what is the effect on the speed of a fighter plane chasing another when it opens fire?what happens to the speed of pursuid plan when it returns the fire?
If both planes are fighters , they can only fire toward the front and thus a bullet fired forward will slow the plane down . If there is heavy automatic weapon , it can slow the aircraft considerably . However, if bullets are fired toward the rear , they will speed up the aircraft.
When a fighter plane opens fire while chasing another plane, there are a few factors that can affect the speed of the pursuer and the pursued.
First, let's consider the recoil from the firing gun. When the pursuer fires its weapons, the force generated by the projectiles leaving the fighter plane can create a recoil effect. This recoil force acts in the opposite direction of the bullet's movement and can slow down the pursuer to some extent.
Secondly, the pursued plane may take evasive maneuvers and perform defensive actions when it detects it is being fired upon. These evasive actions can involve sudden changes in direction, altitude, or speed. As a result, the pursued plane's speed may increase or decrease depending on the specific maneuvers executed.
Now, let's consider the effect on the speed of the pursued plane when it returns the fire. Similar to the pursuer, firing weapons will also generate a recoil force that acts against the direction of the bullets being shot. This recoil force can slightly reduce the speed of the pursued plane when it engages in firing.
It's important to note that the impact on the speed of both planes is usually negligible, especially in modern fighter aircraft with advanced propulsion systems and sophisticated weapon systems. The primary focus in aerial combat is on maneuverability, tactics, and precision rather than the minor speed fluctuations caused by firing weapons.
In summary, when a fighter plane opens fire while chasing another, there may be a slight reduction in speed due to recoil forces. The speed of the pursued plane can also vary depending on its defensive maneuvers. However, these effects are typically minor in comparison to the overall dynamics of aerial combat.