Which phase of ballistics involves the behavior of projectiles in flight?

The phase of ballistics that specifically involves the behavior of projectiles in flight is external ballistics. This area focuses on the forces acting on a projectile as it travels through the atmosphere after being fired. It encompasses various factors such as drag, wind, gravity, and air density, all of which can affect the projectile's trajectory, velocity, and accuracy over distance.

Understanding external ballistics is crucial for predicting where a projectile will land and for effective aiming and correction during shooting or artillery.

In contrast, internal ballistics pertains to the processes that occur within a firearm during the ignition of the propellant and the propulsion of the projectile through the barrel. Terminal ballistics deals with the behavior of the projectile upon impact with a target, analyzing the effects and damage caused. Initial ballistics is not a widely recognized term in ballistics and does not constitute a distinct phase, which makes it less relevant in this context.