What is Ballistic missile?
A '''ballistic missile''' is a type of [[missile]]. It is only powered when it is launched. The power from its upward launch gives it all the energy it needs to get to its target. Most of its flight is not powered. Short-range ballistic missiles stay in the [[Atmosphere of Earth|Earth's atmosphere]]. [[Intercontinental ballistic missile|Intercontinental ballistic missiles]] (ICBMs) are launched into space but fall back down to [[Earth]].<ref>{{cite book |title=A Dictionary of Aviation |url=https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofavia0000wrag |first=David W. |last=Wragg |isbn=9780850451634 |edition=first |publisher=Osprey |year=1973 |page=[https://archive.org/details/dictionaryofavia0000wrag/page/n62 53]}}</ref> Both of them do not need the engine always on since in space and high in the atmosphere there is almost no wind resistance. [[File:Trident II missile image.jpg|alt=The Trident II ballistic missile as it is launched from a submarine in the ocean.|thumb|The Trident II, a ballistic missile.]] Ballistic missiles are different from [[Cruise missile|cruise missiles]], which have powered flight, move only in the atmosphere, and move [[Lift (force)|aerodynamically]]. Imagine a cruise missile as a pilotless plane with a bomb flying low through the sky, while a ballistic missile is like throwing a dart with a bomb high into the sky to hit a target far away. == References == {{reflist}} * Needham, Joseph (1986). ''Science and Civilization in China: Volume 5, Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 7, Military Technology; the Gunpowder Epic''. Taipei: Caves Books. == Further reading == * {{cite book|title=Ballistic Missile Defence and US National Security Policy: Normalisation and Acceptance after the Cold War|last=Futter|first=Andrew|date=2013|publisher=[[Routledge]]|isbn=978-0-415-81732-5}} * {{cite book|title=The Development of Ballistic Missiles in the United States Air Force, 1945–1960|url=https://archive.org/details/developmentofbal0000neuf|last=Neufeld|first=Jacob|date=1990|publisher=Office of Air Force Hist