What is the definition of "ballistic flight"?

The definition of "ballistic flight" specifically refers to the trajectory that a projectile follows after it has been launched, which is predominantly determined by the forces of gravity and air resistance. During its flight, a projectile will rise and then fall back to the ground, tracing a path that can be predicted using the principles of physics. This understanding of ballistic flight is crucial for gunners in making accurate calculations for targeting and understanding how distance, speed, and angles affect projectile motion.

The other answers focus on different aspects. For instance, knowing the speed at which a weapon can fire multiple rounds pertains to the rate of fire, which is distinct from the concept of projectile trajectory. The distance a projectile travels before hitting the ground is an outcome that could be influenced by its ballistic flight, but it doesn’t define it. Lastly, the angle at which a projectile is fired is relevant for optimizing range and effectiveness, yet it does not capture the complete essence of ballistic flight as it does not encompass the influences of gravity and air resistance throughout the entire flight path.