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mr_lebowski

(33,643 posts)

1. To be clear, 'ballistic' not synonymous w/'nuclear' ... it CAN mean it, but doesn't have to ...

Reply to tomhagen (Original post)

Sat Jan 13, 2018, 05:01 PM

Jan 2018

Ballistic refers to the fact that basic gravity laws define the trajectory (as opposed to a 'guided' missile which can expend energy with purpose i.e. perform 'active measures' to affect it's own trajectory).

There are plenty of 'ballistic', but still conventionally-armed missiles.

At least that's my understanding from hazy memory ...

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Hawaii gets a False Ballistic Missile text alert [View all] tomhagen Jan 2018 OP

To be clear, 'ballistic' not synonymous w/'nuclear' ... it CAN mean it, but doesn't have to ... mr_lebowski Jan 2018 #1

My daughter and her husband are in HI right now. Be safe everyone. notdarkyet Jan 2018 #2

This sounds like a cover story. FraDon Jan 2018 #3