2:37-2:40 of the video shows YJ-18's supersonic terminal flight stage and target impact:
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- Thread starter Jeff Head
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2:37-2:40 of the video shows YJ-18's supersonic terminal flight stage and target impact:
Seems to fly straight before hitting target unlike YJ-12 which perform some pretty high g turns to make it harder to intercept.
This one shows snaking movement, although I'm not sure and there is no way to tell if this is actually YJ-18 or YJ-12. Go to around 0:30 of the clip.
Is there a proof for the claim of gas diverting rudders?
There are no fins for maneuvering.
We don't know that for sure.
Besides, lack of fins does not PROVE gas diverting rudders are used. It can only imply likelihood of some other steering mechanism.
But, actually, when I am looking at the video shot shared above, of the little short stubby thing that does look like it could be YJ18 terminal section - it does have a shape which suggests to me steering fins at the end are quite possible. The red circle looks to me as if small fins could definitely be there, as the shape at the end seems different than the rest of the cylinder.
While the close up of YJ18 being fired from VLS does not show fins, it does not mean it's impossible some sort of fins were hidden from our view there.
And none of this what I wrote means I've taken a stand on whether the missile does or does not use gas rudders. It could very well use them. All I'd like is a proof for statements, not because of anyone else, but because of myself. Because if there is proof, then I too can use that proof and go around claiming YJ18 uses such methods.
Besides, lack of fins does not PROVE gas diverting rudders are used. It can only imply likelihood of some other steering mechanism.
But, actually, when I am looking at the video shot shared above, of the little short stubby thing that does look like it could be YJ18 terminal section - it does have a shape which suggests to me steering fins at the end are quite possible. The red circle looks to me as if small fins could definitely be there, as the shape at the end seems different than the rest of the cylinder.
While the close up of YJ18 being fired from VLS does not show fins, it does not mean it's impossible some sort of fins were hidden from our view there.
And none of this what I wrote means I've taken a stand on whether the missile does or does not use gas rudders. It could very well use them. All I'd like is a proof for statements, not because of anyone else, but because of myself. Because if there is proof, then I too can use that proof and go around claiming YJ18 uses such methods.
IMO, that image is where the missile hasn't been detached yet. That's why the nose of the missile has a bit of a duck nose shape to it. There is also a bit of an opening or mouth underside, so this means the rocket has not detached. If it does, I am not sure if the camera is fast enough to catch it.
The image also seems to have a wider aspect in the original, then squeezed to fit TV screen.
The CGI don't show any fins at all (2:15 of the video).
The fin-like shadows could be the expansion waves from the projectile at the supersonic speed.
