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What is the primary difference between a ballistic missile and a cruise missile?
- a)Ballistic missiles remain within the Earth's atmosphere for their entire flight.
- b)Cruise missiles lack active propulsion during their flight.
- c)Ballistic missiles follow a non-ballistic flight path.
- d)Cruise missiles are guided only during specific phases of their flight.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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What is the primary difference between a ballistic missile and a cruis...
Ballistic missiles remain within the Earth's atmosphere for their entire flight, whereas cruise missiles stay within the atmosphere as well but follow a non-ballistic, controlled flight path. This key difference distinguishes their flight characteristics.
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What is the primary difference between a ballistic missile and a cruis...
The primary difference between a ballistic missile and a cruise missile is that ballistic missiles remain within the Earth's atmosphere for their entire flight. This key distinction impacts their flight path, trajectory, and overall capabilities.
Ballistic Missiles:
Ballistic missiles are powered during the boost phase to reach high altitudes and then follow a ballistic trajectory towards their target. They travel outside the Earth's atmosphere before re-entering to strike their intended target. This high-altitude trajectory allows them to travel long distances at high speeds, making them effective for long-range attacks.
Cruise Missiles:
On the other hand, cruise missiles are designed to fly at low altitudes within the Earth's atmosphere. They are equipped with propulsion systems that allow them to sustain flight throughout their mission. Cruise missiles can be guided continuously during their flight, making them more flexible in terms of target selection and engagement.
Comparison:
- Ballistic missiles follow a high-altitude trajectory, leaving the Earth's atmosphere, while cruise missiles remain within the atmosphere.
- Ballistic missiles rely on their initial boost phase and gravity to reach their target, whereas cruise missiles have active propulsion throughout their flight.
- Ballistic missiles are typically faster and have longer ranges compared to cruise missiles.
In conclusion, the primary difference between ballistic and cruise missiles lies in their flight characteristics, with ballistic missiles traveling outside the Earth's atmosphere and following a ballistic trajectory, while cruise missiles fly within the atmosphere with continuous propulsion and guidance.
Ballistic Missiles:
Ballistic missiles are powered during the boost phase to reach high altitudes and then follow a ballistic trajectory towards their target. They travel outside the Earth's atmosphere before re-entering to strike their intended target. This high-altitude trajectory allows them to travel long distances at high speeds, making them effective for long-range attacks.
Cruise Missiles:
On the other hand, cruise missiles are designed to fly at low altitudes within the Earth's atmosphere. They are equipped with propulsion systems that allow them to sustain flight throughout their mission. Cruise missiles can be guided continuously during their flight, making them more flexible in terms of target selection and engagement.
Comparison:
- Ballistic missiles follow a high-altitude trajectory, leaving the Earth's atmosphere, while cruise missiles remain within the atmosphere.
- Ballistic missiles rely on their initial boost phase and gravity to reach their target, whereas cruise missiles have active propulsion throughout their flight.
- Ballistic missiles are typically faster and have longer ranges compared to cruise missiles.
In conclusion, the primary difference between ballistic and cruise missiles lies in their flight characteristics, with ballistic missiles traveling outside the Earth's atmosphere and following a ballistic trajectory, while cruise missiles fly within the atmosphere with continuous propulsion and guidance.
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What is the primary difference between a ballistic missile and a cruise missile?a)Ballistic missiles remain within the Earth's atmosphere for their entire flight.b)Cruise missiles lack active propulsion during their flight.c)Ballistic missiles follow a non-ballistic flight path.d)Cruise missiles are guided only during specific phases of their flight.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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