missile

A self-propelled and guided projectile. The majority of missiles resemble small rockets, but certain intercontinental missiles carrying nuclear payloads are extremely voluminous. Missiles consist of a thruster (motor), a guidance system (if it does not have one, we talk of a rocket, and not a missile) and a payload. This payload can be military (classic explosive, atomic warhead, chemical or bacteriological payload, etc.), electronic (a science missile, reconnaissance drones with onboard cameras) or even inert (propaganda missile carrying pamphlets).