what are the differences between ballistic and cruise missiles?

Answer 1

Ballistic missiles are called such because they follow an arching path (much like a inverted U) upon launching. All ballistic missiles are powered by either solid-fuel (like the shuttle's boosters or fireworks) or liquid fuel (Like the shuttle itself) rocket engines. This gives them speeds in excess of Mach18 or 12930 miles per hour. Some may have multiple stages like the NASA rockets, these are the ones which can hit targets as far as 4000+ miles away (a.k.a the intercontinental ballistic missiles). Ballistic missiles can carry any type of warhead (though nuclear may be more synonymous with them), and the really big ones can carry as many as 14 independent guided warheads. Guidance is inertial with preprogrammed coordinates, so they normally cannot change targets. They can be launched by trucks (like the Scuds), ground based silos (USA/Russian/Chinese missiles), special launch platforms (the ones at NASA can do this) and specially outfitted submarines (the USA/Russian/UK/French/Chinese). Cruise Missiles are normally slow (though the Russians have cruise missiles that can go supersonic) and are powered by air-breathing turbojet/turbofan or ramjet/scramjet engines. Many cruise missiles can only hit targets at ranges of 500+ miles, but some can hit targets 2000 miles away. They can do complex maneuvers to avoid fire and can be equipped with really accurate guidance systems which can also be programmed to change targets (retargeting is normally only for the newer 21st century ones). Generally cruise missiles have only one warhead (again like ballistic missiles any warhead can be used) but the USA has Tomahawks which can release multiple explosive mini-bombs. Cruise missiles can be launched by aircraft, trucks, turret launchers (think any fixed structure like in an RTS video game), silos, warships and submarines. Ballistic missiles btw can only be intercepted using other high-speed missiles, but cruise missiles can be shot down with highly precise guns as well as missiles

Answer 2

Not an expert, but the way I understand it, cruise missiles actually fly through the air navigating with control surfaces much like an airplane would. A ballistic missile goes up and out of the atmosphere and then comes back down and so has to be directed by an accurate guidance system that with pinpoint accuracy directs it like one would a dart.

Answer 3

Ballistic missiles are aimed at a particular place and shot into the air. Like throwing a basketball. It can be very accurate, but no direction changes once fired. Cruise missiles on the other hand can have a complex course programmed into their on-board computers. They can make turns, change altitude, etc. They can be equipped with sensors which allow them to follow the terrain they fly over. This makes them harder to detect and very hard to stop.

Answer 4

Ballistic missiles are launched from land based launchers and programmed to fly in a high arc through space to land thousands of miles away on a pre-programmed target. Cruise missiles are much more flexible. Unlike fixed (and vulnerable) land sites, they can be launched from planes or subs anywhere on earth with pre-programmed accuracy. And, if need be, they can fly at treetop level to avoid radar and anti- aircraft fire to the target.

Answer 5

range, accuracy, and payload. Cruise missiles are more accuate, have a shorter range, and carry only one warhead. Ballistic missiles are less accurate, can strike anywhere in the world, and carry as many as 12 warheads.

Answer 6

Ballistic missles have a high arc, some which would enter outer space if launched. Cruise missles fly mostly level (such as tommahawk missles) till they get to their target.