Missile vs. Projectile — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 7, 2024
A missile is a guided weapon capable of adjusting its flight path, whereas a projectile is any object, guided or unguided, propelled into the air or through space.
Difference Between Missile and Projectile
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A missile is designed for precise targeting with an onboard guidance system to navigate and strike targets accurately. On the other hand, a projectile lacks self-guidance, relying entirely on initial force or trajectory for reaching its destination.
Missiles are typically used in military applications, where their ability to change course mid-flight provides strategic advantages. In contrast, projectiles encompass a broad range of weapons and objects, from bullets and arrows to rocks or cannonballs, that depend on their launch speed and angle.
Missiles can be powered by various propulsion systems, like rockets or jets, to maintain or alter their trajectory. Projectiles generally rely on external force for propulsion, such as gunpowder in firearms or tension in a bow.
Missiles can carry different payloads, including explosives or surveillance equipment, and adjust their paths for precision strikes. Projectiles can also be explosive or non-explosive but travel in a fixed trajectory after being launched.
Missiles are often technologically advanced due to their guidance systems. Projectiles are generally simpler, lacking intricate onboard systems, though their launch mechanisms can still be complex.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Guidance
Onboard system for mid-flight adjustment
No onboard guidance, relies on initial force
Propulsion
Rockets, jets, etc.
External force like gunpowder or tension
Military Use
Precision targeting
Broad range of weapons and projectiles
Payload
Explosives, surveillance equipment
Can be explosive or non-explosive
Technology
Advanced due to guidance systems
Generally simpler without self-guidance
Compare with Definitions
Missile
A guided weapon capable of adjusting its flight path.
The missile locked onto the enemy ship and altered course mid-flight.
Projectile
Any object propelled through the air or space.
The medieval catapult launched a large stone projectile toward the castle walls.
Missile
Often carries an explosive payload for military use.
The missile's warhead exploded upon impact with the target bunker.
Projectile
Lacks onboard guidance and follows a set trajectory.
The archer aimed his projectile carefully before releasing the arrow.
Missile
Uses different propulsion systems like rockets or jets.
The jet engine powered the missile swiftly through the atmosphere.
Projectile
Includes a wide range of weapons like bullets, arrows, and cannonballs.
The soldier fired the projectile from his rifle, striking the target at a distance.
Missile
Can be launched from land, sea, or air platforms.
The submarine launched the missile from underwater toward the surface target.
Projectile
Sometimes carries explosive charges to increase impact.
The artillery projectile exploded upon reaching the enemy trench.
Missile
Designed for high accuracy in striking targets.
The cruise missile hit the bridge with pinpoint precision.
Projectile
A projectile is a missile propelled by the exertion of a force which is allowed to move free under the influence of gravity and air resistance. Although any objects in motion through space are projectiles, they are commonly found in warfare and sports (for example, a thrown baseball, kicked football, fired bullet, shot arrow, stone released from catapult).In ballistics mathematical equations of motion are used to analyze projectile trajectories through launch, flight, and impact.
Missile
In military terminology, a missile, also known as a guided missile or guided rocket, is a guided airborne ranged weapon capable of self-propelled flight usually by a jet engine or rocket motor. Missiles have five system components: targeting, guidance system, flight system, engine and warhead.
Projectile
A fired, thrown, or otherwise propelled object, such as a bullet, having no capacity for self-propulsion.
Missile
An object or weapon that is fired, thrown, dropped, or otherwise projected at a target; a projectile.
Projectile
A self-propelled missile, such as a rocket.
Missile
A guided missile.
Projectile
Capable of being impelled or hurled forward.
Missile
A ballistic missile.
Projectile
Driving forward; impelling
A projectile force.
Missile
Any object used as a weapon by being thrown or fired through the air, such as stone, arrow or bullet. 17
The Rhodians, who used leaden bullets, were able to project their missiles twice as far as the Persian slingers, who used large stones.
Projectile
(Zoology) Capable of being thrust outward; protrusile.
Missile
(military) A self-propelled projectile whose trajectory can be adjusted after it is launched. 20
That missile is explosive enough to kill hundreds.
Projectile
An object intended to be or having been fired from a weapon.
Missile
Capable of being thrown; adapted for hurling or to be projected from the hand, or from any instrument or engine{2}, so as to strike an object at a distance.
We bend the bow, or wing the missile dart.
Projectile
(physics) Any object propelled or thrown through space by the application of a force, such as strong wind.
Missile
A weapon thrown or projected or intended to be projected, as a lance, an arrow, or a bullet.
Projectile
Projecting or impelling forward.
A projectile force; a projectile weapon
Missile
A rocket-propelled device designed to fly through the air and deliver a warhead of explosive materials to a target.
Projectile
Caused or imparted by impulse or projection; impelled forward.
Missile
Rocket carrying passengers or instruments or a warhead
Projectile
Projecting or impelling forward; as, a projectile force.
Missile
A weapon that is thrown or projected
Projectile
Caused or imparted by impulse or projection; impelled forward; as, projectile motion.
Projectile
A body projected, or impelled forward, by force; especially, a missile adapted to be shot from a firearm.
Projectile
A part of mechanics which treats of the motion, range, time of flight, etc., of bodies thrown or driven through the air by an impelling force.
Projectile
A weapon that is thrown or projected
Projectile
Impelling or impelled forward;
A projectile force
A projectile missile
Common Curiosities
Can a missile also be a projectile?
Yes, a missile is a type of projectile with self-guidance capability.
Are missiles more technologically advanced than projectiles?
Generally, yes, due to the sophisticated guidance and propulsion systems.
Are all missiles guided?
Yes, guidance distinguishes missiles from other projectiles.
Are projectiles always weapons?
No, projectiles can include non-weapon objects like thrown rocks or sports equipment.
Do all missiles use rocket propulsion?
No, some also use jet engines or other propulsion systems.
Are missiles more expensive to produce than projectiles?
Typically, yes, because of their advanced technology.
Is a missile always a military weapon?
Yes, missiles are typically used in military applications due to their guidance systems.
Do projectiles ever carry guidance systems?
No, projectiles do not have guidance systems, which separates them from missiles.
Can missiles follow a curved trajectory?
Yes, missiles can adjust their flight path for precision strikes.
Are missiles always launched from ground platforms?
No, missiles can be launched from air, sea, and even space platforms.
Do all projectiles explode upon impact?
No, some projectiles, like arrows or bullets, do not carry explosive charges.
Can projectiles be reusable?
Some projectiles, like arrows or reusable bullets, can be used multiple times.
Are missiles reusable?
Generally not, as most missiles are destroyed on impact or after use.
Do projectiles follow a specific trajectory?
Yes, their trajectory is determined by the launch angle and force.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Satanism vs. Wicca
Next Comparison
Lucifer vs. VesperAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
