of the bullet, as a result of which the latter takes more and more to the side and its trajectory in plan is a curved line. With the right cut of the barrel, the derivation takes the bullet to the right side, with the left - to the left.

Distance, m	Derivation, cm	thousandths
100	0	0
200	1	0
300	2	0,1
400	4	0,1
500	7	0,1
600	12	0,2
700	19	0,2
800	29	0,3
900	43	0,5
1000	62	0,6

At firing distances up to 300 meters inclusive, derivation has no practical significance. This is especially true for the SVD rifle, in which the PSO-1 optical sight is specially shifted to the left by 1.5 cm. The barrel is slightly turned to the left and the bullets go slightly (1 cm) to the left. It is of no fundamental importance. At a distance of 300 meters, the derivation force of the bullet returns to the aiming point, that is, in the center. And already at a distance of 400 meters, the bullets begin to thoroughly divert to the right, therefore, in order not to turn the horizontal flywheel, aim at the enemy’s left (away from you) eye. By derivation, the bullet will be taken 3-4 cm to the right, and it will hit the enemy in the bridge of the nose. At a distance of 500 meters, aim at the left (from you) side of the enemy's head between the eye and ear - this will be approximately 6-7 cm. At a distance of 600 meters - at the left (from you) edge of the enemy's head. Derivation will take the bullet to the right by 11-12 cm. At a distance of 700 meters, take a visible gap between the aiming point and the left edge of the head, somewhere above the center of the shoulder strap on the enemy’s shoulder. At 800 meters - adjust the flywheel for horizontal corrections by 0.3 thousandth (set the grid to the right, middle point hits move to the left), at 900 meters - 0.5 thousandth, at 1000 meters - 0.6 thousandth.

external ballistics. Trajectory and its elements. Exceeding the trajectory of the bullet above the point of aim. Trajectory shape

External ballistics

External ballistics is a science that studies the movement of a bullet (grenade) after the action of powder gases on it has ceased.

Having flown out of the bore under the action of powder gases, the bullet (grenade) moves by inertia. A grenade with a jet engine moves by inertia after the expiration of gases from the jet engine.

Bullet trajectory (side view)

Formation of air resistance force

Trajectory and its elements

A trajectory is a curved line described by the center of gravity of a bullet (grenade) in flight.

A bullet (grenade) when flying in the air is subject to the action of two forces: gravity and air resistance. The force of gravity causes the bullet (grenade) to gradually lower, and the force of air resistance continuously slows down the movement of the bullet (grenade) and tends to overturn it. As a result of the action of these forces, the speed of the bullet (grenade) gradually decreases, and its trajectory is an unevenly curved curved line in shape.

Air resistance to the flight of a bullet (grenade) is caused by the fact that air is an elastic medium and therefore part of the energy of the bullet (grenade) is expended on movement in this medium.

The force of air resistance is caused by three main causes: air friction, the formation of vortices and the formation of a ballistic wave.

Air particles in contact with a moving bullet (grenade), due to internal adhesion (viscosity) and adhesion to its surface, create friction and reduce the speed of the bullet (grenade).

The layer of air adjacent to the surface of the bullet (grenade), in which the movement of particles changes from the speed of the bullet (grenade) to zero, is called the boundary layer. This layer of air, flowing around the bullet, breaks away from its surface and does not have time to immediately close behind the bottom.

A rarefied space is formed behind the bottom of the bullet, as a result of which a pressure difference appears on the head and bottom parts. This difference creates a force directed in the direction opposite to the movement of the bullet, and reduces the speed of its flight. Air particles, trying to fill the rarefaction formed behind the bullet, create a vortex.

A bullet (grenade) in flight collides with air particles and causes them to oscillate. As a result, air density increases in front of the bullet (grenade) and sound waves are formed. Therefore, the flight of a bullet (grenade) is accompanied by a characteristic sound. At a bullet (grenade) flight speed that is less than the speed of sound, the formation of these waves has little effect on its flight, since the waves propagate faster than the bullet (grenade) flight speed. When the speed of the bullet is higher than the speed of sound, a wave of highly compacted air is created from the incursion of sound waves against each other - a ballistic wave that slows down the speed of the bullet, since the bullet spends part of its energy to create this wave.

