The external organisation that documented the munition
Research Organisation (6)
Colour of the munition pictured
Base Colour (12)
Colour of all, or some, of the markings on the munition
Marking Colour (11)
Language or script of the marking on a munition
Marking Script (10)
Condition of the munition pictured
Condition (6)
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 (6)
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.
Fragmentation munitions use the detonation of an explosive to propel small fragments of material (‘fragmentation’) from the body of the munition at high velocity. A fragmentation munition typically affects a wider area than a simple blast munition of the same size, and is effective against personnel and unarmoured vehicles. Fragmentation is the primary mechanism of lethality for many common explosive munitions, but these munitions almost invariably also affect their environment through blast and other mechanisms (e.g., a high explosive fragmentation munition).
This image shows 122 mm high explosive (HE) artillery gun projectiles manufactured in three different states, L–R: Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Whilst these examples are distinct from one another—particularly in coloration, as well as the presence or absence of paint over the driving band and bourrelet—this is not always the case, and a combination of physical features and markings should be assessed before identification is made. (ARES)
This image shows 122 mm high explosive (HE) artillery gun projectiles manufactured in three different states, L–R: Iran, North Korea, and Russia. Whilst these examples are distinct from one another—particularly in coloration, as well as the presence or absence of paint over the driving band and bourrelet—this is not always the case, and a combination of physical features and markings should be assessed before identification is made. (ARES)
This image shows the damaged rocket motor section of a ballistic missile that was fired by the Houthis in Yemen towards Israel and likely intercepted. The Houthis employ ballistic missiles that are supplied by Iran, and given different names. In Houthi service, the Iranian Kheibar Shekan missile is known as the Hatem-2. (ARES)
This image shows the second warhead present in some variants of the Kh-101 cruise missile. The inclusion of this additional warhead requires a smaller fuel tank in the missile, offering increased explosive weight in exchange for a reduced maximum range. (ARES)
This image shows parts from at least three fin-stabilised tank gun projectiles, including the tail assemblies and several folding fins. These are components that often survive relatively intact following the functioning of such munitions. The specific morphology of the remnants pictured is consistent with Israeli 120 mm tank gun projectiles. Contextual information suggests that the remnants are most likely to be from M339 high explosive ‘multi-purpose’ projectiles. (ARES)
This image shows a remnant of a control fin from a Paveway III bomb guidance kit that is compatible with 2,000-pound-class air-delivered bombs. In U.S. service, this combination receives designations in the GBU-24 series. Based off this remnant alone, it cannot be determined which model of air-delivered bomb was paired with this particular guidance kit. (ARES)
This image shows a GBU-12 series guided bomb being loaded onto a F-35B belonging to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211. Two of the control fins have not yet been installed in the Paveway’s guidance control section. (ARES)
This image shows a remnant of a control actuator shaft from a Paveway guidance kit control section, found after a strike in Yemen in 2015. Markings giving the CAGE code for Raytheon (“96214”) and the part number (“2870627-2”) are both visible. The complete remnant can be seen in related entry 1559. (ARES)
This image shows a remnant of the control fin of a GBU-24 (as seen partially marked), the designation for the combination of a Paveway III guidance kit paired with a 2,000-pound-class air-delivered bomb. This remnant is not enough to determine which model of bomb the kit was originally paired with. (ARES)
This image shows a BLU-111 500-pound-class bomb paired with a Paveway II guidance kit, and an MXU-650 series airfoil group, or tail kit. This combination is designated the GBU-12 series in U.S. service. (ARES)
This image shows remnants of an MXU-series airfoil group, or tail section, that is paired with Paveway-series bomb guidance kits. The remnant on the right is one of two retractor mechanisms that are present inside the MXU-series airfoil group. (ARES)
This image shows the bottom of an MS 3314 suspension lug, which is installed on the MK 81 250-pound-class, MK 82 500-pound-class, and MK 83 1,000-pound-class air-delivered bombs. The remnants of the guidance kit in the related entry indicate that, in this case, the lug was fitted to a MK 83 1,000-pound-class bomb. “A4447” is the CAGE code for the manufacturer of the suspension lug, RWM Italia. (ARES)
This image shows various remnants of an air-delivered bomb and a Paveway guidance kit. The blue pen provides a scale indicator, which is necessary to identify which variant of aerofoil (‘airfoil’) group the tail fins belonged to. In this case, they are most likely from an MXU-650-series airfoil group, which are paired with MK-82 500-pound-class bombs. (ARES)
This image shows some of the markings on a MK 84 2000-pound-class air-delivered bomb, including model designation (“BOMB MK 84 MOD 4”), weight class (“2000 LBS”), part number (“PART NO 30…03 923AS105”), and production lot (“LOT NO GDT 17 …00…”). Many countries produce MK 80-series bombs, so markings such as lot numbers can determine the country of production. “GDT 17” in the lot number indicates that this munition was produced by General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems, an American company, in 2017. The Israeli Air Force announced they carried out the specific strike associated with this image, which indicates that this specific bomb was transferred to the Israeli Air Force. (ARES)
This image shows a remnant of a JDAM tail kit that was paired with a MK 84 2,000-pound-class air-delivered bomb. The CAGE code (“OUVG2”) for Aeroantenna Technology, an American manufacturer of GPS components for guidance systems, is visible on the wiring. (ARES)
This image shows an Israeli-made 122 mm rocket motor found following a strike on Amr School in Gaza City. Although it is not possible to be definitive from this image alone, it is likely that this rocket motor was part of an Israeli ‘Bar’ missile, a guided munition designed for precision strikes in urban areas that uses a 122 mm rocket motor. (ARES)
This image shows the remnants of an unknown Israeli munition that was used in a strike on Nasser hospital. Reporting on these strikes often refers to this munition as a ‘drone’. The turbojet engine, along with possible wing remnants, indicate that this could be a one-way-attack (OWA) UAV or ‘loitering munition’ missile, consistent with reporting. This same model of munition has been used multiple times in strikes in Gaza, as well as Lebanon and Syria. There is no publicly acknowledged Israeli munition that closely fits these remnants. Entries 1384, 1385, 1386, and 1389 capture other incidents in which this munition was used. (ARES)