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Cruise missile Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Cruise Missiles: History, Technology, and Global Deployment

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Cruise Missiles: History, Technology, and Global Deployment Study Guide

Cruise Missile Fundamentals and Classification

A cruise missile is characterized as an unmanned, self-propelled guided missile that sustains its flight primarily through aerodynamic lift.

Answer: True

Explanation: The fundamental definition of a cruise missile emphasizes its nature as an unmanned, self-propelled guided system that relies on aerodynamic lift for sustained flight.

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Modern cruise missiles exclusively employ high-altitude, ballistic trajectories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Modern cruise missiles are designed for low-altitude flight profiles and do not exclusively follow ballistic trajectories; their self-navigating capabilities allow for terrain-hugging paths.

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Hypersonic cruise missiles travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5.

Answer: True

Explanation: Hypersonic speeds are defined as Mach 5 or greater, distinguishing these missiles from subsonic and supersonic variants.

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Long-range subsonic cruise missiles typically possess a range exceeding 1,000 kilometers.

Answer: True

Explanation: Missiles classified as long-range subsonic cruise missiles generally operate beyond 1,000 kilometers.

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Short-range subsonic cruise missiles typically weigh approximately 500 kilograms.

Answer: True

Explanation: Short-range subsonic cruise missiles are generally characterized by a weight of around 500 kilograms.

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What fundamental characteristic defines a cruise missile's flight dynamics?

Answer: Sustained flight through aerodynamic lift

Explanation: The defining characteristic of a cruise missile's flight is its sustained trajectory maintained by aerodynamic lift, distinguishing it from ballistic missiles.

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Which of the following represents a key performance characteristic of modern cruise missiles as described in the source material?

Answer: Ability to fly extremely low trajectories

Explanation: Modern cruise missiles are engineered for low-altitude flight, enabling them to evade radar detection and interceptors.

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Which of the following is NOT a typical classification criterion for cruise missiles as presented in the source material?

Answer: Launch platform altitude

Explanation: Cruise missiles are classified by factors such as payload, speed, range, and propulsion, but not typically by the altitude of their launch platform.

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What speed threshold defines a hypersonic cruise missile?

Answer: At least Mach 5

Explanation: Hypersonic cruise missiles are defined by their ability to travel at speeds of Mach 5 or greater.

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What is the typical weight range associated with short-range subsonic cruise missiles?

Answer: Around 500 kilograms

Explanation: Short-range subsonic cruise missiles typically weigh approximately 500 kilograms.

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Historical Origins and Early Development

The concept of an 'aerial torpedo,' a precursor to modern cruise missiles, was first popularized in a 1916 US patent.

Answer: False

Explanation: While a US patent for an 'aerial torpedo' existed in 1916, the concept was first popularized in the 1909 British film 'The Airship Destroyer'.

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Germany's V-1 flying bomb is recognized as the first operational cruise missile.

Answer: True

Explanation: The V-1 flying bomb, deployed by Germany during World War II, is widely considered the first operational cruise missile due to its pulsejet engine and gyroscopic guidance.

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The V-1 flying bomb exhibited significantly less accuracy compared to the V-2 ballistic missile.

Answer: True

Explanation: The V-1's accuracy was limited, making it suitable primarily for large area targets, whereas the V-2, a ballistic missile, offered greater precision.

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The United States did not adapt or utilize the V-1 design following World War II.

Answer: False

Explanation: Post-World War II, the United States reverse-engineered the V-1 design, leading to the development of the Republic-Ford JB-2 cruise missile.

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The MGM-13 Matador is not a currently operational US nuclear-capable cruise missile.

Answer: True

Explanation: The MGM-13 Matador, along with several other early US cruise missiles, has been retired from service.

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In what year and medium was the concept of an 'aerial torpedo' first popularized?

Answer: 1909, in a British film

Explanation: The concept of an 'aerial torpedo' was first popularized in the 1909 British film 'The Airship Destroyer'.

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According to the source material, what constituted a significant disadvantage of the German V-1 flying bomb?

Answer: Limited accuracy, suitable mainly for large area targets

Explanation: A primary disadvantage of the V-1 was its limited accuracy, which restricted its effectiveness to large area targets like cities.

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Which United States missile was developed based upon the reverse-engineered V-1 design?

Answer: Republic-Ford JB-2

Explanation: The Republic-Ford JB-2 was the United States' adaptation of the German V-1 flying bomb, developed after World War II.