The resultant (total) of all forces resulting from the influence of air on the flight of a bullet (grenade) is the force of air resistance. The point of application of the resistance force is called the center of resistance.

The effect of the force of air resistance on the flight of a bullet (grenade) is very large; it causes a decrease in the speed and range of the bullet (grenade). For example, a bullet mod. 1930 at an angle of throw of 15 ° and an initial speed of 800 m / s in airless space would have flown at a distance of 32,620 m; the flight range of this bullet under the same conditions, but in the presence of air resistance, is only 3900 m.

The magnitude of the air resistance force depends on the flight speed, the shape and caliber of the bullet (grenade), as well as on its surface and air density.

The force of air resistance increases with the increase in the speed of the bullet, its caliber and air density.

At supersonic bullet speeds, when the main cause of air resistance is the formation of an air seal in front of the head (ballistic wave), bullets with an elongated pointed head are advantageous. At subsonic grenade flight speeds, when the main cause of air resistance is the formation of rarefied space and turbulence, grenades with an elongated and narrowed tail section are beneficial.

The effect of the force of air resistance on the flight of a bullet: CG - center of gravity; CA - center of air resistance

The smoother the surface of the bullet, the lower the friction force and. force of air resistance.

The variety of shapes of modern bullets (grenades) is largely determined by the need to reduce the force of air resistance.

Under the influence of initial perturbations (shocks) at the moment the bullet leaves the bore, an angle (b) is formed between the bullet axis and the tangent to the trajectory, and the air resistance force acts not along the bullet axis, but at an angle to it, trying not only to slow down the movement of the bullet, but and knock her over.

In order for the bullet not to tip over under the action of air resistance, it is given a quick rotary motion.

For example, when fired from a Kalashnikov assault rifle, the speed of rotation of the bullet at the moment of departure from the bore is about 3000 revolutions per second.

During the flight of a rapidly rotating bullet in the air, the following phenomena occur. The force of air resistance tends to turn the bullet head up and back. But the head of the bullet, as a result of rapid rotation, according to the property of the gyroscope, tends to maintain the given position and deviates not upwards, but very slightly in the direction of its rotation at right angles to the direction of the air resistance force, i.e., to the right. As soon as the head of the bullet deviates to the right, the direction of the air resistance force will change - it tends to turn the head of the bullet to the right and back, but the head of the bullet will not turn to the right, but down, etc. Since the action of the air resistance force is continuous, but its direction relative to the bullet changes with each deviation of the bullet axis, then the head of the bullet describes a circle, and its axis is a cone with a vertex at the center of gravity. There is a so-called slow conical, or precessional, movement, and the bullet flies with its head part forward, that is, it seems to follow the change in the curvature of the trajectory.

Slow conical movement of the bullet

Derivation (Trajectory top view)

The effect of air resistance on the flight of a grenade

The axis of slow conical motion lags somewhat behind the tangent to the trajectory (located above the latter). Consequently, the bullet collides with the air flow more with its lower part and the axis of the slow conical movement deviates in the direction of rotation (to the right when the barrel is right-handed). The deviation of the bullet from the plane of fire in the direction of its rotation is called derivation.

Thus, the causes of derivation are: the rotational movement of the bullet, air resistance and the decrease under the action of gravity of the tangent to the trajectory. In the absence of at least one of these reasons, there will be no derivation.

In shooting charts, derivation is given as heading correction in thousandths. However, when shooting from small arms, the magnitude of the derivation is insignificant (for example, at a distance of 500 m it does not exceed 0.1 thousandth) and its effect on the results of shooting is practically not taken into account.

The stability of the grenade in flight is ensured by the presence of a stabilizer, which allows you to move the center of air resistance back, behind the center of gravity of the grenade.

