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 fragment of an Israeli 120 mm tank gun projectile, with its distinctive obturating band configuration. The additional remnants shown in the related OSMP entry permit distinguishing this projectile from other potential Israeli models, identifying it as the M339 tank gun projectile. (ARES)
This image shows an unexploded WDU-45/B, the second stage or penetrator warhead (also called a ‘follow-through’ warhead), of the Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge (BROACH) multi-stage warhead system used in the AGM-154C variant of the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) air-delivered bomb. The first stage is a shaped-charge warhead designed help the second stage penetrate hardened targets before detonating. The Shadow/SCALP-EG missile also uses a multi-stage BROACH system, but with larger warheads. (ARES)
This image shows the section just forward of the Tamir missile’s forward fins and appears to incorporate the base of the active radar seeker (open end) and the laser proximity sensor part of the warhead fuzing system (mirrors/glass & opening in the casing). While the Tamir has been reported to physically impact some targets, the proximity fuze is designed to closely pass by the target, then detonate the high explosive fragmentation warhead thereby destroying the target. ‘Tamir’ is a Hebrew acronym for Til Meyaret, or ‘interceptor missile’. (ARES)
Pictured is the Stunner’s dual electro-optical/infrared nose sensors which, while in flight, identify and avoid decoys; identify the target; and guides the kinetic warhead on the final phase of its journey into the target. The sensors are housed in the unique ‘dolphin head’-shape of the missile, featuring a clear tip. The electro-optical sensor acquires the target during daylight operations, while the infrared sensor acquires the target in low-light conditions. The ground-based Battle Management and Control (BMC) system identifies the target’s flight path, calculates the point of interception, and transmits this information to the Stunner by encrypted datalink. The missiles utilise a vertical launch system to allow for a complete 360° response area. (ARES)
This image shows a relatively intact Shahed-131 one-way-attack (OWA) UAV with various components highlighted, including the GPS antenna array (light blue), fuselage (light purple), engine (yellow), wing stabiliser (orange), and nose cone (cyan, inside the red box). The nose cone attaches to the front of the fuselage and covers the warhead. (ARES)
This image shows a remnant of the aft motor section, which includes the venturi nozzle, of a North Korean KN-23/KN-24/Hwasong-11 series missile. The KN-23/KN-24/Hwasong-11 has a generally similar appearance to the Russian 9M7 ‘Iskander’ series of ballistic missiles, but has differences in performance and in some aspects of the construction. (ARES)
This image shows an Iranian M344 106 mm recoilless gun projectile. The M344 is a high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) munition, containing a shaped charge that is designed to penetrate armour. (ARES)
These images show a damaged Serat-01 engine which powers the Shahed-131 drone after its rocket-assisted launch. The Serat-01 is a copy of the MDR 208 engine, and is noticeably smaller than the MD550 which powers the larger Shahed-136. (ARES)
This image shows the BSF-50, one of several warheads developed by Russia for the Shahed-136/Geran-2 to replace the original Shahed-136 warhead designed by Iran. The BSF-50 is a high explosive warhead with a fragmentation effect. (ARES)
This image shows the fuzewell in the base of the warhead of a GBU-39 air-delivered bomb. The innermost cylinder is the electronic fuze; this is held in place by the closure ring. (ARES)
Depicted here is the MD-550 motor of a Shahed-136/Geran-2. This image was presented by Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as a fragment of the drone that reportedly hit the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant’s New Safe Confinement shelter. (ARES)
This image shows the functioned rocket motor of an Israeli Carpet rocket. The Carpet uses a fuel-air explosive (FAE) warhead which is designed to function mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), clearing a target area for the advance of friendly forces. These rockets are fired from the Carpet rocket launcher, which is loaded with up to 20 rockets and can be fitted to a variety of vehicles. (ARES)
