Q&A ยท 3:04:34-3:05:46

Faster shells and shorter-range hit probability

Shorter flight time could improve hit probability, but no firm crossover point is established.

Question

Would faster subcalibre shells help against manoeuvring targets at shorter ranges?

Short answer

Shorter flight time could improve hit probability, but no firm crossover point is established.

Notes

A faster shell gives a moving target less time to change position. That provides a shorter-range argument for lighter projectiles, though the point at which this advantage outweighs other effects remains unresolved. Nelson's relatively light, high-velocity sixteen-inch shells provide a comparison. More hits are proposed as compensation for less damage per shell.