Q. Consider the following statements: - Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
- Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2023)
Answer:
Neither 1 nor 2
Notes: The correct answer is
[D] Neither 1 nor 2. The statements provided incorrectly swap the characteristics and classifications of ballistic and cruise missiles.
- Statement 1 (Incorrect): The propulsion and flight paths are reversed. Ballistic missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase (boost phase) and then follow a parabolic trajectory under gravity. In contrast, cruise missiles are jet-propelled (using engine technologies like ramjets or turbofans) and remain powered throughout their entire flight, flying at much lower altitudes.
- Statement 2 (Incorrect): The classifications of the specific missiles are swapped.
- Agni-V: This is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) with a range of over 5,000 km. It is a three-stage, solid-fuelled missile.
- BrahMos: This is a supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between India and Russia. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land and is not an ICBM.
Key Differences:- Speed: Ballistic missiles often reach hypersonic speeds during re-entry, while cruise missiles range from subsonic (like Tomahawk) to supersonic (like BrahMos) and hypersonic (like BrahMos-II).
- Path: Ballistic missiles leave the atmosphere and follow a predictable arc. Cruise missiles act like unmanned aircraft, flying within the atmosphere and often following the terrain to avoid radar detection.