ENCYCLOPEDIA OF Espionage, Intelligence, and Security Volume ...

Ballistic MissilesThis modified Minuteman intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base in the U.S., was intercepted by a prototypeinterceptor over the Pacific Ocean in 2001. ©REUTERS NEWMEDIA INC./CORBIS.SEE ALSOAviation Intelligence, HistoryDOD (United States Department of Defense)RADARStrategic Defense Initiative and National Missile Defense❚ LARRY GILMANBallistic MissilesAny missile that lofts an explosive payload which descendsto its target as a ballistic projectile—that is, solelyunder the influence of gravity and air resistance—is aballistic missile. Missiles that do not deliver a free-fallingpayload, such as engine powered cruise missiles (whichfly to their targets as robotic airplanes), are not “ballistic.”Encyclopedia of Espionage, Intelligence, and SecurityA ballistic missile has two basic components: a packagecontains guidance systems and explosives (the payload)and the rocket that lofts the payload into the upperatmosphere or into space (the booster). Ballistic missilestraverse distance rapidly; a long-range ballistic missile cantravel to the other side of the world in 30 minutes. Becausethey give so little advance warning and deliver small, fastmovingpayloads that may contain nuclear weapons capableof destroying entire cities, ballistic weapons are highlydestructive and difficult to defend against.HistoryThe world’s first ballistic missile was the V-2, developedby Nazi Germany during World War II. The V-2 , which wasfirst test-launched on October 3, 1942, could deliver a1,650-lb (750-kg) warhead to a target 225 miles away.Germany launched approximately 3,000 V-2s during thewar, but with little military effect; the V-2, lacking the87