What's the difference between a rocket and a missile?

Answer 1

A rocket is a vehicle, or missile propelled by a rocket engine (an engine that obtains thrust by the reaction of fast moving fluid from within the rocket engine)

A missile can be anything propelled through the air (or water in the case of torpedoes) at a target. Rocks, arrows, and crossbow bolts can all be classified as missiles.

A missile can be a rocket, but a rocket isn't necessarily a missile.

Answer 2

Main Entry: missile
Function: noun
: an object (as a weapon) thrown or projected usually so as to strike something at a distance

Main Entry: rock·et
Pronunciation: 'rä-k&t
Function: noun
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Italian rocchetta, literally, small distaff, from diminutive of rocca distaff, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German rocko distaff
1 a : a firework consisting of a case partly filled with a combustible composition fastened to a guiding stick and propelled through the air by the rearward discharge of the gases liberated by combustion b : a similar device used as an incendiary weapon or as a propelling unit (as for a lifesaving line)
2 : a jet engine that operates on the same principle as the firework rocket, consists essentially of a combustion chamber and an exhaust nozzle, carries either liquid or solid propellants which provide the fuel and oxygen needed for combustion and thus make the engine independent of the oxygen of the air, and is used especially for the propulsion of a missile (as a bomb or shell) or a vehicle (as an airplane)
3 : a rocket-propelled bomb, missile, projectile, or vehicle.

In other words, the missile is the weapon that is thrown, and the rocket is the engine that throws it.

Answer 3

A rocket is a vehicle, missile or aircraft which obtains thrust by the reaction to the ejection of fast moving exhaust gas from within a rocket engine.

The word missile can be given to many things. It is, in general, a projectile—that is, something thrown or otherwise propelled. Missiles can range from a rock thrown from a slingshot, through a crossbow or ballista bolt, to a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (which, by the way, is also a "rocket")

Answer 4

I'm an assaultman in the Marine Corps. One of our main jobs is employing the MK 153 S.M.A.W. (Shoulder-Launched Multi-Pupose Assault Weapon).

What we are taught at our schools is that a rocket is launched whereas a missile is fired. The difference being that missiles are guided during flight while rockets are not.

My SMAW is a rocket (as is the AT-4), I lauch it and hope I aimed it accurately. A TOW or Javelin system is a missile: it is guided, by remote in the case of the TOW and by onboard computer in the case of the Jav, until it hits its target.

Answer 5

Basically the purpose. A missile is by definition designed to hit something to do damage. Even if you throw a rock at someone the rock is considered a missile.

The purpose of a rocket is not to hit something to damage it. It is a kind of vehicle.

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Answer 6

The definition of missile varies. Mainly a rocket has little burn time and is not guided to its target unless it is done by remote. . Like an rpg. A missile has several stages of burn time. It is electronically guided to its target. Now days mainly by gps or radio waves. It is like a patriot missile or a tomahawk

Answer 7

A rocket is an unguided projectile. It's aimed in the general direction you want it to go, ignited and you hope it hits the target.

A missile is directed before and during ignition. A missile has the ability, to have it's trajectory changed during flight, to ensure target acquisition.

Answer 8

rocket is unguided a missle is guided some hold more munitions than a rocket