The Flight of Uncontrolled Rockets

International Series of Monographs on Aeronautics and Astronautics, Division VII, Volume 5: The Flight of Uncontrolled Rockets focuses on external ballistics of uncontrolled rockets. The book first discusses the equations of motion of rockets. The rocket as a system of changing composition; application of solidification principle to rockets; rotational motion of rockets; and equations of motion of the center of mass of rockets are described. The text looks at the calculation of trajectory of rockets and the fundamentals of rocket dispersion. The selection further focuses on the dispersion of finned rockets. Topics include the critical section of the trajectory; standard formula for calculating angular deviation; dispersion of actual rockets; and effective launcher length. The text also describes the dispersion of finned rotated rockets and of finned anti-tank rockets. The book also examines the effect of wind on the flight of rockets. Topics include correction to the coordinates of the point of impact for finned rockets; general effect of wind on dispersion; and general treatment of powered flight in the presence of wind. The text is important for readers interested in the ballistics of uncontrolled rockets.