How does a ballistic missile work?
A ballistic missile follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver one or more warheads on a predetermined target. These weapons are guided only during relatively brief periods—most of the flight is unpowered. These weapons are in a distinct category from cruise missiles, which are aerodynamically guided in powered flight.
What is ballistic missile in physics?
ballistic missile, a rocket-propelled self-guided strategic-weapons system that follows a ballistic trajectory to deliver a payload from its launch site to a predetermined target. Ballistic missiles can carry conventional high explosives as well as chemical, biological, or nuclear munitions.
What is the difference between a ballistic and cruise missile?
Ballistic missiles are different than cruise missiles. Like the one launched by Russia earlier this week, cruise missiles are self-propelled for the majority of their time in the air, flying in a relatively straight line and at lower altitudes thanks to a rocket propellant.
Which is the most accurate ballistic missile?
Short Range ballistic Missile (SRBM): Range below 1000 kilometres.
What is the minimum range of ballistic missiles?
An intercontinental ballistic missile ( ICBM) is a missile with a minimum range of 5,500 kilometres (3,400 mi) primarily designed for nuclear weapons delivery (delivering one or more thermonuclear warheads ).
What are the components of a ballistic missile?
A ballistic missile has two basic components: a package contains guidance systems and explosives (the payload), and the rocket that lofts the payload into the upper atmosphere or into space (the booster).