What is the key characteristic that distinguishes a ballistic missile ...
Ballistic missiles do not have active propulsion throughout their flight; they rely on an initial launch velocity and are guided only during brief periods of their flight. In contrast, cruise missiles have continuous propulsion and remain in the atmosphere throughout their entire flight.
What is the key characteristic that distinguishes a ballistic missile ...
Active Propulsion
Ballistic missiles are distinguished from cruise missiles primarily by their method of propulsion. The key characteristic that sets ballistic missiles apart is that they have active propulsion throughout their flight.
Flight Path
Ballistic missiles follow a high trajectory that takes them out of the Earth's atmosphere before descending back down to their target. This trajectory is ballistic in nature, hence the name "ballistic missile."
Cruise Missiles
On the other hand, cruise missiles fly at lower altitudes and generally follow a predetermined flight path, often hugging terrain or using GPS for navigation.
Speed
While both ballistic and cruise missiles can reach high speeds, the manner in which they achieve these speeds differs. Ballistic missiles use their propulsion systems continuously throughout their flight, while cruise missiles may have a more consistent speed due to their aerodynamic design and propulsion.
Conclusion
In summary, the active propulsion throughout the flight is the key characteristic that distinguishes a ballistic missile from a cruise missile. This difference in propulsion also impacts the flight path and overall behavior of the missile, making it an important factor in understanding the capabilities and uses of each type of missile.