When it comes to modern warfare, missiles play a crucial role in achieving military objectives. There are two types of missiles- ballistic and cruise.
While they may seem similar on the surface, there are significant differences between the two. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between ballistic and cruise missiles.
Ballistic Missiles
A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a ballistic trajectory when it’s launched into the atmosphere. This means that once it’s launched, it follows a path that is determined by its velocity, altitude, and gravity. Ballistic missiles can be launched from land-based platforms such as silos or mobile launchers, as well as from submarines.
The primary purpose of a ballistic missile is to deliver a warhead to a Target at high speeds. Ballistic missiles are designed to reach their Targets quickly and with great accuracy. They can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour and have ranges of thousands of miles.
Types of Ballistic Missiles
There are three types of ballistic missiles:
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs): These missiles have ranges of more than 5,500 km (3,400 miles) and can carry nuclear warheads.
- Medium-Range Ballistic Missiles (MRBMs): These missiles have ranges between 1,000 km (620 miles) and 5,500 km (3,400 miles) and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
- Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBMs): These missiles have ranges up to 1,000 km (620 miles) and can carry conventional or nuclear warheads.
Cruise Missiles
A cruise missile is a missile that flies at a low altitude and follows a flight path that is controlled by an onboard computer. Cruise missiles are designed to be highly accurate and can be launched from land-based platforms, ships, submarines, or aircraft.
Cruise missiles travel at speeds of up to 600 miles per hour and have ranges of up to 1,500 miles. They are typically used for attacking ground Targets such as buildings or vehicles. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles can be redirected during flight if the Target location changes or if the missile encounters an obstacle.
Types of Cruise Missiles
There are two types of cruise missiles:
- Subsonic Cruise Missiles: These missiles travel at speeds below the speed of sound (about 767 mph) and have ranges up to 1,500 miles.
- Supersonic Cruise Missiles: These missiles travel at speeds above the speed of sound and have ranges up to 600 miles.
Differences between Ballistic and Cruise Missiles
The primary difference between ballistic and cruise missiles is their flight path. Ballistic missiles follow a parabolic trajectory while cruise missiles fly at low altitudes in a straight line. Another significant difference is their range- ballistic missiles have much longer ranges than cruise missiles.
Ballistic missiles are designed for long-range strikes against high-value Targets such as military installations or cities. In contrast, cruise missiles are primarily used for attacking ground Targets with precision strikes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both ballistic and cruise missiles play crucial roles in modern warfare. While they share some similarities, such as their ability to deliver warheads to Targets from long distances away, there are significant differences between the two types of missiles in terms of their flight path and intended use. It’s essential to understand these differences to determine which type of missile is best suited for a specific military objective.