Warhead
Warhead
Wombat
<catset>Category="Ammunition"</catset><catset>Category="Explosive weapons"</catset>A <b>warhead</b> is an explosive device used in military conflicts, used to destroy enemy vehicles or buildings.<p>Typically, a warhead is delivered by a <a href="Missile">Missile</a>, <a href="Rocket">Rocket</a>, or <a href="Torpedo">Torpedo</a>. It consists of the <a href="Explosive material">Explosive material</a>, and a detonator.<p>The types of warhead are:<ul><li> Explosive: An explosive charge is used to disintegrate the target, and damage surrounding areas with a shockwave. </ul><ul><li> Chemical: A toxic chemical, such as <a href="Nerve agent">nerve gas</a> is dispersed, which is designed to injure or kill human beings. </ul><ul><li> Biological: An infectious agent, such as <a href="Anthrax">anthrax</a> is dispersed, which is designed to sicken and kill humans. </ul><p>The types of explosive are:<ul><li> Chemical: Chemicals such as <a href="Gunpowder">Gunpowder</a> store significant energy within their molecular bonds. This energy can be released quickly by a trigger, such as an electric spark. <a href="Thermobaric weapon">Thermobaric weapons</a> are something of a special case. </ul><ul><li> Nuclear: See <a href="Nuclear weapon">Nuclear weapon</a>. </ul><p>Often, a biological or chemical warhead will use an explosive charge for rapid dispersal.<p>The types of detonators are:<ul><li> Contact: When the warhead makes physical contact with the target, the explosive is detonated. </ul><ul><li> Proximity: Using <a href="Radio">Radio</a> waves, sound waves, a magnetic sensor, or <a href="Radar">Radar</a>, 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 <a href="Shrapnel">Shrapnel</a> primarily towards the target that triggered it. </ul><ul><li> Timed: Warhead is detonated after a specific amount of time. </ul><ul><li> Combined: Any combination of the above. </ul><h2 style="margin: 0; padding-top: 0.5em; padding-bottom: 0.17em; border-bottom: 1px solid #aaaaaa; font-size: 150%;">See also</h2><ul> <li><a href="Guidance system">Guidance system</a> <li><a href="Missile">Missile</a> and <a href="List of missiles">List of missiles</a> <li><a href="List of aircraft weapons">List of aircraft weapons</a> <li><a href="Nuclear weapon yield">Nuclear weapon yield</a> </ul>