Mean wind model for direct fire ballistics

Abstract

The depiction of wind used in modern system accuracy studies directly influences the design of precision-oriented weapon platforms. Therefore, the primary objective of the effort presented within was to develop a literature-supported definition of the battlefield wind environment relevant to direct fire combat engagements. This goal was accomplished by incorporating modern micrometeorological theory into the ballistic domain in order to define the mean wind along the flight path of a projectile. This information was then further leveraged to develop a description of the generic battlefield mean wind environment. The final portion of the effort compared the new and legacy wind models within a sample engagement scenario in order to quantify the differences between the two portrayals of atmospheric motion within the quasi-combat domain. The results of the work conducted indicate that the traditional view of wind tends to overestimate its contribution to the outcome of an engagement. While this single study does not completely invalidate the legacy approach to wind modeling in direct fire ballistics, it does warrant further investigation into the topic, as a more rigorous representation of atmospheric motion would ultimately lead to the production of more accurate weapon systems.