- 1. The missile launches out of its silo by firing its 1st-stage boost motor (A).
- 2. About 60 seconds after launch, the 1st-stage drops off and the 2nd-stage motor (B) ignites. The missile shroud (E) is ejected.
- 3. About 120 seconds after launch, the 3rd-stage motor (C) ignites and separates from the 2nd stage.
- 4. About 180 seconds after launch, 3rd-stage thrust terminates and the post-boost vehicle (D) separates from the rocket.
- 5. The post-boost vehicle maneuvers itself and prepares for re-entry vehicle (RV) deployment.
- 6. The RVs, as well as decoys and chaff, are deployed.
- 7. The RVs (now armed) and chaff re-enter the atmosphere at high speeds.
- 8. The nuclear warheads detonate.
A ballistic missile (BM) is a type of missile that uses projectile motion to deliver warheads on a target. These weapons are powered only during relatively brief periods—most of the flight is unpowered. Short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) typically stay within the Earth's atmosphere, while most larger missiles travel outside the atmosphere. The type of ballistic missile with the greatest range is intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The largest ICBMs are capable of full orbital flight.
These missiles are in a distinct category from cruise missiles, which are aerodynamically guided in powered flight and thus restricted to the atmosphere.