Leading Shots with Warships: Do BB Shells Strike a Moving Target?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the mechanics of leading shots with warships, specifically regarding whether a shell fired from a battleship (BB) traveling at 25 knots can hit a destroyer also moving at 25 knots without leading the target. It is established that due to the time delay in the shell's travel, the shell must be aimed ahead of the target to account for its movement. Historical accounts from pilots and naval personnel confirm the necessity of leading shots to ensure accuracy in hitting moving targets.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of projectile motion and ballistics
  • Familiarity with naval warfare tactics
  • Knowledge of relative motion principles
  • Basic physics concepts related to speed and time
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the physics of projectile motion in naval artillery
  • Study historical naval battles and tactics involving leading shots
  • Learn about the mechanics of aiming and firing in moving platforms
  • Explore modern advancements in targeting systems for naval warfare
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for naval historians, military strategists, and enthusiasts of naval warfare tactics who seek to understand the complexities of targeting moving objects in combat scenarios.

BSMhelpplease
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Well, I am currently having a discussion about leading shots with warships. One person thinks that a shell fired from a BB going 25 knots aimed directly at a destroyer going 25 knots will strike the target, even though there is a one minute time delay.

He thinks that the shell will continue to go 25 knots in the direction of the ship, while going towards the target at mach 3 for the entire time period between the time of firing, and the time of the splash.

Could you please respond with an answer, showing if I'm correct or not? For me, it makes sense that you have to lead a target to shoot it. Many pilots who have dogfighted have written accounts on how they had to lead the enemy plane, and my grandfather who served onboard a Battleship told me that they had to lead the shots, and that the guns were not aimed directly at the ship.
 
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