As a result, the force of air resistance turns the axis of the grenade to a tangent to the trajectory, forcing the grenade to move forward.

To improve accuracy, some grenades are given slow rotation due to the outflow of gases. Due to the rotation of the grenade, the moments of forces that deviate the axis of the grenade act sequentially in different directions, so the shooting improves.

To study the trajectory of a bullet (grenade), the following definitions are adopted.

The center of the muzzle of the barrel is called the departure point. The departure point is the start of the trajectory.

Trajectory elements

The horizontal plane passing through the departure point is called the weapon's horizon. In the drawings depicting the weapon and the trajectory from the side, the horizon of the weapon appears as a horizontal line. The trajectory crosses the horizon of the weapon twice: at the point of departure and at the point of impact.

A straight line, which is a continuation of the axis of the bore of the aimed weapon, is called the line of elevation.

The vertical plane passing through the line of elevation is called the shooting plane.

The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the horizon of the weapon is called the angle of elevation. If this angle is negative, then it is called the angle of declination (decrease).

The straight line, which is a continuation of the axis of the bore at the moment the bullet takes off, is called the line of throw.

The angle enclosed between the line of throw and the horizon of the weapon is called the angle of throw.

The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of throw is called the departure angle.

The point of intersection of the trajectory with the horizon of the weapon is called the point of impact.

The angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory at the point of impact and the horizon of the weapon is called the angle of incidence.

The distance from the point of departure to the point of impact is called the full horizontal range.

The speed of a bullet (grenade) at the point of impact is called the final speed.

The time of movement of a bullet (grenade) from the point of departure to the point of impact is called the total flight time.

The highest point of the trajectory is called the vertex of the trajectory.

The shortest distance from the top of the trajectory to the horizon of the weapon is called the height of the trajectory.

The part of the trajectory from the departure point to the top is called the ascending branch; the part of the trajectory from the top to the point of fall is called the descending branch of the trajectory.

The point on or off the target at which the weapon is aimed is called the point of aim.

The straight line that runs from the shooter's eye through the middle of the sight slot (level with its edges) and the top of the front sight to the aiming point is called the aiming line.

The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of sight is called the angle of aim.

The angle enclosed between the line of sight and the horizon of the weapon is called the elevation angle of the target. The target's elevation angle is considered positive (+) when the target is above the weapon's horizon, and negative (-) when the target is below the weapon's horizon. The elevation angle of the target can be determined using instruments or using the thousandth formula.

The distance from the departure point to the intersection of the trajectory with the aiming line is called the aiming range.

The shortest distance from any point of the trajectory to the line of sight is called the excess of the trajectory over the line of sight.

The straight line connecting the departure point with the target is called the target line. The distance from the departure point to the target along the target line is called the slant range. When firing direct fire, the target line practically coincides with the aiming line, and the slant range with the aiming range.

The point of intersection of the trajectory with the surface of the target (ground, obstacles) is called the meeting point.

The angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory and the tangent to the target surface (ground, obstacles) at the meeting point is called the meeting angle. The smaller of the adjacent angles, measured from 0 to 90°, is taken as the meeting angle.

The trajectory of a bullet in the air has the following properties:

The descending branch is shorter and steeper than the ascending one;

The angle of incidence is greater than the angle of throw;

The final speed of the bullet is less than the initial one;

The lowest speed of the bullet when firing at high angles of throw - on the descending branch of the trajectory, and when firing at small angles of throw - at the point of impact;

The time of movement of a bullet along the ascending branch of the trajectory is less than along the descending one;

The trajectory of a rotating bullet due to the drop of the bullet under the action of gravity and derivation is a line of double curvature.

Grenade trajectory (side view)

The trajectory of a grenade in the air can be divided into two sections: active - the flight of a grenade under the action of a reactive force (from the point of departure to the point where the action of the reactive force stops) and passive - the flight of a grenade by inertia. The shape of the trajectory of a grenade is about the same as that of a bullet.

