More actions
| Line 53: | Line 53: | ||
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. | 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. | ||
In most cases, however, the target will be moving in a curve with regard to the missile ship - possibly in an orbit, possibly curving towards or away from the launch. It is hard to define what "range" means, exactly, in these cases, but as always, the missile will head directly for the target, and it will continue as long as it has fuel. It's path is likely to be some sort of a spiral. | In most cases, however, the target will be moving in a curve with regard to the missile ship - possibly in an orbit, possibly curving towards or away from the launch.[[File:QSM_missile_orbit.gif|frame|alt=missile hitting an orbiting target|Missile at Orbiting Target]] It is hard to define what "range" means, exactly, in these cases, but as always, the missile will head directly for the target, and it will continue as long as it has fuel. It's path is likely to be some sort of a spiral. | ||
There is no way to control the path of a missile once it has been launched. It will point itself at its target and follow the target until it hits or runs out of fuel. | There is no way to control the path of a missile once it has been launched. It will point itself at its target and follow the target until it hits or runs out of fuel. | ||