Warhead

Typically, a warhead is delivered by a Missile , Rocket , or Torpedo . It consists of the Explosive Material , and a detonator.

The types of warhead are:

Explosive: An explosive charge is used to disintegrate the target, and damage surrounding areas with a shockwave.

--- Conventional: Chemicals such as Gunpowder store significant energy within their molecular bonds. This energy can be released quickly by a trigger, such as an electric spark. Thermobaric Weapons are something of a special case.

--- Nuclear: See Nuclear Weapon .

Chemical: A toxic chemical, such as Nerve Gas is dispersed, which is designed to injure or kill human beings.

Biological: An infectious agent, such as Anthrax is dispersed, which is designed to sicken and kill humans.

Often, a biological or chemical warhead will use an explosive charge for rapid dispersal.

The types of detonators are:

Contact: When the warhead makes physical contact with the target, the explosive is detonated. Sometimes combined with a delay, to detonate a specific amount of time after contact.

Proximity: Using Radar , sound waves, a magnetic sensor, or a laser the warhead is detonated when the target is within a specified distance. It is often coupled with directional explosion control system that ensures that the explosion sends the Shrapnel primarily towards the target that triggered it.

Timed: Warhead is detonated after a specific amount of time.

Altitude: Warhead is detonated once it falls to a specified altitude. See Air Burst .

Combined: Any combination of the above.

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Warhead