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Q58·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2023

Ballistic missiles vs cruise missiles; Agni-V vs BrahMos descriptions

S&TDefence TechnologyStatement-basedMediumCurrent-affairs-linked

Question

Consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1.

    Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.

  2. 2.

    Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.

Options

a

1 only

b

2 only

c

Both 1 and 2

d

Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Explanation

Both statements are completely inverted. Statement 1 is wrong: cruise missiles are jet-propelled continuously, whereas ballistic missiles are rocket-powered initially and then follow an unpowered parabolic trajectory. Statement 2 is wrong: Agni-V is an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM), whereas BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.

Ballistic = unpowered parabolic arc (like a thrown ball); Cruise = continuously powered flight (like an airplane).

Answer: (d).

Question details

Year

2023

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q58

Subject

Science & Technology

Sub-topic

Defence Technology

Type

Statement-based

Difficulty

Medium

Nature

Current-affairs-linked

Source hint

DRDO Missile System Development / Ballistic vs Cruise Flight

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