Depressed Trajectory to increase speed and less time to reach target, a way to avoid ABM but
@The Deterrent bhai not convinced. Because of depressed trajectory that we are using missiles ranges reduced.
Depressed trajectory[edit]
Throw-weight is normally calculated using an optimal
ballistic trajectory from one point on the surface of the Earth to another. An optimal trajectory maximizes the total payload (throw-weight) using the available
impulse of the missile. By reducing the payload weight, different trajectories can be selected which either extends the nominal range, or decreases the total time in flight. A depressed trajectory is a non-optimal, lower and flatter trajectory which takes less time between launch and impact, but with a lower throw-weight. The primary reasons to choose a depressed trajectory are either to evade
anti-ballistic missile systems by reducing the time available to shoot down the attacking vehicle (especially during the vulnerable burn-phase against space-based ABM systems), or in a nuclear
first-strike scenario.
[5] An alternate, non-military, purpose for a depressed trajectory is in conjunction with the
space plane concept with use of
air-breathing engines, which requires the ballistic missile to remain sufficiently low inside the atmosphere for air-breathing engines to function.