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Which of the following United States cruise missiles, formerly nuclear-capable, is now out of service?

Answer: MGM-13 Mace

Explanation: The MGM-13 Mace is among the former US nuclear-capable cruise missiles that are now out of service.

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Cold War Cruise Missile Programs and Treaties

During the Cold War, the United States' cruise missile development primarily emphasized anti-ship roles.

Answer: False

Explanation: While the US developed anti-ship missiles, its Cold War cruise missile development also heavily focused on strategic land-attack and nuclear deterrence roles, alongside anti-ship capabilities.

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The objective of the US Supersonic Low Altitude Missile (SLAM) program was to develop a nuclear-powered missile capable of speeds exceeding Mach 3.

Answer: True

Explanation: The US Supersonic Low Altitude Missile (SLAM) program aimed to create a nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of high supersonic speeds (Mach 3+) for low-altitude penetration.

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The Soviet Union primarily developed heavy cruise missiles to counter naval targets.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Soviet Union prioritized the development of heavy cruise missiles, particularly anti-ship variants, to counter United States naval carrier battle groups.

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Ground-launched cruise missiles such as the BGM-109G were significantly impacted by the INF treaty.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) treaty mandated the destruction of ground-launched cruise missiles like the BGM-109G.

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The primary focus of Soviet cruise missile development was not on air-to-air combat capabilities.

Answer: True

Explanation: Soviet cruise missile development primarily concentrated on anti-ship and strategic land-attack roles, not air-to-air combat.

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During the Cold War, which role did the Soviet Union predominantly emphasize in its cruise missile development initiatives?

Answer: Anti-ship warfare

Explanation: The Soviet Union's primary focus for cruise missile development during the Cold War was on anti-ship capabilities, particularly against naval carrier groups.

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What was the primary objective of the United States Supersonic Low Altitude Missile (SLAM) program?

Answer: To develop a nuclear-powered missile flying at Mach 3+

Explanation: The SLAM program aimed to develop a nuclear-powered cruise missile capable of high supersonic speeds and low-altitude flight for penetrating enemy defenses.

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What was the disposition of ground-launched cruise missiles, such as the BGM-109G, under the terms of the INF treaty?

Answer: They were destroyed

Explanation: The INF treaty mandated the destruction of ground-launched cruise missiles like the BGM-109G.

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What was the principal strategic objective underpinning the Soviet Union's development of heavy cruise missiles?

Answer: Destroying US naval carrier battle groups

Explanation: A primary strategic goal for the Soviet Union's heavy cruise missile development was the neutralization of US naval carrier battle groups.

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Propulsion and Guidance Technologies

Ramjet engines are typically employed in supersonic cruise missiles.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ramjet engines are commonly utilized in supersonic cruise missiles to achieve and sustain speeds above Mach 1.

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Modern cruise missiles exclusively rely on inertial navigation systems.

Answer: False

Explanation: Modern cruise missiles employ a combination of guidance systems, including inertial navigation, GPS, TERCOM, and DSMAC, rather than relying solely on inertial navigation.

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Ramjet engines are typically associated with which classification of cruise missile?

Answer: Supersonic

Explanation: Ramjet engines are a common propulsion system for supersonic cruise missiles, enabling them to achieve speeds above Mach 1.

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Which guidance system compares the missile's altitude profile against stored terrain data for navigation?

Answer: TERCOM

Explanation: TERCOM (Terrain Contour Matching) is a guidance system that navigates by comparing the missile's altitude profile with stored terrain elevation data.

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Contemporary Global Cruise Missile Landscape

The US AGM-158 JASSM exemplifies a medium-range subsonic cruise missile.

Answer: True

Explanation: The AGM-158 JASSM is cited as an example of a medium-range subsonic cruise missile, typically operating within the 300-1000 km range bracket.

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The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a collaborative development between India and Russia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is the product of a joint venture between India and Russia.

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Pakistan has developed cruise missiles, such as the Ra'ad-I, capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Answer: True

Explanation: Pakistan's arsenal includes nuclear-capable cruise missiles like the Ra'ad-I and Ra'ad-II, as well as the Babur.

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The Russian Kh-101 is noted for its stealth features.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kh-101 is a stealth variant designed to reduce its radar cross-section and infrared signature, enhancing survivability.

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The AGM-86 ALCM and its W80 nuclear warheads remain in US service.

Answer: True

Explanation: The AGM-86 ALCM and its associated W80 nuclear warheads continue to be maintained in service by the United States.

