The aerodynamic heating of a ballistic missile due to only convection is analysed taking into consideration the effects of gravity. The amount of heat transferred to the wetted area and to the nose region has been separately determined, unlike A Miele’s treatise without consideration of gravity. The peak heating rates to the wetted area and to the nose of the missile are also investigated. Finally four numerical examples are cited to estimate the errors, in heat transfers and heating rates to both wetted area and nose region of the missile, arising out of neglecting the gravitational forces.
