Warhead - Definition and Overview

A warhead is an explosive device used in military conflicts, used to destroy enemy vehicles or buildings.

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.

• 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.

The types of explosive are:

• Chemical: 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.

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.

• Proximity: Using radio waves, sound waves, a magnetic sensor, or Radar, 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.

• Combined: Any combination of the above.

See also

• guidance system
• Missile and List of missiles
• List of aircraft weapons