THE FIREPOWER OF A SURFACE-TO-AIR MISSILE SYSTEM AGAINST CROSSING RAIDS

Previously published graphic and algebraic methods of computing the maximum number of salvos a surface-to-air missile SAM battery can fire against a crossing raid are reviewed. Examination of the nature of an algebraic approximation shows that difficulties arise when considering targets which reach their bomb release point after the point of closest approach to the SAM battery, or which have low velocity with respect to SAM velocity. An alternative graphic method of solution is suggested, which facilitates locating intercept points when investigating an engagement between a multi-channel SAM battery and a multiple-target raid.