Experimental Validation of the Mean Pitch Theory

Abstract

There are several types of exterior ballistic models used to calculate projectile’s flight trajectories. The most complex 6 degree of freedom rigid body model has many disadvantages to using it to create firing tables or rapid calculations in fire control systems. Some of ballistic phenomena can be simplified by empirical equations without significant loss of accuracy. This approach allowed to create standard NATO ballistic model for spin stabilized projectiles named Modified Point of Mass Model (PM Model). For fin (aerodynamically) stabilized projectiles like mortar projectiles simple Point of Mass Model is commonly used. The PM Model excludes many flight phenomena in calculations. In this paper authors show the mean pitch theory as an approximation of the natural fin stabilised projectile pitch during flight. The theory allows for simple improvement of accuracy of the trajectories calculation. In order to validate the theory data obtained from shooting of supersonic mortar projectiles were used. The comparison of accuracy between simple PM Model and PM Model including mean pitch theory were shown. Results were also compared with the angle of response theory.