Ballistic missile

A ballistic missile is a guided missile, usually of substantial range compared to cannon, that follows a generally parabolic trajectory, as adjusted by guidance and control mechanisms, from launching point to target. The WWII German V-2 was the first operational cruise missile; a number of subsequent types, such as the Soviet-built SS-1 SCUD and many national derivatives of it, are essentially V-2 clones.

Ballistic conveys the idea that the basic energy is imparted, usually by a rocket motor or motors (i.e., multiple stages, during the initial boost phase rising to the edge of space.It then goes into a midcourse where it coasts ballistically subject to guidance. During the midcourse, several reentry vehicles can separate for fixed reentry (i.e., Multiple reentry vehicle (MRV), or they can be fired as multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRV) onto a final path by a midcourse bus, which can align itself, essentially above the atmosphere, so reentry vehicles are on a specific trajectory.

Guidance for the boost and midcourse phases are usually inertial guidance, although some system also use celestial guidance.

Midcourse is followed by reentry, which can be affected by the aerodynamics of the reentry vehicle, the way in which it deals with the sometimes extreme heating of atmospherics, and other environmental affects near the target. Most reentry vehicles are essentially pure ballistic, although some advanced types have aerodynamic controls or internal weights that allow them to be maneuvering reentry vehicles (MARV).

During entry, decoys and other penetration aids can be released to hide the reentry vehicles carrying warheads from ballistic missile defense (BMD).

Warheads

nuclear warheads have been most common for longer-range ballistic missiles. Some short range missiles may have high explosive or cluster bomblet warheads, but, unless the reentry vehicle is extremely accurate, may be psychological weapons.

Some chemical warheads, often as bomblets, have been demonstrated. Biological warheads are rumored but not confirmed; they may have been destroyed.

The reentry speed of an ICBM is so great that the reentry vehicle can be filled with concrete for a fixed target, or metal rods for an area target; the kinetic energy of the warhead is so great that a conventional explosive filling would add no appreciable energy.

Range bands

Source:

Type	Range	Examples
battlefield short range ballistic missile (BSRBM)	<150 km < 94 km miles	U.S. MGM-52 Lance, Soviet/Russian [[SS-21B SCARAB B]
short range ballistic missile (SRBM)	150-799 km 94-499 miles	German V-2, Israeli Jericho I, Soviet/Russian SS-1A SCUD, U.S. MGM-140B ATACMS Block 1A
medium range ballistic missile (MRBM)	800-2,399 km 500-1499 miles	Iranian Shahab-3, Israeli Jericho II, U.S. Jupiter,Soviet SS-4 SANDAL
intermediate range ballistic missile (IRBM)	1,400-5,499 km 1,500-3,437 miles	Soviet SS-5 SKEAN, Chinese DF-4, Soviet SS-20,
intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM)	+ 5,500 km + 3,438 miles	U.S. Minuteman III and Trident D5*

Related Terms

A missile, which may be a ballistic missile, a cruise missile, or an air-tosurface missile (not including short-range, non-nuclear, direct fire missiles, bombs, or rockets such as Maverick or wire-guided missiles), whose target is within a given theater of operation.