Across between a missile and an unmanned aerial system (UAS), the loitering munition has become known as a dangerous and effective weapon, able to be canister-launched and function in many ways like a missile with a warhead and seeker to find and destroy targets rapidly. The UAS characteristics of loitering munitions include a fuel-powered propulsion system and the use of different wing shapes that improves manoeuvrability and the ability to remain in the air for extended periods of time. The ability to fly for hours instead of minutes compared to missiles gives loitering munitions an increased range and capability to remain in a designated area until it needs to be deployed. This makes it more like a UAS, but loitering munitions are usually expendable and contain an explosive charge to provide the lethal effect on a target.
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