Cruise Missile Q

Factual Questions
1

I have a question about the final approach of a Tomahawk missile to it’s target.

Getting close to target seems quite straightforward (for a rocket scientist at least :slight_smile: ), even my handheld GPS unit can get me within a few meters of a location with astounding precision. But what about the last bit? Presumably they move fast and I have seen footage of them travelling at quite low levels (radar avoidance?). However, to avoid nearby buildings, surely they must also approach at a steep angle. How do they do this? Do they impact under power or like the old German V1? Can they detect obstructions (pylons, radio towers, minarets etc) in their path?

2

Here’s a bit from the ‘how stuf works’ website, which may help:
Cruise missile guidance

3

I believe that as they get closer to the target the missile climbs to a few thousand feet then dives down. I think a variety of different approaches can be pre-programmed.

4

I’ve seen test footage of some cruise missiles exploding as they pass over a target, no climbing or diving, just flying over the top and - BOOM!
I think it was an ‘area effect’ or ‘anti soft vehicle/personnel’ warhead.