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The branch of applied physics which deals with the motion of projectiles and the conditions governing their motion. Ballistics is, for practical purposes, subdivided into exterior and interior ballistics. Exterior ballistics begins at the instant a…

A burst of electromagnetic energy. In a military context—and the subject of this article—an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) is a transient electromagnetic signal produced by a nuclear explosion in or above Earth's atmosphere (Fig. 1). Though not…

Intentional generation of interfering signals in the electromagnetic and infrared spectrum by powerful transmitters as a countermeasure intended to block a communication, radar, or infrared system or to impair its effectiveness appreciably. Radio…

Artificial satellites used for a variety of military purposes. Of approximately 4000 satellites successfully launched between 1957 and 1999, about 50% have been either specifically military or usable for military purposes. Major functions of…

An explosion whose energy is produced by a nuclear transformation, either fission or fusion. Nuclear explosions can be either natural or artificial, for example in the form of a star undergoing a supernova or the deliberate detonation of an…

Multipurpose instruments used to make measurements on a remote object, often an airborne vehicle. These systems are used to provide two basic types of data: accurate measurement of the position, velocity and other motion parameters of the target;…

An optical instrument that permits viewing along a displaced or deflected axis, providing an observer with the view from a position which may be inaccessible or dangerous. Periscopes range in complexity from the simple unit-power tank periscope to…

A ship that can operate completely submerged in the water. The term "submarine" formerly applied to any ship capable of operating completely underwater, but now usually describes a ship built for military purposes (Fig. 1). The expected military…

A device for suddenly producing an explosive neutron chain reaction in a fissile material such as uranium-235 (235U) or plutonium-239 (239Pu). An atomic bomb derives its destructive potency from the rapid release of nuclear energy brought about by…

A device in which an uncontrolled, self-sustaining, thermonuclear fusion reaction is carried out in heavy hydrogen (deuterium or tritium) to produce an explosion. Initial conceptualization of the hydrogen bomb occurred alongside development of the…