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Maximum Distance ≈ Speed x Seconds of Fuel | Maximum Distance ≈ Speed x Seconds of Fuel | ||
[[File:QSM_missleHeadsUp.jpg|400px|thumb|Missile Launcher On Screen Pop-Up]] | [[File:QSM_missleHeadsUp.jpg|400px|thumb|Missile Launcher On-Screen Pop-Up]] | ||
For example: | For example: | ||
* A Light Missile has a flight time of 5 seconds at a speed of 3750 m/s. The maximum distance it can travel is 5 x 3750 ≈ 18,750 m. | * A Light Missile has a flight time of 5 seconds at a speed of 3750 m/s. The maximum distance it can travel is 5 x 3750 ≈ 18,750 m. | ||
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[[File:QSM_missile_catchno.gif|frame|left|alt=missile fails to catch a fleeing target|Missile Does Not Catch Fleeing Target]] | [[File:QSM_missile_catchno.gif|frame|left|alt=missile fails to catch a fleeing target|Missile Does Not Catch Fleeing Target]] | ||
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 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. | ||
[[File:QSM_missile_orbit.gif|frame|alt=missile hitting an orbiting target|Missile at Orbiting Target]] | |||
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 too 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 specify the range, 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. It is hard to specify the range, 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. | ||