Q. Which of the following statements about ballistic missiles are correct?
1.It maintains a constant altitude throughout its flight.
2.They rely on Earth’s gravity to descend toward the target after propulsion ends.
3.Pralay is India’s first ballistic missile designed for conventional strikes.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanations –
Statement 1 is incorrect. A ballistic missile does not maintain a constant altitude throughout its flight. It follows a parabolic trajectory, with phases that include a powered boost phase, an unpowered midcourse phase (often in space), and a terminal phase where it descends toward the target due to gravity.
Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Ballistic missiles rely on Earth’s gravity for the descent phase after the propulsion ends, making their trajectory largely unpowered after the boost phase. Pralay is India’s first conventional quasi-ballistic missile, designed specifically for tactical battlefield use and conventional strikes.
Source: The Hindu
