Missile

High school (ages 12+)
Transportation

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/missile

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the classification by trajectory?Ballistic missiles (arc-like trajectory) and cruise missiles (powered, low-altitude flight)
2. What is the guidance system evolution?From inertial navigation to modern GPS, radar, and infrared homing
3. How do ballistic missiles fly?Ballistic missiles launch with a powerful boost and then use gravity and inertia to follow a parabolic trajectory. They are not powered after the initial launch.
4. How do cruise missiles stay hidden?Cruise missiles stay powered the whole way and fly close to the ground, hugging the terrain to avoid being seen by radar.

Ballistic Missile: A missile that follows a ballistic trajectory, primarily powered during its initial launch phase.
Cruise Missile: A powered, self-guided missile that maintains a low-altitude flight path, often using jet propulsion.