.svg)
The technical definition of a ballistic missile is a missile which follows a sub-orbital flightpath to deliver its conventional or nuclear payload to a target. The ballistic missile is typically unguided because it is normally used against a fixed (stationary) target. Some ballistic missiles may be guided during a phase of its flight path, but generally speaking they are not. Its launch point and the amount of propellant force used has already been determined based on atmospheric conditions. My Air Force, Navy, and Army military ring customers may deal with these missiles in some form or another, since these services are the ones who will use them.
The range of a ballistic missile can be from 150km to thousands of miles depending on its intended purpose.
Short and medium range ballistic missiles are generally used by the Army and Navy and are called theater or tactical ballistic missiles. This means that they are primarily used on the battlefield against an immediate threat.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) are presently all nuclear and are used against other countries. The control for these weapons lies with our Air Force.
Related posts:
