Which phrase describes the initial, boosting, and sustaining phases of a missile's flight?

Which phrase describes the initial, boosting, and sustaining phases of a missile's flight?

• A. Takeoff, ascent, cruise
• B. Ignition, propulsion, coast
• C. Prepare, launch, land
• D. Launch, boost, sustain

Answer: (D)

Missile flight is commonly described in three phases: launch, boost, and sustain. The initial phase corresponds to liftoff, when the vehicle begins its ascent from the ground. The boosting phase is the powered burn where the motor provides thrust to accelerate and climb. The sustaining phase follows burnout, during which the missile continues on its trajectory without thrust, effectively coasting until it reaches the desired path or terminal phase. The phrase that matches this sequence is Launch, boost, sustain, because it maps directly to liftoff, powered propulsion, and the coast-after-burn period. The other options mix terms that don’t align with these three distinct flight stages.

Missile flight is commonly described in three phases: launch, boost, and sustain. The initial phase corresponds to liftoff, when the vehicle begins its ascent from the ground. The boosting phase is the powered burn where the motor provides thrust to accelerate and climb. The sustaining phase follows burnout, during which the missile continues on its trajectory without thrust, effectively coasting until it reaches the desired path or terminal phase. The phrase that matches this sequence is Launch, boost, sustain, because it maps directly to liftoff, powered propulsion, and the coast-after-burn period. The other options mix terms that don’t align with these three distinct flight stages.