Missile classifications

Missile systems, in the meaning given in Missile missile, have been classified based on a wide variety of properties, including: flight path type, range, launching platform, propulsion, warhead, and guidance system.

Flight path type

This is really if the weapon payload mainly follows a ballistic arc or not. Consequently there are only two categories:

• Ballistic missiles
• Cruise missiles

The name "cruise missile" is a historical artefact, invented much after the term ballistic missile was established.

As weapon technology developed it has become more common for the weapon payload to perform significant manoeuvrers during its flight, in practice living in a mix between the two classes.

Range

The simplest and most intuitive classification system: How far can the weapon payload go?

Range classes

Class Name	Distance interval
Close Range	30 km to 300 km
Short Range	300 km to 1000 km
Medium Range	1000 km to 3000 km
Intermediate Range	3000 km to 5500 km
Intercontinental Range	5500 km to 40 000 km