Q&A · 4:26:14-4:27:00

A gliding extended-range 16-inch shell

A projectile-design answer uses the volume of a 16-inch shell to explain the scope for guidance, glide, and assisted range.

Question

How far could a modern 16-inch extended-range shell reach with deployable wings and a gliding trajectory?

Short answer

The shell could become a very long-range weapon, with enough internal volume to add gliding surfaces and potentially even a small motor.

Notes

A 16-inch projectile has substantial internal volume available for more than explosive fill. Deployable wings could turn part of the ballistic flight into a guided glide and extend the reach well beyond a conventional shell. The projectile is also large enough to consider a small motor, creating an assisted long-range naval gun weapon.