Missile classifications
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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?
| Class Name | Distance interval |
|---|---|
| Close Range Missile | 30 km to 300 km |
| Short Range Missile | 300 km to 1000 km |
| Medium Range Missile | 1000 km to 3000 km |
| Intermediate Range Missile | 3000 km to 5500 km |
| Intercontinental range Missile | 5500 km to 40 000 km |