Trajectory shape

The shape of the trajectory depends on the magnitude of the elevation angle. With an increase in the elevation angle, the height of the trajectory and the full horizontal range of the bullet (grenade) increase, but this occurs up to a known limit. Beyond this limit, the trajectory height continues to increase and the total horizontal range begins to decrease.

Angle of greatest range, flat, overhead and conjugate trajectories

The angle of elevation at which the full horizontal range of the bullet (grenade) becomes the greatest is called the angle of greatest range. The value of the angle of greatest range for bullets of various types of weapons is about 35°.

Trajectories obtained at elevation angles smaller than the angle of greatest range are called flat. Trajectories obtained at elevation angles greater than the angle of greatest range are called hinged.

When firing from the same weapon (at the same initial speeds), you can get two trajectories with the same horizontal range: flat and mounted. Trajectories that have the same horizontal range at different elevation angles are called conjugate.

When firing from small arms and grenade launchers, only flat trajectories are used. The flatter the trajectory, the greater the extent of the terrain, the target can be hit with one sight setting (the less impact on the results of shooting is caused by errors in determining the sight setting); this is the practical significance of the flat trajectory.

Exceeding the trajectory of a bullet above the aiming point

The flatness of the trajectory is characterized by its greatest exceeding the line of sight. At a given range, the trajectory is all the more flat, the less it rises above the aiming line. In addition, the flatness of the trajectory can be judged by the magnitude of the angle of incidence: the trajectory is the more flat, the smaller the angle of incidence.

Rice. 1. Artillery battleship"Marat"

Ballistics(from the Greek βάλλειν - to throw) - the science of the movement of bodies thrown in space, based on mathematics and physics. It deals mainly with the study of the movement of projectiles fired from firearms, rocket projectiles and ballistic missiles.

Basic concepts

Rice. 2. Elements of firing naval artillery

The main objective of shooting is to hit the target. To do this, the tool must be given a strictly defined position in the vertical and horizontal planes. If we aim the gun so that the axis of the bore is directed at the target, then we will not hit the target, since the trajectory of the projectile will always pass below the direction of the axis of the bore, the projectile will not reach the target. To formalize the terminological apparatus of the subject under consideration, we introduce the main definitions used when considering the theory of artillery firing.
Departure point called the center of the muzzle of the gun.

drop point called the point of intersection of the trajectory with the horizon of the gun.

horizon guns called the horizontal plane passing through the departure point.

Elevation line called the continuation of the axis of the bore of the pointed gun.

Throwing line OB is the continuation of the axis of the bore at the time of the shot. At the moment of the shot, the gun shudders, as a result of which the projectile is thrown not along the line of elevation of the OA, but along the line of throwing of the OV (see Fig. 2).

Goal line OC is the line connecting the gun to the target (see Fig. 2).

Line of sight (sight) called the line running from the gunner's eye through the optical axis of the sight to the aiming point. When firing direct fire, when the line of sight is directed at the target, the line of sight coincides with the line of the target.

Falling line is called the tangent to the trajectory at the point of incidence.

Rice. 3. Shooting at an overlying target

Rice. 4. Shooting at the underlying target

Elevation (greek phi) called the angle between the line of elevation and the horizon of the gun. If the bore axis is directed below the horizon, then this angle is called the angle of descent (see Fig. 2).

The firing range of the gun depends on the elevation angle and firing conditions. Therefore, in order to throw the projectile to the target, it is necessary to give the gun such an elevation angle at which the firing range will correspond to the distance to the target. The firing tables indicate which aiming angles must be given to the gun in order for the projectile to fly to the desired range.

Throwing angle (Greek theta zero) the angle between the line of throw and the horizon of the gun is called (see Fig. 2).

Departure angle (Greek gamma) called the angle between the line of throw and the line of elevation. In naval artillery, the departure angle is small and is sometimes not taken into account, assuming that the projectile is thrown at an elevation angle (see Fig. 2).

Aiming angle (Greek alpha) the angle between the line of elevation and the line of sight is called (see Fig. 2).

