A defensive missile can vaporize a target using only the power of motion
Modern missile defense systems have traded traditional explosives for pure physics, using hyper-velocity collisions to vaporize incoming threats through the sheer force of motion rather than chemical blasts.
The Patriot PAC-3 interceptor utilizes hit-to-kill technology to destroy ballistic missiles by colliding with them at speeds exceeding 10 kilometers per second. At these hypersonic velocities, the kinetic energy released upon impact is equivalent to detonating two tons of TNT. This massive energy transfer instantly vaporizes the target's warhead mid-air without needing a single gram of onboard explosives.
There's more to this story — open the app to keep reading.
Continue Reading in App
1 more paragraphs · plus a 3-question quiz