Rockets and Missiles
Rockets and missiles are two closely related types of powered munitions which utilise an internal propulsion method, commonly called a rocket motor, to maintain their rate of travel after launch. They generally feature venturi nozzles to guide the propulsion gasses out of the munition. Some rockets and missiles feature fins to stabilise their flight, whilst others use angled venturi to impart a spin on the munition and thereby stabilise it; some may feature both.
Rockets and missiles can be launched from various platforms. Most of these serve as simple containers for the munition with an electrical or mechanical mechanism to ignite the rocket motor. Once the rocket motor is ignited, it generates high-pressurised gas which propels the rocket or missile forward. This accelerates the munition towards a target.
A rocket fitted with a guidance system—that is, a rocket which can alter its trajectory after being launched—is referred to as a ‘missile’. Missile launchers often feature additional control systems and sensors, to assist in guiding the munition toward its target. A range of different guidance methods may be employed.
Rockets and missiles may be fired from a wide range of different platforms and can be found in a variety of sizes, from single-shot man-portable weapons, to large, vehicle-launched munitions. There are four main four sub-categories of these munitions.
The effective range of rockets can vary significantly, from as little as one kilometre to more than 40 kilometres, depending on their design and intended role. Missiles typically have a longer range than rockets—generally no less than two kilometres, and with some offering effective ranges of more than 250 kilometres.
Air-to-air Rocket or Missile
A rocket or missile launched from an aerial vehicle and intended to strike another aerial vehicle.
Air-to-surface Rocket or Missile
A rocket or missile launched from an aerial vehicle and intended to strike land or sea targets.
Surface-to-air Rocket or Missile
A rocket or missile launched from a ground-based weapon platform and intended to strike an aerial vehicle (or, less commonly, other aerial targets such as rockets or missiles).
Surface-to-surface Rocket or Missile
A rocket or missile launched from a ground-based weapon platform and intended to strike land or sea targets.