Solving the Angle Required to Hit a Moving Target with Ballistic Projectiles

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the angle required to hit a moving target with ballistic projectiles, considering both the target's and the gun's velocities and accelerations on the x and y axes. To determine the necessary angle, one must compute the parabolic trajectory that intersects with the target's predicted impact point. This involves knowing the target's velocities and accelerations to establish the point of impact, followed by calculating the time it takes for the projectile to reach that point, which dictates the timing for firing the weapon.

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Jripe
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Say you have a target with a velocity on the x and y-axis and acceleration on the x and y axis.
Now, you have a gun with a fixed muzzle velocity. The gun is being carried by something with a velocity on the x and y and acceleration on the x and y. How would I go about solving the angle required to hit the target at any given time?

The velocities and accelerations are not constant, but can be produced at any given time.

I'm basically looking for a kick in the right direction of the things I will need to know to figure this out.
Thanks.
 
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You say "hit the target at a given time". This means you can know the point of impact (as you know the velocities and accelerations of the target).
You compute the parabola that passes by the impact point (if it exists). This gives you the angle of the muzzle. Then you compute the time for the projectile to reach this point. This allows you to know when to push the button.
 

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