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The French ASMP-A missile is a medium-range, nuclear, air-launched cruise missile.

Answer: True

Explanation: The ASMP-A is described as a high-speed, medium-range nuclear cruise missile designed for air launch.

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India's Nirbhay cruise missile is designed for land-attack missions and possesses a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

Answer: True

Explanation: The indigenous Nirbhay land-attack cruise missile from India is designed for missions up to 1,000 kilometers and can carry nuclear warheads.

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Israel reportedly deploys nuclear-capable cruise missiles from its Dolphin class submarines.

Answer: True

Explanation: Reports indicate that Israel utilizes nuclear-capable cruise missiles, such as the Popeye Turbo variants, on its Dolphin class submarines.

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The Russian Kh-55SM missile does not primarily use GPS for guidance and possesses a substantial range.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Kh-55SM utilizes TERCOM guidance and has a range comparable to the US AGM-129, approximately 3,000 km, rather than relying on GPS.

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Which specific missile system is cited as an example of a long-range subsonic cruise missile?

Answer: BGM-109 Tomahawk

Explanation: The BGM-109 Tomahawk is cited as a prominent example of a long-range subsonic cruise missile.

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Which of the following systems is listed as an example of a medium-range subsonic cruise missile?

Answer: Babur

Explanation: The Babur missile, developed by Pakistan, is listed as an example of a medium-range subsonic cruise missile.

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The development of the BrahMos missile involved cooperative efforts between which two nations?

Answer: India and Russia

Explanation: The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile is a joint development project undertaken by India and Russia.

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Which Pakistani-developed cruise missile is noted for its nuclear-capable status?

Answer: Ra'ad-II

Explanation: The Ra'ad-II is among the Pakistani cruise missiles recognized for their capability to carry nuclear warheads.

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What is a key feature of the Russian Kh-101 missile engineered to enhance its survivability?

Answer: Stealth characteristics

Explanation: The Kh-101 incorporates stealth features designed to reduce its detectability by enemy air defense systems.

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What is the current operational status of the AGM-86 ALCM and its associated W80 nuclear warheads within United States service?

Answer: Both remain in service

Explanation: The AGM-86 ALCM and its W80 nuclear warheads are currently maintained in service by the United States.

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The French ASMP-A missile is characterized as:

Answer: A medium-range, nuclear, air-launched missile

Explanation: The ASMP-A is described as a medium-range, nuclear-capable, air-launched cruise missile.

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What is the stated strike range of India's indigenous Nirbhay land-attack cruise missile?

Answer: Up to 1,000 kilometers

Explanation: The Nirbhay cruise missile from India has a stated strike range of up to 1,000 kilometers.

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Operational Employment and Strategic Value

The primary mission for cruise missiles in modern warfare is the engagement of high-value, fixed targets.

Answer: True

Explanation: Cruise missiles are predominantly employed against high-value, static targets such as infrastructure, command centers, and naval vessels due to their precision and range.

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Cruise missiles were not utilized during Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cruise missiles, specifically the US BGM-109 Tomahawk and AGM-86 ALCM, were extensively utilized during Operation Desert Storm against strategic targets.

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The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress serves as a primary platform for the delivery of air-launched cruise missiles.

Answer: True

Explanation: The B-52 Stratofortress is a principal aircraft platform for deploying air-launched cruise missiles within the United States arsenal.

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Cruise missiles are generally considered expensive, single-use weapons.

Answer: True

Explanation: The high cost per unit of cruise missiles necessitates careful consideration of their deployment against appropriate targets.

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In contemporary warfare, what category of targets are cruise missiles most commonly employed against?

Answer: High-value, fixed infrastructure like bridges and bunkers

Explanation: Cruise missiles are primarily utilized for precision strikes against high-value, fixed targets due to their accuracy and range.

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How were cruise missiles employed during Operation Desert Storm?

Answer: They were used extensively against strategic targets

Explanation: During Operation Desert Storm, cruise missiles played a significant role, being extensively employed against strategic objectives.

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Which aircraft platform is primarily designated for the delivery of United States air-launched cruise missiles?

Answer: B-52 Stratofortress

Explanation: The B-52 Stratofortress is the principal platform for deploying air-launched cruise missiles in the US arsenal.

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What constitutes a significant challenge related to the cost of cruise missiles?

Answer: Their high cost necessitates careful target selection

Explanation: The substantial cost of individual cruise missiles mandates careful strategic allocation to ensure they are employed against targets commensurate with their expense.

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