What does "Ballistic Trajectory" refer to in missile flight?

"Ballistic Trajectory" refers specifically to the curved path that a missile follows under the influence of gravity after its initial launch phase, where it is propelled forward. In missile flight, once the thrust from the propulsion system ceases, the missile continues to travel forward while its altitude decreases due to the pull of gravity. This creates a trajectory that is typically parabolic in nature, reflecting the effects of projectile motion.

The term "ballistic" pertains to the dynamics of moving objects when they no longer have propulsion and their motion is governed by gravity and initial velocity. Understanding this concept is crucial for predicting the impact point of a missile and ensuring accurate targeting.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define ballistic trajectory. The straight path traveled initially does not account for the curvature caused by gravity; routes taken by drones pertain to reconnaissance activities unrelated to missile dynamics; and the final descent path does not encompass the entire trajectory before descent begins. Thus, comprehending ballistic trajectory is essential for effective missile operation and targeting assessments.