guided projectile

A guided missile is a projectile that can change its direction after being launched. These advanced weapons are a result of post-World War II technological progress in electronics, computers, and sensors. Unlike ballistic weapons, guided missiles can make corrections mid-flight to home in on their targets.123

Control is typically achieved through aerodynamic surfaces like tail fins, or by using reaction jets or thrust-vectoring. The sophistication of their guidance systems is what distinguishes them. Guidance methods include command guidance, where signals are sent from the launch site, and homing systems that use sensors to track targets like heat, radar emissions, or optical images. Missiles can be propelled by solid or liquid-fueled rocket engines.243