A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a predetermined target.
A ballistic trajectory is the path of an object that is launched but has no active propulsion during it'sactual flight ( these weapons are guided only during relatively brief periods of flight).
Consequently , the trajectory is fully determined by a given initial velocity effects of gravity , air resistance , and motion of earth ( Coriolis Force).
Short range ballistic missiles stay with in the earth's atmosphere.
Longer - ranged intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are launched on a sub - orbital flight trajectory and spend most of their flight out of the atmosphere.
Types of ballistic missiles based on range
Short range (tactical ) ballistic missile (SRBM) : Range between 300 km and 1000 km.
Medium range (theatre) ballistic missile (MRBM) : Range 1000 km to 3500 km
Intermediate range(long range) ballistic missile (IRBM or LRBM) : Range 3500 km to 5500 km.
Intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM) : Range 5500 km +
Cruise missile
A cruise missile is a guided missile ( target has to be preset) used against terrestrial targets.
It remains in the atmosphere throughout it's flight.
It flies the major portion of it's flight path approximately constant speed.
Cruise missiles are designed to deliver a large warhead over long distances with high precision.
Modern cruise missiles are capable of travelling at supersonic or high subsonic speeds, are self navigating and are able to fly on a non- ballistic ,extremely low -altitude trajectory.
Types of cruise missiles based on speed
Hypersonic (mach 5) : These missiles would travel at least five times the speed of sound , example Brahmos -Ⅱ .
Supersonic ( mach 2-3) : These missiles travel faster than the speed of sound , example Brahmos.
Sub sonic ( mach 0.8) : These missiles travel slower than the speed of sound , example Nirbhay.
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