Evolution of the Cruise Missile

The penchant of the American military to be on the leading edge of technology could destroy our perspective of new weapon systems and distort our perceptions of their most effective use in modem warfare . So it is with cruise missiles, one of technology's newest and most sophisticated developments . Dr Werrell's book provides the perspective and insight we would otherwise lack.
Although cruise missiles are among the newest and most sophisticated weapons fielded by the United States, they possess a rich conceptual and technological heritage . It is important that we understand this heritage as we consider deployment and employment options . It is also important that we understand the developmental process illustrated by the history of the cruise missile. Without the perspective provided by this history, our perceptions of their purpose and use lack depth and insight .
Many significant events have intervened between the completion of Dr Werrell's manuscript in 1982 and its publication . The manuscript has not been updated because rapid developments make such updating an endless task. In fact, the rapid pace of continued development serves to reinforce the need to reflect on the development of these systems and to place their purpose in perspective .