The rocket carries a dedicated payload, such as a warhead, containing explosives. The weight of explosives in a Qassam is typically a few kilograms.
The Qassam is a type of improvised rocket, made up of a metal tube about 70 cm. long. The range of the rocket varies, from 3 km. to 10 km. To date, the longest range that has been measured in actuality is 9.1 km.
Nonetheless, Israel is preparing for the possibility of an effective range of 20-30 km.
The rockets are a low-precision weapon.
Since the launcher is primitive, and is not manufactured on an assembly line but rather improvised, there is little precision in the strike. Therefore, it is reasonable to direct the rocket at densely populated areas, such as urban centers, in order to maximize the potential for harm, despite the inherent lack of precision.
As it explodes, the Qassam produces a very loud noise. The damages it causes are not always proportionally great.
The warhead of the Qassam rocket is conventional only. It causes localized damage, of about a 5 m. radius. Sometimes, a single Qassam is launched; at other times, several are fired in tandem.
The Home Front Command is active in the settlements under the Qassam threat, and have put a warning system in place. The system allows a 20-30 sec. warning time before a Qassam hit, and is automatically connected to sirens that sound the code “Tzeva Adom” (Color Red).