Had someone include this on their resume and was curious since I could not find a definitive answer via web search. I gather it is “non-smart” munitions/bombs?
In: Technology
You are correct. Passive ordinance are projectiles that can’t be controlled once launched or do not change trajectory mid flight. Example mortar shells. You calculate the trajectory, made adjustments, launch, get a radio report about the error, adjust your calculations, repeat.
Passive ordinance do only what physics has them do after leaving a launcher – e.g. a standard bullet, a rock in a trebuchet, a hand grenade, lots of large caliber mounted guns, cannon balls – these are all passive. Active ordinance are things like cruise missles, heat seaking rockets, laser guided bombs – these all can change course after launch, at least to some degree.
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