Existing comment:
Important ballistic discoveries were announced in 1742 by the Englishman Robins. He was the first to determine the effect of drag or wind resistance on a projectile. He further recommended the advantage f the elongated form of projectile with the center of gravity near the front. He also recommended the rifling of cannon.
In 1784, Lt. Harry Shrapnel, later a general in the British Army, invented a successful spherical case shot complete with a time fuse. Shrapnel was influenced by the "hail-shot" concept originally formulated by Zimmerman in 1573. Spherical shells designated by Lt. Shrapnel contain shot and a black powder charge ignited by a reasonably reliable time fuse. This development in spherical shells complimented the then existing artillery and for the first time allowed air bursting case shot to be indirectly fired at an opposing force. |