In modern usage, a missile is a self-propelled precision-guided munition
system, as opposed to an unguided self-propelled munition, referred to
as a rocket (although these too can also be guided). Missiles have four
system components: targeting and/or missile guidance, flight system,
engine, and warhead. Missiles come in types adapted for different
purposes: surface-to-surface and air-to-surface missiles (ballistic,
cruise, anti-ship, anti-tank, etc.), surface-to-air missiles (and
anti-ballistic), air-to-air missiles, and anti-satellite weapons. All
known existing missiles are designed to be propelled during powered
flight by chemical reactions inside a rocket engine, jet engine, or
other type of engine.[citation needed] Non-self-propelled airborne
explosive devices are generally referred to as shells and usually have a
shorter range than missiles.
In ordinary British-English usage predating guided weapons, a missile is
“any thrown object”, such as objects thrown at players by rowdy
spectators at a sporting event.This section does not cite any references
(sources). Please help improve this section by adding citations to
reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
(June 2013)
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