Which of these conic orbits is followed by the free flight trajectory?

Elliptical

Circular

Parabolic

Hyperbolic

Correct Answer : Elliptical

Explanation : Ballistic missile trajectory is composed of three regimes-powered flight, free-flight and re-entry portion. Free-flight portion is the only part of the trajectory that follows a conic orbit. It constitutes most of the trajectory path. During free-flight the trajectory is part of a conic orbit-almost always an ellipse which is symmetrical.

Recently Updated in Spaceflight Mechanics Questions

How is the initial velocity of the ballistic missile compensated?

Adding the initial eastward velocity of launch site

Adding the initial westward velocity of launch site

Subtracting the initial eastward velocity of launch site

Subtracting the initial westward velocity of launch site

Correct Answer : Option (C) : Subtracting the initial eastward velocity of launch site

Explanation : The compensation for the initial velocity is done by recognizing that the true velocity of the missile at burnout is the velocity relative to the launch site (which could be measured by radar) plus the initial eastward velocity of the launch site due to earth rotation.

What is the surface velocity at the equator due to Earth's rotation?

1000 ft/s

1524 ft/s

2834 ft/s

3102 ft/s

Correct Answer : Option (B) : 1524 ft/s

Explanation : The Earth rotates once on its axis in 23 hours 56 min producing a surface velocity at the equator of 1524 ft/sec. The rotation is from west to east.

If the missile's burnout peed is slow, what happens to the magnitude of error while It lands on the target?

Missile overshoots the target

Missile falls at the left of the target

Missile falls to the right of the target

Missile falls short of the target

Correct Answer : Option (D) : Missile falls short of the target

Explanation : Speed at burnout affects range as causing down-range error. If the missile is too fast at the burnout, it overshoots and if it is too slow, the missile falls short.