Target elevation angle (greek epsilon) called the angle between the line of the target and the horizon of the gun. When a ship fires at sea targets, the elevation angle of the target is equal to zero, since the target line is directed along the horizon of the gun (see Fig. 2).

Incident angle (Greek theta s Latin letter with) the angle between the target line and the fall line is called (see Fig. 2).

Meeting angle (Greek mu) is the angle between the line of incidence and the tangent to the target surface at the meeting point (see Fig. 2).
The value of the value of this angle greatly affects the resistance of the armor of the ship, which is fired at, to penetration by shells. Obviously, the closer this angle is to 90 degrees, the higher the probability of penetration, and the opposite is also true.
Shooting plane called the vertical plane passing through the line of elevation. When the ship fires at sea targets, the aiming line is directed along the horizon, in this case the elevation angle equal to the angle aiming. When a ship fires at coastal and air targets, the elevation angle is equal to the sum of the aiming angle and the elevation angle of the target (see Fig. 3). When firing a coastal battery at sea targets, the elevation angle is equal to the difference between the aiming angle and the elevation angle of the target (see Fig. 4). Thus, the magnitude of the elevation angle is equal to the algebraic sum of the aiming angle and the elevation angle of the target. If the target is above the horizon, the target elevation angle is "+", if the target is below the horizon, the target elevation angle is "-".

The influence of air resistance on the trajectory of the projectile

Rice. 5. Changing the trajectory of the projectile from air resistance

The flight path of a projectile in airless space is a symmetrical curved line, called a parabola in mathematics. The ascending branch coincides in shape with the descending branch and, therefore, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of elevation.

When flying in the air, the projectile spends part of its speed to overcome air resistance. Thus, two forces act on the projectile in flight - the force of gravity and the force of air resistance, which reduces the speed and range of the projectile, as illustrated in Fig. 5. The magnitude of the air resistance force depends on the shape of the projectile, its size, flight speed and air density. The longer and more pointed the head of the projectile, the less air resistance. The shape of the projectile is especially affected at flight speeds exceeding 330 meters per second (that is, at supersonic speeds).

Rice. 6. Short-range and long-range projectiles

On fig. 6, on the left, is a short-range, old-style projectile and a more oblong, pointed, long-range projectile on the right. It can also be seen that a long-range projectile has a conical narrowing at the bottom. The fact is that a rarefied space and turbulence are formed behind the projectile, which significantly increase air resistance. By narrowing the bottom of the projectile, a decrease in the amount of air resistance resulting from rarefaction and turbulence behind the projectile is achieved.

The force of air resistance is proportional to the speed of its flight, but not directly proportional. Dependence is formalized more difficult. Due to the action of air resistance, the ascending branch of the projectile's flight path is longer and delayed than the descending one. The angle of incidence is greater than the angle of elevation.

In addition to reducing the range of the projectile and changing the shape of the trajectory, the force of air resistance tends to overturn the projectile, as can be seen from Fig. 7.

Rice. 7. Forces acting on a projectile in flight

Therefore, a non-rotating elongated projectile will roll over under the action of air resistance. In this case, the projectile can hit the target in any position, including sideways or bottom, as shown in Fig. eight.

Rice. 8. Rotation of a projectile in flight under the influence of air resistance

So that the projectile does not roll over in flight, it is given a rotational motion with the help of rifling in the barrel bore.

If we consider the effect of air on a rotating projectile, we can see that this leads to a lateral deviation of the trajectory from the plane of fire, as shown in Fig. nine.

Rice. 9. Derivation

derivation called the deviation of the projectile from the plane of fire due to its rotation. If the rifling twists from left to right, then the projectile deflects to the right.

The influence of the angle of elevation and the initial velocity of the projectile on the range of its flight

The range of a projectile depends on the elevation angles at which it is thrown. An increase in the flight range with an increase in the elevation angle occurs only up to a certain limit (40-50 degrees), with a further increase in the elevation angle, the range begins to decrease.

