MILITARY ENCYCLOPEDIA

A guidance mode for anti-tank missiles where the warhead detonates downward onto the thinner top armor of armored vehicles.

Small, fast naval vessels primarily armed with torpedoes, designed for short-range engagements against larger ships.

Self-propelled underwater weapons designed to detonate on contact or proximity to a target, primarily used by submarines, surface ships, and aircraft against naval vessels.

Torsilastic suspension is a tank suspension system that uses torsion bars combined with elastomeric (rubber) elements to provide springing and damping.

A torsion bar is a steel rod that resists twisting and serves as a spring in tank suspensions, with one end fixed to the hull and the other connected to a lever arm moving the road wheel.

A system of hydrophones towed behind a vessel to detect submarines and torpedoes, minimizing interference from the ship's self-noise.

Land-based, towed artillery and mortars are wheeled or trailer-mounted weapons that fire explosive projectiles at high or low angles, providing indirect fire support.

A missile guidance method where the launch platform tracks the target and relays updates to the missile in flight.

Military auxiliary ships designed to transport personnel, vehicles, equipment, or supplies, including roll-on/roll-off and container vessels.

A firearm action type where the breechblock slides vertically in grooves milled into the receiver, typically locked by a lever.

A capability or feature explicitly prohibited by international treaties such as the Ottawa Treaty or CCW Amended Protocol II.

A three-legged support structure used to stabilize and elevate towed artillery or mortars for firing.

A straight, cylindrical ammunition container that feeds cartridges into a firearm's action via gravity or a spring.

Guidance system using television or electro-optical sensors to track targets via visual or infrared imagery for missile navigation.

A two-stage ATGM propulsion system where a booster stage initially accelerates the missile before a sustainer stage maintains flight velocity.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: a remotely controlled or autonomous aircraft.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle: a remotely piloted or autonomous aircraft used for reconnaissance, surveillance, or combat missions without a human onboard.

The 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council: China, France, Russia, UK, and US.

Firearm-mounted grenade launchers attached beneath the barrel, typically firing 40mm grenades for indirect fire support.

Designation for missiles or munitions that do not use active or passive guidance systems to alter their trajectory after launch.

Unmanned Surface Vessels (USV) are autonomous or remotely operated naval craft designed for maritime missions without a crew onboard, including surveillance, mine countermeasures, and reconnaissance.

Ability to take off and land on unpaved or short runways.

Unsprung: a suspension configuration in which a vehicle’s wheels or road wheels are mounted directly to the hull or chassis without springs, dampers, or other elastic elements, resulting in a rigid, non‑suspended ride.

Indicates a system or tool exploits previously unknown vulnerabilities (zero-days) for offensive cyber operations.

Military helicopters designed primarily for transporting troops, equipment, or supplies, and performing general support roles such as medical evacuation or reconnaissance.

Vehicle hull design featuring a V-shaped cross-section to deflect blasts upward, enhancing protection against landmines and IEDs.

A nuclear warhead feature allowing adjustable explosive yield, typically via selectable charge configurations, to optimize effects for different targets.

Vehicle-mounted EW Systems are electronic warfare systems installed on military vehicles to jam or disrupt enemy communications, radar, and sensors, while protecting friendly forces from electronic attacks.

Vertical Spring: a tank suspension system in which coil or leaf springs are mounted vertically to support the road wheels, allowing vertical movement to absorb shocks.

Military aircraft designed for transporting high-ranking personnel, critical cargo, or specialized missions requiring dedicated airlift capabilities.

A volute spring is a conical coil compression spring whose coils increase in diameter, used in some tank suspension systems to provide progressive resistance.

A torpedo guidance method that homes in on the wake or trail left by a moving target, typically a ship.

Designation for chemical or biological agents adapted for use as weapons, including delivery systems engineered for dissemination.

A radar system used to detect and track precipitation, storm intensity, and wind patterns to assist in flight operations and mission planning.

Armour made by welding and rolling homogeneous steel plates.

A breech-loading mechanism for artillery, featuring interrupted screw threads for rapid sealing and opening of the breech.

A recessed area at the stern of certain amphibious warships, allowing landing craft or vehicles to enter/exit the vessel directly from the water.

Artillery classification distinguishing self-propelled wheeled vehicles from weapons towed by external means.

A mechanical device used to pull or lift heavy loads via a cable or rope, commonly integrated into light tactical vehicles for recovery or cargo operations.

Missile guidance system where commands are transmitted via a physical wire link between the launch point and the missile during flight.