UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 22
Consider the following statements :
- Ballistic missiles are jet-propelled at subsonic speeds throughout their flights, while cruise missiles are rocket-powered only in the initial phase of flight.
- Agni-V is a medium-range supersonic cruise missile, while BrahMos is a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct Option: D (Neither 1 nor 2)
Explanation: Ballistic missiles are normally rocket-propelled during boost and then follow ballistic trajectories; cruise missiles sustain powered, aerodynamic flight. Agni-V is ballistic, whereas BrahMos is a cruise missile.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Incorrect/False - The propulsion descriptions are reversed: ballistic missiles use rockets, while cruise missiles use sustained jet/ramjet propulsion.
2. Incorrect/False - Agni-V is a long-range ballistic missile; BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-incorrectly includes 1 (The propulsion descriptions are reversed: ballistic missiles use rockets, while cruise missiles use sustained jet/ramjet propulsion.).
B. Incorrect-incorrectly includes 2 (Agni-V is a long-range ballistic missile; BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.).
C. Incorrect-incorrectly includes 1 (The propulsion descriptions are reversed: ballistic missiles use rockets, while cruise missiles use sustained jet/ramjet propulsion.); incorrectly includes 2 (Agni-V is a long-range ballistic missile; BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile.).
D. Correct-exactly 0 of the 2 listed items satisfy the condition.