The launch mode for a cruise missile utilizes a solid propellant booster rocket to propel the missile from the launch platform to a speed and altitude sufficient to enable the missile to transition to the cruise flight mode. Immediately following booster burnout the missile jettisons the booster and transitions to cruise flight by deploying aerodynamic lifting surfaces and starting its cruise engine. The shaped trajectory launch mode significantly reduces the required booster motor impulse by deploying the cruise missile wings during boost flight. The aerodynamic wing lift enables the missile to fly a flatter trajectory reducing performance lost in climb and results in higher booster burnout velocity and significant improvement in launch performance.
展开▼
