Warhead facts for kids

A warhead is the part of a weapon that causes damage. It sits at the very front of weapons like missiles or torpedos. Think of it as the "business end" of the weapon.

Warheads can be different sizes, from small to very large. They can contain powerful explosives, or they can be part of a nuclear weapon. Their main job is to deliver the destructive force to a target.

What is a Warhead?

A warhead is designed to explode or release energy when it reaches its target. It's the part that makes the weapon effective. Without a warhead, a missile or torpedo would just be a flying or swimming object.

How Warheads Work

Most warheads work by exploding. When they hit their target, a special trigger sets off the explosive material inside. This creates a huge blast that can destroy buildings, vehicles, or other targets.

Types of Explosives Used

• High Explosives: These are common explosives like TNT or C4. They create a powerful blast wave and shrapnel (flying pieces of the warhead casing) that cause damage.
• Nuclear Warheads: These are much more powerful. They use nuclear reactions to create an enormous explosion, releasing a massive amount of energy. Nuclear warheads are used in very specific types of weapons, like intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Where Are Warheads Found?

Warheads are usually found on weapons that travel long distances to hit a target.

• Missiles: Many types of missiles, from small anti-tank missiles to large intercontinental ballistic missiles, carry warheads.
• Torpedoes: These are underwater weapons launched from ships or submarines. They use warheads to damage or sink enemy vessels.
• Bombs: While often called "bombs," many modern bombs dropped from aircraft are also types of warheads, designed to be delivered to a target.

The Purpose of Warheads

The main purpose of a warhead is to deliver a destructive payload to a specific location. They are designed to be very effective at causing damage to their intended targets. The type of warhead used depends on what the weapon is meant to destroy. For example, a warhead designed to destroy a tank will be different from one designed to destroy a large building.

Images for kids

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  A B61 nuclear bomb in various stages of assembly; the nuclear warhead is the bullet-shaped silver canister in the middle-left of the photograph.

A W80 nuclear warhead.

See also

In Spanish: Ojiva (arma) para niños