Key features defining the operation mechanisms of a projectile
Mechanical Feature (10)
Whether a munition is guided or unguided
Guidance (2)
Where the munition is launched from and what it targets
Domain (7)
The type of fins visible on the munition
Fins Characteristic (5)
The nominal diameter of a projectile. For most modern munitions, this is expressed in millimetres (e.g. 82 mm mortar projectile), but older artillery gun projectiles may be described in inches.
This image shows a DC motor from a Tomahawk missile, manufactured by Globe Motors of Dayton, Ohio, in the United States (part # 471A118 and serial # 7250). Globe Motors was acquired by Allied Motion in August 2013, and has since been renamed Allied Motion at Dayton. This DC motor is used as an actuator to assist in steering the Tomahawk to its target based upon input from the aviation section in the forward body assembly. Such motors often survive detonation and can serve as diagnostic remnants. (ARES)
Components matching those seen here have been documented at other sites associated with the detonation of RGM-/UGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missiles. See, for example, OSMP 1199, 1218, 1191, 1193, and 1444. (ARES)
The component shown in this image is a GPS antenna for the AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM). It is marked to indicate its manufacturer (“Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp.”; now operating as BAE Systems’ Space & Mission Systems division) and with other key information, including a part number and contract number. (ARES)
The munition remnant pictured here is marked with a Federal Stock Number (FSN; predecessor to the National Stock Number, or NSN, found on more modern munitions) that indicates it is part of a MIM-23B Improved HAWK surface-to-air missile. Other details, including the manufacturer (“Raytheon Company”), are also visible. The FSN was replaced by the NSN in 1974, indicating that this munition must have been manufactured before that time. This is consistent with the recorded U.S. export of the MIM-23B to Iran in 1972. (ARES)
This image shows an unexploded Iranian submunition of unknown designation. Visually similar examples have been documented following Iranian ballistic missile strikes on Israel in June 2025 and March 2026. At least two variants are believed to exist, but publicly available details remain limited at time of review. (ARES)
This image shows remnants from a MIM-23 Homing All the Way Killer (HAWK) surface-to-air missile. U.S. government documents show that MIM-23B Improved HAWK systems were exported to Iran in 1972. Iran has since manufactured a reverse-engineered version of the system. (ARES)
This image shows a Low-Cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS). The LUCAS one-way attack UAV is a U.S.-made, cost-effective ‘kamikaze drone’. LUCAS munitions can connect to one another via a mesh network, allowing multiple LUCAS drones to communicate in flight. The white square object connected to the munition by a cable appears to be a Starlink antenna, consistent with reported communication capabilities. Elon Musk has claimed that LUCAS operates only via Starshield, a Starlink-derived satellite network intended for government use. (ARES)
This image shows the remains of the attitude control section of either a PAC-3 CRI or PAC-3 MSE missile. This section contains the attitude control motors, used in combination with control fins to guide and adjust the missiles on its way to the target. It is difficult to determine which of the two models this wreckage belongs to due the similarities of this section in both missiles and the absence of other distinctive components. (ARES)
This image shows the remnants of a PAC-3 Cost Reduction Initiative (CRI) missile. The PAC-3 family of missiles are hit-to-kill interceptors that defend against incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, and other targets primarily by using kinetic impact. However, it is important to note that these missiles contain a high explosive fragmentation (HE-FRAG) “lethality enhancer” warhead. These warheads are much smaller than what would normally be expected on a surface-to-air missile of this size, but still present a hazard if it fails to function as designed. (ARES)
