Crosswinding

Crosswinding refers to the phenomenon where a projectile, such as a bullet or an aircraft, is subjected to forces that cause it to deviate from its intended path due to air currents or other external influences acting perpendicular to its direction of motion. This deviation is a result of the projectile's interaction with the medium through which it is traveling.

In ballistics, crosswinding is a significant factor affecting accuracy, particularly over longer distances. Wind blowing from the side can push a projectile off course, necessitating adjustments to the aim. The amount of deviation depends on the wind speed, the projectile's ballistic coefficient, and the range. Marksmanship techniques often involve compensating for anticipated crosswind effects.

For aircraft, crosswinding can occur during takeoff and landing. If the wind is blowing across the runway, the aircraft will tend to drift sideways. Pilots must use control surfaces like ailerons and rudder to counteract this drift and maintain the aircraft's alignment with the runway centerline. This technique is known as crosswind landing or takeoff. Special procedures and aircraft designs may be employed to mitigate the risks associated with strong crosswinds. Understanding and managing crosswinding is crucial for achieving desired outcomes in both ballistics and aviation.