Approximate Calculation of the Range of a Winged Jet Projectile

Abstract

The purpose of this note is to discuss the possibility of launching winged jet bombs or mail-rockets on very long flights of perhaps 3000 miles, but the problem is considered from one standpoint only, i.e., that of mass ratio. There will be no discussion of the directional and stability instruments of a long distance winged jet projectile and the real mechanics of flight of such a unit, nor on various problems connected with winds, accuracy, etc. The problem will be treated in simplified form from the point of view of mass ratio at the beginning and at the end of flight. The simplified equations of 3 periods of flight are given: climbing, horizontal flight, and gliding. The simplifications introduced present a very rough approximation to the actual problem, but exact solution is not possible because of mathematical difficulties. A short example at the end of this note shows that the required mass ratio for a flight of 2000 or 3000 miles is high.