Guide to Missile Systems¶
This section provides a comprehensive overview of modern missile systems, breaking them down by their primary characteristics.
How Missiles Are Categorized¶
Missiles are complex weapon systems, and they are typically categorized in several key ways:
1. By Range¶
The maximum distance a missile can travel. * Short-Range: Typically tactical missiles used on the battlefield. * Medium-Range: Bridge the gap between tactical and strategic use. * Intermediate-Range: Often used for theater-level strategic objectives. * Intercontinental-Range (ICBM): Strategic missiles capable of traveling between continents.
2. By Guidance System¶
How the missile navigates to its target. * Inertial Navigation (INS): Uses accelerometers and gyroscopes; self-contained. * GPS/Satellite Guidance: Uses satellite signals for high precision. * Infrared (IR) Homing: Seeks heat signatures (e.g., engine exhaust). * Radar Homing (Active/Semi-Active): Uses radar to find and track targets. * Laser Guidance: Follows a laser beam pointed at the target.
3. By Launch Platform¶
Where the missile is launched from. * Surface-to-Surface (SSM): Launched from the ground to hit a ground target. * Surface-to-Air (SAM): Launched from the ground to hit an aerial target. * Air-to-Air (AAM): Launched from an aircraft to hit an aerial target. * Air-to-Surface (ASM): Launched from an aircraft to hit a ground target.