This figure illustrates theoretical ranges to be achieved with different missile throw-weights; no other variables (e.g., engine burn time, propellant loads) have been changed. One should note the following:
1. Range increases via a reduction in warhead mass cause a number of difficulties that should not be overlooked. Most importantly, a warhead mass reduction--and thus a lighter front section--will cause stability problems due to changes in the missile's center of gravity. Moreover, any significant change in the warhead mass would require the generation of a new firing table; this, in turn, would require a small number (perhaps 5-10) of additional flight tests.
2. The theoretical ballistic tendency for warhead mass and range may have little technical or operational meaning. In other words, a zero payload flight or, say, half payload flight is exceedingly unlikely without major modifications to the missile.
3. Under normal conditions, range increases for the Scud would be derived from increased burn times (up to a certain limit), rather than warhead weight reductions. As it is a missile of old design, the Scud flies a constant trajectory for different burn times.
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Updated April 2003 |
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