Optimal properties of bodies of revolution in continuum and free molecular regimes

The force coefficients of bodies of revolution at zero incidence were studied analytically and numerically for the hypersonic continuum flow regime and the free molecular flow regime. The minimum drag projectile at zero incidence is the same for both flow regimes and has the minimum drag, the maximum lift, and the maximum lift-to-drag ratio among the projectiles with a given length and base diameter flying at the same angle of attack. In the case of a diffuse reflection in a free molecular flow regime, the drag coefficient, which is the same for all projectiles without shadow at the lateral part of the surface, does not decrease for a projectile with a shadow.