Range limit angle called the elevation angle at which the greatest firing range is obtained for a given initial velocity and projectile. When firing in an airless space, the greatest range of the projectile is obtained at an elevation angle of 45 degrees. When firing in the air, the maximum range angle differs from this value and is not the same for different guns (usually less than 45 degrees). For ultra-long-range artillery, when the projectile flies for a significant part of the path high altitude in highly rarefied air, the maximum range angle is more than 45 degrees.

For a gun of this type and when firing a certain type of ammunition, each elevation angle corresponds to a strictly defined range of the projectile. Therefore, in order to throw the projectile at the distance we need, it is necessary to give the gun an elevation angle corresponding to this distance.

The trajectories of projectiles fired at elevation angles smaller than the maximum range angle are called flat trajectories .

The trajectories of projectiles fired at elevation angles greater than the maximum range angle are called " hinged trajectories" .

Projectile dispersion

Rice. 10. Dispersion of projectiles

If several shots are fired from the same gun, with the same ammunition, with the same direction of the gun barrel, under the same, at first glance, conditions, then the shells will not hit the same point, but will fly along different trajectories, forming a bundle of trajectories, as illustrated in fig. 10. This phenomenon is called projectile dispersion .

The reason for the dispersion of projectiles is the impossibility of achieving exactly the same conditions for each shot. The table shows the main factors that cause projectile dispersion and possible ways reduce this dispersion.

The main groups of causes of dispersion	Conditions that give rise to the causes of dispersion	Control measures to reduce dispersion
1. Variety of starting speeds	A variety of properties of gunpowder (composition, moisture and solvent content). Variety of charge weights. Variety of charge temperatures. Variety of loading density. (dimensions and location of the leading belt, sending shells). A variety of shapes and weights of projectiles.	Storage in a sealed container. Each shooting should be carried out with charges of one batch. Maintaining the proper temperature in the cellar. Load uniformity. Each shooting is carried out with shells of the same weight mark.
2. Variety of throwing angles	A variety of elevation angles (dead moves in the aiming device and in the vertical guidance mechanism). Variety of launch angles. Variety of guidance.	Careful maintenance of the material. Good gunner training.
3. A variety of conditions in the flight of a projectile	Variety of influence of the air environment (density, wind).

The area on which projectiles fired from a gun with the same direction of the barrel bore fall is called scattering area .

The middle of the scattering area is called midpoint of fall .

An imaginary trajectory passing through the point of departure and the middle point of fall is called average trajectory .

The scattering area has the shape of an ellipse, so the scattering area is called scattering ellipse .

The intensity with which projectiles hit different points of the dispersion ellipse is described by a two-dimensional Gaussian (normal) distribution law. From here, if we follow exactly the laws of probability theory, we can conclude that the scattering ellipse is an idealization. The percentage of shells hitting inside the ellipse is described by the three-sigma rule, namely, the probability of shells hitting the ellipse, the axis of which is equal to three times square root from the variances of the corresponding one-dimensional Gaussian distribution laws is 0.9973.
Due to the fact that the number of shots from one gun, especially large caliber, as already mentioned above, due to wear often does not exceed one thousand, this inaccuracy can be neglected and it can be assumed that all shells fall into the dispersion ellipse. Any section of a beam of projectile flight paths is also an ellipse. The dispersion of projectiles in range is always greater than in the lateral direction and in height. The value of the median deviations can be found in the main shooting table and the size of the ellipse can be determined from it.

Rice. 11. Shooting at a target with no depth

Affected space is the space over which the trajectory passes through the target.

According to fig. 11, the affected space is equal to the distance along the horizon AC from the base of the target to the end of the trajectory passing through the top of the target. Each projectile that fell outside the affected space either passed above the target or fell before it. The affected space is limited by two trajectories - the OA trajectory passing through the base of the target, and the OS trajectory passing through the top point of the target.

