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* A torpedo has a flight time of 6 seconds at a speed of 1500 m/s. The maximum distance it can travel is 6 x 1500 = 9,000 m. | * A torpedo has a flight time of 6 seconds at a speed of 1500 m/s. The maximum distance it can travel is 6 x 1500 = 9,000 m. | ||
Although the terms "range" and "distance" are often used interchangeably, technically, the range answers the question of whether the missile can reach its target: is it "in" or "out" of range. If the target is stationary, then the maximum distance will be the missile's range. Normally, however, the target is moving, and the range depends on this motion. | |||
If the target is moving directly away from the missile, then it will take the missile longer to reach the target than it would a stationary one. In fact, if the target is moving fast enough, the missile may not be able to reach it at all - in this case, the target would be considered "out of range." Note that the target does not have to be moving faster than the missile ... just fast enough to stay ahead of the missile until it runs out of fuel. | |||
If the target is moving directly at the missile, then the missile will reach it much faster than it would reach a stationary target. In this case, the target may be "in range" even when it seems to far away to hit. | |||
[[File:QSM_missile_orbit.gif|frame|alt=missile hitting an orbiting target|Missile at Orbiting Target]] | [[File:QSM_missile_orbit.gif|frame|alt=missile hitting an orbiting target|Missile at Orbiting Target]] | ||