Tutorial:missiles

A missile is a flying device similar to a rocket. The primary difference is that a missile is designed not to achieve orbit, but rather ballistically crash into a target object from close to very long distances. While the primary purpose of Kerbal Space Program is to construct rockets for space transportation, it is very easy, and somewhat satisfying, to modify those rockets to become missiles.

Missiles 101

Missiles are devices that use rocket engines to propel themselves upward, rotate towards a target, then accelerate towards that target. Missiles are used for precision strikes, long-range bombardment, and for all-out destruction. With the addition of destroyable facilities in version 0.25, missiles now can destroy targets on the surface of Kerbin and can be used (quite effectively) to destroy spent ships in orbit, debris on the ground, or to destroy your entire space center in a very short amount of time.

Launching Missiles

Missiles can be launched from the launchpad, from the runway, from an aircraft in the air, or for you die-hards, a rocket. Each has its pros and cons.

From the Launchpad

Missiles from the launchpad start straight up, similar to ballistic ICBMs found in silos. The missile has to be rotated at least 90 degrees in the target direction to allow the missile to hit its target. Missiles launched from the launchpad are good for targeting the vehicle assembly building because it is a large and close target. They are also very effective when used to destroy the launchpad since a simple engine shutdown will cause the vehicle to come smashing down into the pad.

From the Runway

Missiles from the runway can be launched at a complete horizontal angle, or launched from triangular structural supports like standard missiles in use today. Launching from the runway gives the player a fast horizontal velocity in a short amount of time, but limits the amount of control.

From Aircraft

Using decouplers and a lot of struts, it is possible to fire missiles from spaceplanes that are flying above your space center. Attaching the missile to the wings of an aircraft can allow the missile to use the speed gained from the aircraft engines, as well as its own engines, to quickly accelerate to ballistic velocity. They can also be used to have mid-air dogfights.

From Rockets

While extremely difficult and overcomplicated, it is possible to launch missiles from rockets. But seriously, who would launch a missile from a rocket? I mean, come on.

Making Missiles

Missiles can be made in several ways. Some use lots of decouplers to create a magnificent explosion. Others use rockets to get a missile above their target then let gravity do its work. Missiles can also use rockets to propel it to their target or purposely overheat using engines.

While most missiles made by players are unguided rockets, it is possible to guide them to their targets easily by adding a probe core. To guide a missile with a probe core, make sure its engines are on. Double-click on your target and the missile will guide itself towards your target, but don't forget

Making rocket artillery

Basically a type of artillery that fires 1 or more rockets. They can be a truck with a turret made out of I-beams to represent launch rails, or just an immobile artillery piece. However, they tend to be inaccurate, as they have a tendency to spin out of control while the rocket booster is still running, or after they have run out of fuel. This can be fixed by installing fins or canting the solid rocket motors or fins, allowing them to, in most cases, travel further than non-spin-stabilized ones. Having Breaking Ground DLC or Infrared Robotics is recommended, as they can allow you to hit targets more accurately and increase the rockets' range.

Torpedoes

Normally, missiles are launched from the air or surface, but it is possible to launch them from ships. Torpedoes can be either guided or unguided. If unguided, they will have to rely on your aim to hit moving targets.

It's advised not to use rockets as propulsion because your torpedo will have a tendency to be destroyed when approaching 100 m/s or more, causing them to splash down hard and end up being destroyed. Use low-power jet engines instead. Make sure that you have a sufficient load of fuel to hit targets at longer distances

Torpedoes with a probe core can lock onto ships by targeting them, then pressing the target buttons to guide them. Probe cores lacking this ability need to be guided manually.