All Topics  
Ranged weapon

 

 
   Email Print
   Bookmark   Link
 

 

Ranged weapon
 
 
  Topics Ranged weapon Topic Home

A ranged weapon or missile weapon is any weapon
Weapon

A weapon is a tool used to apply or threaten to apply force for the purpose of hunting, attack or defense in combat, subduing enemy personnel, or to destroy enemy weapons, equipment and defensive structures....
 that launches a projectile
Projectile

A projectile is any object propelled through space by the exertion of a force, which ceases after launch. In a general sense, even a Football or baseball may be considered a projectile....
 or that is a projectile itself. In contrast, a weapon intended to be used in man-to-man combat is called a melee weapon
Mêlée weapon

A melee weapon is any weapon that does not involve a projectile ? that is, both the user and target of the weapon are in contact with it simultaneously in normal use....
.

Early ranged weapons include thrown weapons such as javelins, slings
Sling (weapon)

A sling is a projectile weapon typically used to throw a blunt projectile such as a stone. It is also known as the shepherd's sling.A sling has a small cradle or pouch in the middle of two lengths of cord....
, darts
Dart (missile)

Darts are missile weapons, designed to fly such that a sharp, often weighted point will strike first. They can be distinguished from Javelin s by fletching and a shaft that is shorter and/or more flexible, and from arrows by the fact that they are not of the right length to use with a normal bow....
, the bow and arrow
Bow (weapon)

A bow is a weapon that projects arrows powered by the elasticity of the bow. Essentially, it is a form of Spring . As the bow is drawn, energy is stored in the limbs of the bow and transformed into rapid motion when the string is released, with the string transferring this force to the arrow....
, and medieval
Middle Ages

File:Karl 1 mit papst gelasius gregor1 sacramentar v karl d kahlen.jpgThe Middle Ages of European history are a period in history which lasted for roughly a millennium, commonly dated from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century to the beginning of the Early Modern Period in the 16th century, marked by the division of Western Christi...
 siege engine
Siege engine

A siege engine is a machine that is designed to break or circumvent city walls and other fortifications in siege warfare....
s like catapult
Catapult

A catapult is any one of a number of non-handheld mechanical devices used to throw a projectile a great distance without the aid of an explosive substance?particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines....
s, ballista
Ballista

The ballista , plural ballistae, was a weapon developed from earlier Greek weapons. It relied upon different mechanics, using two levers with Torsion springs instead of a prod, the springs consisting of several loops of twisted skeins....
s and trebuchet
Trebuchet

A trebuchet or trebucket is a siege engine that was employed in the Middle Ages either to smash masonry walls or to throw projectiles over them....
s.






Discussion
Ask a question about 'Ranged weapon'
Start a new discussion about 'Ranged weapon'
Answer questions from other users
Full Discussion Forum



Encyclopedia


Battle of Crecy Froissart
A ranged weapon or missile weapon is any weapon
Weapon

A weapon is a tool used to apply or threaten to apply force for the purpose of hunting, attack or defense in combat, subduing enemy personnel, or to destroy enemy weapons, equipment and defensive structures....
 that launches a projectile
Projectile

A projectile is any object propelled through space by the exertion of a force, which ceases after launch. In a general sense, even a Football or baseball may be considered a projectile....
 or that is a projectile itself. In contrast, a weapon intended to be used in man-to-man combat is called a melee weapon
Mêlée weapon

A melee weapon is any weapon that does not involve a projectile ? that is, both the user and target of the weapon are in contact with it simultaneously in normal use....
.

Early ranged weapons include thrown weapons such as javelins, slings
Sling (weapon)

A sling is a projectile weapon typically used to throw a blunt projectile such as a stone. It is also known as the shepherd's sling.A sling has a small cradle or pouch in the middle of two lengths of cord....
, darts
Dart (missile)

Darts are missile weapons, designed to fly such that a sharp, often weighted point will strike first. They can be distinguished from Javelin s by fletching and a shaft that is shorter and/or more flexible, and from arrows by the fact that they are not of the right length to use with a normal bow....
, the bow and arrow
Bow (weapon)

A bow is a weapon that projects arrows powered by the elasticity of the bow. Essentially, it is a form of Spring . As the bow is drawn, energy is stored in the limbs of the bow and transformed into rapid motion when the string is released, with the string transferring this force to the arrow....
, and medieval
Middle Ages

File:Karl 1 mit papst gelasius gregor1 sacramentar v karl d kahlen.jpgThe Middle Ages of European history are a period in history which lasted for roughly a millennium, commonly dated from the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century to the beginning of the Early Modern Period in the 16th century, marked by the division of Western Christi...
 siege engine
Siege engine

A siege engine is a machine that is designed to break or circumvent city walls and other fortifications in siege warfare....
s like catapult
Catapult

A catapult is any one of a number of non-handheld mechanical devices used to throw a projectile a great distance without the aid of an explosive substance?particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines....
s, ballista
Ballista

The ballista , plural ballistae, was a weapon developed from earlier Greek weapons. It relied upon different mechanics, using two levers with Torsion springs instead of a prod, the springs consisting of several loops of twisted skeins....
s and trebuchet
Trebuchet

A trebuchet or trebucket is a siege engine that was employed in the Middle Ages either to smash masonry walls or to throw projectiles over them....
s. These ranged weapons were extremely effective in combat in comparison to close-combat weapons, as they gave the wielder opportunity to launch multiple projectiles before an enemy armed with melee weapons or shorter ranged missile weapon posed a threat to him. Siege engines were also used for passing or hitting obstacles like fortifications.

