How missiles work?

Answer 1

To answer your question, we have to know what sort of missiles you are talking about. In a nutshell, the missile has it's warhead (also known as a "payload"), it's homing device (depending on whether it is active, passive, or semi-active), it's computer (used to determine when it will explode and if it is a directionally charged warhead, at what angle it will detonate), it's fuel, and synchro's and servo's for it's "wings". In a passive missile, the missile relies on reflected RF (radio frequencies) from a third party source off of the target which gets reflected to the missile. From the reflection of the RF off of the target, the missile knows where the target is and it's computer will adjust it's fins (wings) to accommodate it's flight path. In an active missile, the missile uses it's own RF emitted from the nose cone to locate that target. Think of it as a dolphin trying to find fish in the ocean. It's like sonar, on crack. Some missiles have "point detonation" while others have various other forms. The most common for anti-ship missiles and "bunker busters" is a delayed detonation. This allows the missile time to go through any barriers and detonate from the inside out. That is why they are so effective. For anti-aircraft missiles, they are usually "shaped directional" warheads which means that once the missile is within a certain proximity of the aircraft, the computer directs its charge in the direction of the aircraft. So, if the missile is on a flight path to fly underneath the aircraft, it will detonate its warhead upwards. Shaped means that the actual explosion has a deliberate shape to it, usually in a cone form, with the cone expanding towards the target. Missiles of this nature rely on shrapnel damage as opposed to the concussive blast generated by the warhead itself. I hope that answers your question.