The aerodynamic information needed for preliminary design of tactical missiles has always been obtained through the combined use of theory and experiments. In regard to the static aerodynamics this has resulted in a prediction capability that often is satisfactory for preliminary design. However, the vehicle dynamics cannot be predicted with the same confidence, especially not at the high angles of attack where high performance missiles often must operate. In this case we are still dependent upon continuous efficient interaction between theoretical and experimental methods. The paper delineats the limitations of both methods and describes how to circumvent them in order to predict tactical missile dynamics over the required range of operational parameters. (JES).