After the invention of gunpowder
Gunpowder

Gunpowder, also called black powder, is an explosive mixture of sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate, KNO3 that burns rapidly, producing volumes of hot solids and gases which can be used as a propellant in firearms and as a pyrotechnic composition in fireworks....
 and the development of firearms, ranged weapons became the weapon of choice. In modern warfare
Modern warfare

Modern warfare, although present in every historical period of military history, is generally used to refer to the military concepts, military methods and military technology that have come into use during and after the Second World War....
, ranged weaponry is used in the form of cruise
Cruise missile

A cruise missile is a guided missile missile that carries an explosive payload and uses a lifting wing and a propulsion system, usually a jet engine, to allow sustained flight; it is essentially a flying bomb....
 and ballistic missile
Ballistic missile

A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a sub-orbital ballistics flightpath with the objective of delivering a warhead to a predetermined target....
s. Maximum effective range of a weapon is the greatest distance fired and able to produce casualties or damage consistently.

List of missile weapons


Pre-modern missile weapons

Trebuchet
Pilum Lg
  • Atlatl
    Atlatl

    An atlatl or spear-thrower is a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart-throwing, and includes a Plain bearing surface which allows the user to temporarily store energy during the throw....
  • Bow
    Bow (weapon)

    A bow is a weapon that projects arrows powered by the elasticity of the bow. Essentially, it is a form of Spring . As the bow is drawn, energy is stored in the limbs of the bow and transformed into rapid motion when the string is released, with the string transferring this force to the arrow....
  • Ballista
    Ballista

    The ballista , plural ballistae, was a weapon developed from earlier Greek weapons. It relied upon different mechanics, using two levers with Torsion springs instead of a prod, the springs consisting of several loops of twisted skeins....
  • Bolas
    Bolas

    Bolas are a throwing weapon similar to the surujin made of weights on the ends of interconnected cords, designed to capture animals by entangling their legs....
  • Catapult
    Catapult

    A catapult is any one of a number of non-handheld mechanical devices used to throw a projectile a great distance without the aid of an explosive substance?particularly various types of ancient and medieval siege engines....
  • Chakram
    Chakram

    The chakram , sometimes called a war quoit, is a throwing weapon that was used by the ancient hindus, Sikh people; it is a flat metal disc with a sharp outer edge from 5 to 12 inches in diameter....
  • Crossbow
    Crossbow

    A crossbow is a weapon consisting of a Bow mounted on a stock that shoots projectiles, often called bolts. The medieval crossbow was called by many names, most of which derived from the word Ballista, a siege engine resembling a crossbow in mechanism and appearance....
  • Dart
    Dart (missile)

    Darts are missile weapons, designed to fly such that a sharp, often weighted point will strike first. They can be distinguished from Javelin s by fletching and a shaft that is shorter and/or more flexible, and from arrows by the fact that they are not of the right length to use with a normal bow....
  • Hunga Munga
    Hunga Munga

    The Hunga Munga is an African tribal weapon. It is a handheld weapon and consists of a metal pointed blade with a curved back section and separate spike near the handle....
  • Javelin
  • Shuriken
    Shuriken

    Shuriken is a traditional Japanese concealed weapon that were generally for throwing, and sometimes stabbing or slashing. They are sharpened hand-held blades made from a variety of everyday items such as needles, nails, and knives, as well as coins, washers, and other flat plates of metal....
  • Sling
    Sling (weapon)

    A sling is a projectile weapon typically used to throw a blunt projectile such as a stone. It is also known as the shepherd's sling.A sling has a small cradle or pouch in the middle of two lengths of cord....
  • Throwing axe
    Throwing axe

    A throwing axe is an axe that is used primarily as a missile weapon. Usually, they are thrown in an overhand motion in a manner that causes the axe to rotate as it travels through the air....
  • Throwing knife
    Throwing knife

    Throwing knives are knife that are specially designed and weighted so that they can be thrown effectively. They are a distinct category from ordinary knives....
  • Throwing stick
    Throwing Stick

    The throwing stick is one of the first weapons used by early humans and cultures all around the world. In essence, it is a short stave or wooden club thrown as a projectile to hunt small game such as rabbits or waterfowl....
  • Trebuchet
    Trebuchet

    A trebuchet or trebucket is a siege engine that was employed in the Middle Ages either to smash masonry walls or to throw projectiles over them....


