The single most important difference between ballistic missiles and
cruise missiles is that the latter operate within the atmosphere. This
presents both advantages and disadvantages. One advantage of
atmospheric flight is that traditional methods of flight control (e.g.,
airfoil wings for aerodynamic lift, rudder and elevator flaps for
directional and vertical control) are readily available from the
technologies of manned aircraft. Also, while strategic early-warning
systems can immediately detect the launch of ballistic missiles,
low-flying cruise missiles presenting small radar and infrared cross
sections offer a means of slipping past these air-defense screens.
The
principal disadvantage of atmospheric flight centres around the fuel
requirements...
