Ballistic missiles)

A Detailed Overview of Ballistic Missiles and Their Use

Introduction

Ballistic missiles represent highly advanced weapon systems designed to deliver warheads over long distances. They operate on the principle of ballistic flight, where after initial acceleration, the missile follows a trajectory determined by the laws of classical mechanics. Here's how it works:

1. Launch Preparation and Acceleration

Launch Setup: Missiles can be launched from ground-based, sea-based, or submarine-based platforms. Before launch, the missile undergoes full pre-launch preparation, including system checks, fueling operations, and trajectory programming.

Acceleration: The missile's engines, which can run on liquid or solid fuel, are activated to generate the necessary thrust. Depending on the missile type, there might be multiple stages of acceleration, each jettisoned after fuel burn-out to reduce mass and increase efficiency.

2. Ascent and Orbital Phase

Ascent: The missile gains altitude, eventually exiting the atmosphere or reaching its upper layers. At this stage, it can accelerate to speeds exceeding 5 km/s (for intercontinental missiles).

Entering Orbit (for ICBMs): Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) can reach orbital speeds and even temporarily enter low Earth orbit before beginning their descent.

3. Ballistic Flight

Ballistic Trajectory: After the engines are shut off, the missile flies along a parabolic path. At this point, it is not actively controlled but can use inertial guidance systems for path correction.

Terminal Phase Maneuvers: Some modern missiles are capable of performing maneuvers in the terminal phase of flight, making interception more difficult.

4. Re-entry and Control

Atmospheric Re-entry: The missile re-enters the atmosphere at extreme velocity, resulting in significant heating. A heat shield or protective cover is used for protection.

Maneuvering: To evade missile defense systems, the missile might employ dynamic maneuvering, release decoys, or use electronic countermeasures.

5. Target Engagement

Warhead Separation: Warheads detach from the missile body. Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs) might be used to strike multiple targets.

Target Impact: Depending on the warhead type, this could be a nuclear explosion, conventional explosive, or chemical/biological attack.

Mention of Use in Dnipro

In a recent event that captured global attention, Vladimir Putin ordered the use of a ballistic missile to strike Dnipro, Ukraine. According to reports, this was an experimental mid-range missile called "Oreshnik," used in a non-nuclear variant to demonstrate capabilities and, as claimed, as a retaliatory measure against military actions targeting Russian assets. This act illustrates the use of ballistic missiles not only in the context of strategic deterrence but also as tools in ongoing military conflicts.

Conclusion

Ballistic missiles are complex engineering feats aimed at covering vast distances with high precision and speed. Their deployment, as in the case of Dnipro, raises issues of international law, the ethics of wielding such power, and potential responses from the international community. The technology behind these missiles continues to evolve, necessitating constant attention to defense and security issues on a global scale.

This article provides an in-depth explanation of how ballistic missiles work, also mentioning the recent military use of such a missile.