Rice. 12. Shooting at a target with depth

In case the target to be hit has depth, the amount of space to hit is increased by the value of the target's depth, as illustrated in Fig. 12. The depth of the target will depend on the size of the target and its position relative to the plane of fire. Consider the most likely target for naval artillery - an enemy ship. In this case, if the target is coming from us or towards us, the depth of the target is equal to its length, when the target is perpendicular to the plane of fire, the depth is equal to the width of the target, as illustrated in the figure.

Given the fact that the scattering ellipse has great length and a small width, it can be concluded that at a shallow target depth, fewer projectiles hit the target than at a large depth. That is, than more depth target, the easier it is to hit. With an increase in the firing range, the affected target space decreases, as the angle of incidence increases.

Straight shot a shot is called, in which the entire distance from the point of departure to the point of impact is the affected space (see Fig. 13).

Rice. 13. Direct shot

This is obtained if the height of the trajectory does not exceed the height of the target. The range of a direct shot depends on the steepness of the trajectory and the height of the target.

Range of a direct shot (or range of flattening) called the distance at which the height of the trajectory does not exceed the height of the target.

The most important works on ballistics

17th century

- Tartaglia theory,
1638- labor Galileo Galilei about the parabolic motion of a body thrown at an angle.
1641- a student of Galileo - Toricelli, developing the parabolic theory, derives an expression for horizontal range, which later formed the basis of artillery firing tables.
1687- Isaac Newton proves the influence of air resistance on a thrown body, introducing the concept of the shape factor of the body, and also drawing a direct dependence of the movement resistance on the cross section (caliber) of the body (projectile).
1690— Ivan Bernoulli mathematically describes main task ballistics, solving the problem of determining the motion of a ball in a resisting medium.

18th century

1737- Bigot de Morogues (1706-1781) published a theoretical study of the issues internal ballistics, which laid the foundation for the rational design of tools.
1740- the Englishman Robins learned to determine the initial velocities of the projectile and proved that the parabola of the projectile flight has a double curvature - its descending branch is shorter than the ascending one, in addition, he empirically concluded that the air resistance to the flight of projectiles at initial velocities above 330 m / s increases abruptly and should calculated using a different formula.
Second half of the 18th century
Daniel Bernoulli deals with the issue of air resistance to the movement of projectiles;
mathematician Leonhard Euler develops the work of Robins, Euler's work on internal and external ballistics forms the basis for the creation of artillery firing tables.
Mordashev Yu. N., Abramovich I. E., Mekkel M. A. Textbook of deck artillery commander. M.: Military publishing house of the Ministry armed forces Union of the SSR. 1947. 176 p.

Bullet flight trajectory, its elements, properties. Types of trajectories and their practical significance

A trajectory is a curved line, described by the center of gravity of a bullet in flight.

A bullet flying through the air is subjected to two forces: gravity and air resistance. The force of gravity causes the bullet to gradually descend, and the force of air resistance continuously slows down the movement of the bullet and tends to knock it over.

As a result of the action of these forces, the bullet's flight speed gradually decreases, and its trajectory is an unevenly curved curved line in shape.

