Silkworm (Missile) facts for kids
The Silkworm missile is a special name given by NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) to a group of Chinese anti-ship missiles. These missiles were created to attack and sink enemy ships. They are based on an older Soviet missile design called the P-15 Termit. Silkworm missiles have been used by several countries around the world.
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What is an Anti-Ship Missile?
An anti-ship missile is a type of missile designed specifically to hit and destroy ships. These missiles can be launched from different places, like:
- Ships
- Submarines
- Airplanes
- Land-based launchers
They usually fly low over the water to avoid being detected by enemy radar. When they get close to a ship, they use their own radar or other sensors to find and hit their target.
Types of Silkworm Missiles
The name "Silkworm" actually covers several different types of Chinese missiles. These include:
- The Shang You (SY) series
- The Hai Ying (HY) series
- The Fei Long (FL) series
These missiles are all part of the same family, but they might have slight differences in their size, range, or how they are launched.
How Silkworm Missiles Launch
Silkworm missiles use a method called a "hot launch." This means that the missile's main engine starts burning while the missile is still on its launcher. The powerful thrust from the engine pushes the missile directly into the air. This is different from a "cold launch," where a gas generator first pushes the missile out of its container before its main engine fires.
History and Use
The original design for the Silkworm missile came from the Soviet Union in the 1950s. China then developed its own versions of this missile. Over the years, Silkworm missiles were sold to many countries, especially in the Middle East. They became well-known during conflicts where they were used to attack ships.
