Crossword Genius

Alternatively, hitch bomb to a long distance carrier (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

icbm

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'carrier' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for icbm that I've seen before include "Missile" , "Kind of powerful rocket" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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