Density altitude affects ballistic calculations by...

• A. Increasing air temperature has no effect on ballistic calculations.
• B. Density altitude has no impact on range.
• C. Density altitude only affects weather reports.
• D. Density altitude affects ballistic calculations by influencing air density and drag, thus range and accuracy.

Answer: (D)

Ballistic performance depends on air density because drag on the projectile is driven by how thick the air is. Density altitude is a way to express the current air density relative to standard conditions. When density altitude rises, the air becomes thinner, so drag decreases. With less drag, the projectile can maintain velocity longer and travel farther, which changes both range and accuracy. So density altitude must be included in ballistic calculations to predict how far and how accurately a round will perform. The other statements ignore this direct link between density, drag, and flight performance.