Parameter trajectories	Parameter characteristic	Note
Departure point	Center of muzzle	The departure point is the start of the trajectory
Weapon horizon	Horizontal plane passing through the departure point	The horizon of the weapon looks like a horizontal line. The trajectory crosses the horizon of the weapon twice: at the point of departure and at the point of impact
elevation line	A straight line that is a continuation of the axis of the bore of the aimed weapon
Shooting plane	The vertical plane passing through the line of elevation
Elevation angle	The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the horizon of the weapon	If this angle is negative, then it is called the angle of declination (decrease)
Throw line	Straight line, a line that is a continuation of the axis of the bore at the time of the bullet's departure
Throwing angle	The angle enclosed between the line of throw and the horizon of the weapon
Departure angle	The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of throw
drop point	Point of intersection of the trajectory with the horizon of the weapon
Angle of incidence	The angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory at the point of impact and the horizon of the weapon
Total horizontal range	Distance from departure point to drop point
Ultimate Speed	Bullet speed at point of impact
Total flight time	The time it takes for a bullet to travel from point of departure to point of impact
Top of the path	The highest point of the trajectory
Trajectory height	The shortest distance from the top of the trajectory to the horizon of the weapon
Ascending branch	Part of the trajectory from the departure point to the summit
descending branch	Part of the trajectory from the top to the point of impact
Aiming point (aiming)	The point on or off the target at which the weapon is aimed
line of sight	A straight line from the shooter's eye through the middle of the sight slot (level with its edges) and the top of the front sight to the aiming point
aiming angle	The angle enclosed between the line of elevation and the line of sight
Target elevation angle	The angle enclosed between the line of sight and the horizon of the weapon	The target's elevation angle is considered positive (+) when the target is above the weapon's horizon, and negative (-) when the target is below the weapon's horizon.
Sighting range	Distance from the point of departure to the intersection of the trajectory with the line of sight
Exceeding the trajectory above the line of sight	The shortest distance from any point of the trajectory to the line of sight
target line	A straight line connecting the departure point with the target	When firing direct fire, the target line practically coincides with the aiming line
Slant Range	Distance from point of origin to target along target line	When firing direct fire, the slant range practically coincides with the aiming range.
meeting point	Intersection point of the trajectory with the target surface (ground, obstacles)
Meeting angle	The angle enclosed between the tangent to the trajectory and the tangent to the target surface (ground, obstacles) at the meeting point	The smaller of the adjacent angles, measured from 0 to 90°, is taken as the meeting angle.
Sighting line	A straight line connecting the middle of the sight slot to the top of the front sight
Aiming (pointing)	Giving the axis of the bore of the weapon the position in space necessary for firing	In order for the bullet to reach the target and hit it or the desired point on it
Horizontal aiming	Giving the axis of the bore the desired position in the horizontal plane
vertical guidance	Giving the axis of the bore the desired position in the vertical plane

The trajectory of a bullet in the air has the following properties:
- the descending branch is shorter and steeper than the ascending one;
- the angle of incidence is greater than the angle of throw;
- the final speed of the bullet is less than the initial one;
- the lowest speed of the bullet when firing at high angles of throw - on the descending branch of the trajectory, and when firing at small angles of throw - at the point of impact;
- the time of movement of the bullet along the ascending branch of the trajectory is less than along the descending one;
- the trajectory of a rotating bullet due to the lowering of the bullet under the action of gravity and derivation is a line of double curvature.

Types of trajectories and their practical significance

When firing from any type of weapon with an increase in the elevation angle from 0° to 90°, the horizontal range first increases to a certain limit, and then decreases to zero (Fig. 5).

The angle of elevation at which the greatest range is obtained is called the angle of greatest range. The value of the angle of greatest range for bullets of various types of weapons is about 35°.

The angle of greatest range divides all the trajectories into two types: into the trajectories flat and hinged (Fig. 6).

Flat trajectories are called trajectories obtained at elevation angles smaller than the angle of greatest range (see Fig. trajectories 1 and 2).

Hinged trajectories are called trajectories obtained at elevation angles greater than the angle of greatest range (see Fig. trajectories 3 and 4).

Conjugate trajectories are called trajectories obtained at the same horizontal range by two trajectories, one of which is flat, the other is hinged (see Fig. trajectories 2 and 3).

When firing from small arms and grenade launchers, only flat trajectories are used. The flatter the trajectory, the greater the extent of the terrain, the target can be hit with one sight setting (the less impact on the shooting results is the error in determining the sight setting): this is the practical significance of the trajectory.

The flatness of the trajectory is characterized by its greatest excess over the aiming line. At a given range, the trajectory is all the more flat, the less it rises above the aiming line. In addition, the flatness of the trajectory can be judged by the magnitude of the angle of incidence: the trajectory is the more flat, the smaller the angle of incidence. The flatness of the trajectory affects the value of the range of a direct shot, struck, covered and dead space.