Accurate Computation of Ballistic Trajectory Using Least Square Approximation with Crout´s Method

Ballistic Trajectory Computation Program is a part of weapon delivery system and it is responsible for accurate delivery of the weapon. Mach number (M) and Coefficient of drag (Cd) are critical parameters in external Ballistic computation and are used in computation of Impact Point. Cd Vs M relation is not available in a functional form. These data are available in discrete form from Wind Tunnel. To accomplish this polynomial curve fitting is done. Different numerical methods have been tried and compared to find best polynomial fit. Polynomial relation is found between Cd and M for many cases using Least Square Approximation with Crout´s method. It is observed, that the results obtained by this approach are of very high accuracy and have improved the computation of Ballistic path. A comparative result analysis between the Wind Tunnel data and the estimated data is presented. Results obtained were field tested and found that the performance was within the expected accuracy in determining various parameters such as Forward Throw and Impact Point.