Warhead

A warhead (1) having a warhead casing (2) that encloses an explosive charge (5). To ensure that, during the detonation of the explosive charge (5), the warhead (1) effects a rapid acceleration of the fragments flying in the flight direction, and a lesser acceleration of the fragments flying away laterally from the warhead, and/or generates a relatively intense lateral pressure wave, the charge has at least two different partial charges (7, 8-10) corresponding to the intended use of the warhead (1). The first partial charge (7), which is disposed in the region of the tip of the warhead (1), and comprises, for example, octogen (HMX), possesses a high detonation speed in order, when detonated, to accelerate heavy-metal fragments (preferably WSM spherical fragments) disposed in front of the partial charge very rapidly forward. In contrast, the second partial charge (8-10), which adjoins the rear of the first partial charge (7), is a far less costly charge, e.g., RDX, is required solely for accelerating the fragments, comprising steel, for example, that are flying away laterally, or only to generate an intense lateral pressure wave.