Aerial Shell Drift Effects: A) The Effect of Long Mortars B) The Effect of Capsule-Shaped Shells

K. L. and B. J. Kosanke, A. L. Bauer and . E. R. Mutascioke

Abstract: Aerial shell drift is defined as the difference between the ballistically predicted trajectory of a shell and its actual trajectory. It had been speculated that longer length mortars and capsule-shaped shells might experience significantly different drift than normal length mortars and spherical shells. While longer mortars propelled 6-inch (155-mm) aerial shells to greater heights, the average shell drift was unaffected. Further, it was found that 6-inch (155-mm) capsule-shaped shells probably drifted slightly more than spherical shells.

Key Words: aerial shell drift, mortar length, shell shape.

Ref: Selected Pyrotechnic Publication of K.L. and B.J Kosanke, Part 4, (1995-1997), pp 44-48
(K4_44)

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