Modern missile weapons

Exocet Mil
  • Air-to-air missile
    Air-to-air missile

    An air-to-air missile is a guided missile fired from an aircraft for the purpose of destroying another aircraft. AAMs are typically powered by one or more rocket motors, usually solid-fuel rocket but sometimes liquid-fuel rocket....
  • Air-to-surface missile
    Air-to-surface missile

    An air-to-surface missile is a missile designed to be launched from military aircraft and strike ground targets on land, at sea, or both. They are similar to guided glide bombs but to be considered a missile, they usually contain some form of propulsion system....
  • Anti-ballistic missile
    Anti-ballistic missile

    An anti-ballistic missile is a missile designed to counter ballistic missiles . A ballistic missile is used to deliver nuclear weapon, Chemical warfare, Biological warfare or conventional warheads in a ballistics flight trajectory....
  • Anti-satellite weapon
    Anti-satellite weapon

    Anti-satellite weapons are space weapons designed to incapacitate or destroy satellites for strategic military purposes. Currently, only the USA, the former USSR and the People's Republic of China are known to have developed these weapons....
  • Anti-ship missile
    Anti-ship missile

    File:Martel TV-Guided Missile - Elvington - BB.jpgAnti-ship missiles are guided missile designed for use against ships. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type and use a combination of inertial guidance system and radar guidance....
  • Anti-submarine rocket
    ASROC

    ASROC is an all-weather, all sea-conditions anti-submarine missile system. Developed by the United States Navy in the 1950s, it was deployed in the 1960s, updated in the 1990s, and eventually installed on over 200 USN surface ships, specifically cruiser , destroyers, and frigates....
  • Anti-tank guided missile
    Anti-tank guided missile

    An anti-tank guided missile or anti-tank guided weapon is a Missile guidance missile primarily designed to hit and destroy heavily-armored tanks and other armored fighting vehicles....
  • Ballistic missile
    Ballistic missile

    A ballistic missile is a missile that follows a sub-orbital ballistics flightpath with the objective of delivering a warhead to a predetermined target....
  • Cruise missile
    Cruise missile

    A cruise missile is a guided missile missile that carries an explosive payload and uses a lifting wing and a propulsion system, usually a jet engine, to allow sustained flight; it is essentially a flying bomb....
  • Cannon
    Cannon

    A cannon is any tubular piece of artillery, that uses gunpowder or other usually explosive-based propellants to launch a projectile over a distance....
  • Grenade launcher
    Grenade launcher

    A grenade launcher is a weapon that launches a grenade with more accuracy, higher velocity and to greater distances than a soldier could throw it by hand....
  • Gun
    GUN

    Gun is a Revisionist Western-themed video game developed by Neversoft. It was published by Activision for the Xbox, Xbox 360, Nintendo GameCube, Microsoft Windows and PlayStation 2....
  • Mortar
    Mortar (weapon)

    A mortar is a Muzzleloader indirect fire weapon that fires shell at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing Ballistics trajectories. It typically has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
  • Rocket artillery
    Rocket artillery

    Rocket artillery is a type of artillery equipped with rocket launchers instead of conventional guns or mortar .Types of rocket artillery pieces include multiple rocket launchers....
  • Surface-to-air missile
    Surface-to-air missile

    A surface to air missile or ground-to-air missile is a missile designed to be launched from the ground to destroy aircraft. It is a type of anti-aircraft....
  • Surface-to-surface missile
    Surface-to-surface missile

    A surface-to-surface missile is a guided projectile launched from a hand-held, vehicle mounted, trailer mounted or fixed installation or from a ship....


See also

  • Projectile
    Projectile

    A projectile is any object propelled through space by the exertion of a force, which ceases after launch. In a general sense, even a Football or baseball may be considered a projectile....
  • Trajectory of a projectile
    Trajectory of a projectile

    The United States Department of Defense and NATO define a Ballistics trajectory as a trajectory traced after the propulsive force is terminated and the body is acted upon only by gravity and aerodynamic drag....
  • Siege engine
    Siege engine

    A siege engine is a machine that is designed to break or circumvent city walls and other fortifications in siege warfare....
  • List of artillery
    List of artillery

    A list of artillery catalogues types of weapons found in Artillery battery of national armed forces' artillery Military organization.Some weapons used by the infantry units, known as infantry support weapons, are often misidentified as artillery weapons because of their use and performance characteristics, sometimes known colloquially as th...
  • List of missiles
    List of missiles

    Below is a list of missiles, sorted alphabetically by name. See also the list of rockets and the list of missiles by country....
  • List of missiles by nation


Further reading

  • Gray, David (2002) Bows of the World. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-478-6
  • (1992) The Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 1. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-085-3.
  • (1992) The Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 2. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-086-1.
  • (1994) The Traditional Bowyers Bible Volume 3. The Lyons Press. ISBN 1-58574-087-X.
  • The ballistics of the sling, Thom Richardson, Royal Armouries Yearbook, Volume 3 1998.


External links

  • The Evolution of Sling Weapons
  • , from the NOVA
    NOVA (TV series)

    Nova is a popular science television series from the United States produced by WGBH-TV Boston. It can be seen on the Public Broadcasting Service in the United States, and in more than 100 other countries....
     website