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Multiple-stage missiles, with each stage having its
own independent propulsion system, are more efficient for longer range missions. ICBMs typically
have two or three stages, with powerful liquid-propellant engines or solid-propellant motors to
propel the payload toward its target, in addition to a post-boost vehicle (PBV) with a much smaller
propulsion system. A post-boost vehicle can be used to improve the RV deployment accuracy for a
single-RV missile. For a missile with a MIRV payload, the PBV is used to release reentry vehicles
so that they follow different trajectories, allowing them to hit targets that may be separated by
over a thousand miles.
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Photo credit: TommaX, Inc./Military
Parade Ltd.

Mobile missiles can
move frequently to avoid being targeted by hostile forces.
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A ballistic missile with a high-quality inertial guidance system is capable of delivering a reentry
vehicle within a few hundred feet of the target after a flight of over 6,000 miles. For many missiles,
accuracy can be greatly improved by utilizing satellite-aided navigation. As more modern guidance
technology is proliferated, countries will be able to improve the accuracy and lethality of their
missile forces. However, even a missile with an inaccurate guidance system is capable of inflicting
massive casualties when armed with a weapon of mass destruction. Therefore, many Third World ballistic
missiles, although inaccurate, have the potential to pose a serious threat to urban targets.
Many ballistic missiles carry penetration aids to improve the chances of a reentry vehicle penetrating a ballistic missile defense system. Penetration aids are devices that attempt to deceive or jam sensors used to detect and track missiles and
RVs. Penetration aids are of increasing importance to countries developing and operating ballistic
missiles.
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