Program Overview

Introduction to the Ballistics Course

The Ballistics course is a ten-day program taught at Cranfield University at Shrivenham, covering all aspects of ballistics for weapon design of all calibres.

Course Overview

The course aims to provide an introductory level working knowledge of the fundamental principles and techniques involved in gun and rocket ballistics. It covers propellants, internal ballistics, barrel wear, intermediate ballistics, external ballistics and hit probabilities, terminal ballistics including armour materials, armour design and body armour, and ammunition types including cannon ammunition, fragmenting warheads, smart ammunition, and guided weapons.

Core Content

The teaching includes the following topics:

• Internal, Intermediate, External and Terminal Ballistics
• Propellants and Rocket Propulsion
• Armour Materials and Attack of Armour
• Dispersion of Fire
• Gun Barrel Wear and Erosion
• Light Weapons
• Direct and Indirect Fire Systems
• Wound Ballistics
• Gun Design
• Fuzes
• Fragmentation and explosives

Course Details

At a Glance

• Dates: 11 - 22 May 2026
• Duration: 10 days
• Location: Cranfield University at Shrivenham
• Cost: Ł4,500

Who Should Attend

The course is primarily intended for scientists and engineers involved in the broad-based subject of ballistics. There are no rigid requirements, but a knowledge of mathematics to nominally A-level is assumed.

Speakers

• Dr Derek Bray
• Mr Stephen Champion
• Dr John Economou
• Dr Hugh Goyder
• Dr Aimee Helliker
• Dr Clare Knock
• Mr Jeremy Smith

Related Courses

• Gun Technologies
• Weapons Engineering
• Light Weapon Design

Defence and Security

Cranfield University offers various programs and research opportunities in Defence and Security, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the field.