Analysis of Ballistic Missile Performance. Part I. Basic Theory

摘要

The analysis of ballistic missile performance involves the determination of targets for which the effect of propellant depletion is statistically acceptable. Therefore, the probability of avoiding propellant depletion prior to normal guidance shut down, plays a fundamental role. This probability is determined in terms of the statistics of system parameters by assuming a linear expansion of the pro pellant reserve function over a region corresponding to dispersion for a particular launch-site/target combination. Alternately, a range function can be utilized to obtain the same result. When considering the target-range at constant probability it is useful to define range-exchange coefficients. Methods are discussed for utilizing such exchange coefficients to adjust previously obtained performance results to account for changes in system parameters. Also, some additional approximations are considered. The results are not essentially new but an attempt at a more complete and rigorous presentation is attempted. (Author)