The Probability of Hitting Various Parts of an Airplane as Dependent on the Fragmentation Characteristics of the Projectile
Abstract
Methods of rating A.A. projectiles with regard to fragmentation efficiency are discussed. An expression for the probability of hitting a small projected area of an airplane is derived and also an expression for the probability of hitting the fuselage or wings. From these it appears that the fragmentation efficiency varies as the product of the number of effective fragments and their effective range. It is shown that with the present fire control equipment, the probability of a direct hit at high altitudes is as great as the probability of hitting the pilot. This result suggests the use of supersensitive fuzes instead of time fuzes for arming A.A. shell, even those of 3 in caliber and larger.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 06, 1939
- Accession Number
- AD0491787
Entities
People
- B. I. Hart
- Robert Harrington Kent
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory