What are the two types of beyond visual range air-to-air missiles?

Beyond visual range (BVR) air-to-air missiles are primarily categorized based on their range capabilities, which significantly influence their deployment and effectiveness in combat scenarios. The classification into medium-range and long-range provides a clear distinction regarding the operational engagement environments of these missiles.

Medium-range missiles are designed to engage targets at distances typically ranging from 20 to 80 nautical miles, offering pilots the ability to strike adversaries while still maintaining a safer distance from enemy defenses. This range allows for effective engagement while minimizing exposure to threats.

Long-range missiles extend this engagement capability even further, typically beyond 80 nautical miles. Their design and technology allow them to target threats from a greater distance, offering a strategic advantage in aerial warfare by enabling engagements before the enemy can retaliate effectively.

This classification into medium and long-range is crucial for understanding the strategies employed in air combat, as different operational scenarios require specific ranges for optimal effectiveness. The other choices such as short-range, altitude categories, or guided and unguided designs do not adequately capture the essential characteristics of BVR missiles in terms of their operational ranges.