Is this determinable? (Size of this Russian patrol boat)

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of using the physics of shrapnel arcs and other visual cues to determine the length of a boat. There are some challenges in accurately determining the size, such as poor optics and lack of context, but it may be possible to make an estimation based on the shape and movement of the boat. Ultimately, it is unlikely that this method would be accurate enough to disprove published reports about the size of the boat.
  • #1
thetexan
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Is it possible to determine the length of the boat by using the physics of the shrapnel arcs?

Can the traces of the arcs be used to determine the distance the shrapnel travels and then be send to determine the boat length.

Tex
 
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  • #2
There are definitely scaling cues. I'm not sure how good they are.
The bright cinder-like "particles" give a clue to their density as they rise and quickly slow. Then their downward acceleration until they reach terminal velocity happens very quickly, suggesting the scale.
Normally, the blast itself would give clues. But the optics are so bad that its hard to separate internal reflections in the optics from atmospheric effects.

The biggest scale cues are features on the boats and the way that the second boat is maneuvering.
 
  • #3
Is this physics exercise in analyzing ballistics? Or are you more interested in the size of the boat?

Because, frankly the most obvious clue to judging scale is the fact that the boat seems to have an outboard.

In fact:
1651712598260.png

1651712551717.png

"China 12.7m High Speed Fisheries Patrol Gun Boat for Sale Russian"
 
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  • #4
I doubt that any such analysis will be accurate enough to disprove the published reports that these are Raptor-class boats, 16.9 meters long. There are just too many uncertainties involved when just working with the videos and no context.
 
  • #5
Nugatory said:
I doubt that any such analysis will be accurate enough to disprove the published reports that these are Raptor-class boats, 16.9 meters long. There are just too many uncertainties involved when just working with the videos and no context.
I saw pix of these raptor class boats, and disqualified them immediately.

Look at the windscreen:
1651714065579.png

It is sloped inward at the bottom, similar to many ocean-going vessels.

The one in the video seems to have an outward sloped windscreen (see post 3).

It just doesn't seem to match.
1651714918829.png
 
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  • #6
My interest is in whether there is enough info in the video from the explosion to determine is size.

If a forensic scientist tried to determine the size of the boat just using the explosion could he, knowing nothing else?

Tex
 
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  • #7
thetexan said:
If a forensic scientist tried to determine the size of the boat just using the explosion could he, knowing nothing else?
Probably. But to what accuracy or precision I can't say. You're probably far better off just looking at the shape and relative sizes of the boats components and the way it moves through the water.
 

FAQ: Is this determinable? (Size of this Russian patrol boat)

What is the size of this Russian patrol boat?

The size of a Russian patrol boat can vary depending on the specific model and type. On average, these boats can range from 50 feet to over 300 feet in length.

How is the size of a patrol boat determined?

The size of a patrol boat is typically determined by its length, which is measured from the tip of the bow to the stern. Other factors such as width and displacement may also be taken into account.

Is the size of a patrol boat a determining factor in its capabilities?

While size can play a role in a patrol boat's capabilities, it is not the sole determining factor. Other important factors include speed, maneuverability, and equipment on board.

How does the size of a Russian patrol boat compare to other countries' patrol boats?

The size of Russian patrol boats can vary compared to other countries' patrol boats. Some may be smaller or larger depending on the specific purpose and design of the boat.

Can the size of a patrol boat be changed or modified?

In most cases, the size of a patrol boat cannot be easily changed or modified. However, certain modifications can be made to improve its capabilities or accommodate different equipment or weapons.

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