Frankymole
SOC-12
The vector is altered by applying G's of acceleration - when altering course it applies acceleration in a different vector to that on which the missile was previously travelling. I don't think that would result in any braking effect to retard the original vector - it doesn't for craft that fire off a burst of M-drive to add a sideways element to their new vector...
I can understand a missile that has its propulsor switched off would carry on at one speed - but then applying a 4G burn to slightly alter course would surely change its speed too - it does for all other craft...
Let's say it is going at 4G. It then fires a 3G course correction at 90 degrees to that. The final vector produced is therefore a straightforward Pythagorean SQRT ((4^2) + (3^2)) = (square root of 25) = 5G which is more than 4G, albeit now travelling 30 degrees of its original course...
This is most confusing!
I hope I am allowed "fair use" to show the relevant text here:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2007-1/1238587/missiles-prop.jpg
Last edited:
