Ballistic missile

missile that follows a sub-orbital ballistic flightpath

A ballistic missile is a type of missile. It is only powered when it is launched. The power from its upward launch gives it all the energy it needs to get to its target. Most of its flight is not powered. Short-range ballistic missiles stay in the Earth's atmosphere. Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are launched into space but fall back down to Earth.[1] Both of them do not need the engine always on since in space and high in the atmosphere there is almost no wind resistance.

The Trident II ballistic missile as it is launched from a submarine in the ocean.
The Trident II, a ballistic missile.

Ballistic missiles are different from cruise missiles, which have powered flight, move only in the atmosphere, and move aerodynamically. Imagine a cruise missile as a pilotless plane with a bomb flying low through the sky, while a ballistic missile is like throwing a dart with a bomb high into the sky to hit a target far away.

References

change
  1. Wragg, David W. (1973). A Dictionary of Aviation (first ed.). Osprey. p. 53. ISBN 9780850451634.
  • Needham, Joseph (1986). Science and Civilization in China: Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 7, Military Technology; the Gunpowder Epic. Taipei: Caves Books.

Further reading

change

Other websites

change