A new kind of missile makes for even bigger explosions

The US Navy is introducing a new kind of missile. Instead of taking explosives to the target, the missile will be a chemical reaction held in readiness until it hits the target. The navy says it will reduce the deaths of innocent bystanders while increasing the effect of the explosion.

How does it work?

So far, the bodies of missiles have just been a convenient way of getting explosive materials to a certain point. The outer steel shell is meant to be a durable and aerodynamic frame, to house the inner explosives. It doesn't do anything itself. That is about to change. Instead of regular steel, the new missiles will have High-Density Reactive Materials in them. These materials, called HDRMs, will add to the explosion when they hit the target.

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