The Speed Triangle

The Speed Triangle

Wake

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The Speed Triangle

Objectives:

Understand the terminology associated with the speed triangle and the relative plot. Understand and apply the 3-minute rule.

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The Speed Triangle

Speed Triangle/Vector Diagram A means for solving the relationship between actual and relative movement Accomplished with VECTORS Each of which represent both direction (course) and magnitude (speed) Vectors may also represent EITHER true or relative motion

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The Speed Triangle

Speed Triangle/Vector Diagram Components Center of the plot is labeled "e" and represents the earth Each vector Both a direction and speed Therefore, the Speed Triangle represents six quantities 3 speeds 3 directions

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The Speed Triangle

If we know 4 of the 6 quantities, we can solve for the other two quantities "er" vector true course and speed of the reference ship "em" vector true course and speed of the maneuvering ship "rm" vector DRM of the maneuvering ship relative to the reference ship
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The Speed Triangle

Relationship between Speed Triangle and Relative Plot DRM is common link RML (M1-M2 line) Three minute rule:

x00 yds 60min 1NM xkts 3 min 1hr 2000 yds

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The Speed Triangle

A Plot Comparison
Relative Plot
True range/brg measured from center Rel quantity not measured from center Direction of Rel side = M1-M2 line 2 true sides, 1 relative side Labeled by Capital letters True ranges and bearings Length of Rel Movement line = MRM Represents direction and distance

Speed Triangle
Same Same rm vector Same Labeled by small letters Actual courses & speeds Length of rm vector = SRM Represents direction & speed

* Time is always absolute

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