This article is about guided missiles. For unguided missiles, see Rocket (weapon). For flying weapon, see Projectile. For other uses, see Missile (disambiguation).
Missile
Various types of missiles; Left to right: 1. R-36M intercontinental ballistic missile 2. FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile 3. Harpoon anti-ship missile 4. Prithvi anti-ballistic missile 5. BrahMos cruise missile 6. RIM-162 surface-to-air missile
A missile is an airborne ranged weapon capable of self-propelled flight aided usually by a propellant, jet engine or rocket motor.[1]
Historically, 'missile' referred to any projectile that is thrown, shot or propelled towards a target; this usage is still recognized today with any unguided jet- or rocket-propelled weapons generally described as rocket artillery. Airborne explosive devices without propulsion are referred to as shells if fired by an artillery piece and bombs if dropped by an aircraft.[1]
Missiles are also generally guided towards specific targets termed as guided missiles or guided rockets. Missile systems usually have five system components: targeting, guidance system, flight system, engine, and warhead. Missiles are primarily classified into different types based on firing source and target such as surface-to-surface, air-to-surface, surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles.
^ ab"missile, n. and adj.". OED Online. Oxford: Oxford University Press. 2021. Retrieved 17 March 2021. a. An object propelled (either by hand or mechanically) as a weapon at a target b. Military. A long-distance weapon that is self-propelled, and directed either by remote control or automatically, during part or all of its course.
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