1. airburst - Noun
2. airburst - Verb
an explosion in the atmosphere
Source: WordNetAir burst main The destructiveness of artillery bombardments can be enhanced when some or all of the shells are set for airburst, meaning that they explode in the air above the target instead of upon impact. Source: Internet
During World War I and later, ricochet fire with delay or graze fuzed HE shells, fired with a flat angle of descent, was used to achieve airburst. Source: Internet
Called the Advanced Multi-Purpose (AMP) round, it will have point detonation, delay, and airburst modes through an ammunition data-link and a multi-mode, programmable fuse in a single munition. Source: Internet
Airburst fuzes usually have a combined airburst and impact function. Source: Internet
Early airburst fuzes used igniferous timers which lasted into the second half of the 20th century. Source: Internet
The larger calibers of anti-aircraft artillery are almost always used airburst. Source: Internet