Hamas, has managed to produce rockets with limited resources in a challenging environment. Their ability to innovate, especially in the creation of Qassam rockets, has sparked curiosity and concern worldwide.
The Making of a Qassam Rocket
Ingredients: The primary ingredients are sugar and potassium nitrate, a common fertilizer.
Production: The sugar is melted with the fertilizer and poured into molds to create a propellant slug, which powers the rocket.
Purpose of Ingredients: Sugar releases energy slowly when burned. Potassium nitrate, as an oxidizing agent, provides the oxygen needed for combustion. Combined, they release energy quickly enough to propel a rocket.
Launcher: Rockets are launched from a steel frame and ignited using a wire connected to a battery.
Rockets vs Missiles
Rockets: Their direction is determined by the propellant's amount and the launcher's elevation. Rockets operate on a "fire and forget" principle.
Missiles: Equipped with guidance systems, missiles can adjust their trajectory and target during flight.
Qassam Rocket Specifications
Dimensions: Approximately 2.2m in length and 17cm in diameter.
Weight: Roughly 90kg, equivalent to 198 lb.
Payload: 10kg of high explosives.
Launch Mechanism
Rockets are launched from a deployable steel frame.
The range is adjusted by aligning the launcher visually with the desired target.
The solid fuel propellant is ignited, propelling the rocket upwards on a parabolic trajectory.
The rocket's fuse is activated upon descent, detonating the explosive payload.
Pros & Cons
Advantages: Low cost and accessibility make Qassam rockets available to groups with limited resources.
Disadvantages: These rockets are unguided and can be inaccurate, sometimes falling back into friendly territory. Their inaccuracy can result in unintended civilian casualties and property damage.
Cost Perspective
Qassam rocket: $300 to $600.
Iranian rocket: Approximately $1,000.
Iron Dome interceptor missile: $50,000. The system itself costs around $150 million but boasts a 90% success rate.
Defense: The Iron Dome
When a rocket is detected, its trajectory is assessed. Only rockets projected to fall within safeguarded areas are intercepted. An interceptor missile is launched, targeting the incoming rocket using advanced sensors and laser systems.
Understanding the engineering behind Qassam rockets offers insights into the ongoing conflict in the region. It underscores the importance of technological advancements, even under restricted conditions, and the lengths groups will go to in achieving their goals.
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