The Persian Gulf War of 1991 marked the first time that precision-guided missiles played an important role in warfare. A coalition led by the United States launched several kinds of guided missiles against Iraq. These missiles were much more accurate than those used by Iraq. A guided missile consists basically of a warhead attached to a tubelike body. A rocket or a jet engine may power the missile. Special equiment in the missile guides it to its target. The warhead may contain a high explosive, such as TNT, or a nuclear device. High-explosive warheads work in various ways. Some damage their target mainly by creating a tremendous blast of air pressure. Others explode and shoot out many metal fragments (pieces) in all directions. The flying fragments then strike and damage the target. A nuclear warhead may contain an atomic or hydrogen explosive device. Some nuclear missiles contain several warheads. A nation would launch such a missile against a group of closely spaced targets. When the missile neared the target area, the warheads would separate and each would proceed toward its own target. Such warheads are called Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV's).

The Persian Gulf War of 1991 marked the first time that precision-guided missiles played an important role in warfare.  A coalition led by the United States launched several kinds of guided missiles against Iraq.  These missiles were much more accurate than those used by Iraq. 

A guided missile consists basically of a warhead attached to a tubelike body.  A rocket or a jet engine may power the missile.  Special equiment in the missile guides it to its target.  The warhead may contain a high explosive, such as TNT, or a nuclear device.  High-explosive warheads work in various ways.  Some damage their target mainly by creating a tremendous blast of air pressure.  Others explode and shoot out many metal fragments (pieces) in all directions.  The flying fragments then strike and damage the target.

A nuclear warhead may contain an atomic or hydrogen explosive device.  Some nuclear missiles contain several warheads.  A nation would launch such a missile against a group of closely spaced targets.  When the missile neared the target area, the warheads would separate and each would proceed toward its own target.  Such warheads are called Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRV's).