Which type of ballistics involves the behavior of a projectile in flight?

The correct choice focuses on exterior ballistics, which pertains to the flight behavior of projectiles after they have left the barrel of a firearm but before they hit the target. This area of study looks at various factors including aerodynamic drag, wind effects, gravity, and the trajectory of the projectile. Understanding exterior ballistics is crucial for marksmanship, as it directly affects accuracy and distance, allowing soldiers and shooters to predict the path of their shots.

In contrast, internal ballistics deals with the processes that occur within the firearm itself, from the moment of ignition of the gunpowder to the projectile exiting the barrel. Terminal ballistics examines what happens when the projectile hits its target, focusing on penetration, damage, and transfer of energy. Combat ballistics generally encompasses a broader range, including both internal and external factors along with conditions of use in combat scenarios, which makes it not as specific to the behavior of the projectile in flight.