Radar lock-on
Missile lock-on is when the guidance system for a missile (or its associated launch vehicle) can accurately track a target, and a fire-control system can calculate the required flightpath for the missile to hit the target. Missile lock-on is typically indicated to the pilot or missile operator via an audible tone, a head-up display or a helmet-mounted display.[1]
Semi-active radar homing
With a semi-active radar homing system, the launch platform acquires the target with its search radar. The missile is then powered up while the launch platform's illuminator radar "lights up" the target for it. The illuminator is a radar transmitter with a narrow, focused beam that may be separate from the search radar and that can be directed at a target using information from the search radar. When the passive radar of the missile's guidance system is able to "see" the radar return from the target, missile lock-on is achieved and the weapon is ready to be launched.[2]
Detection by the target
The subject of a lock-on may become aware of the fact that it is being actively targeted by virtue of the electro-magnetic emissions of the tracking system, notably the illuminator. This condition will present a heightened threat to the target, as it indicates that a missile may be about to be fired at it.
See also
- Fire-control radar
- Missile guidance
- Air-to-air missile
- Surface-to-air missile
- Radar jamming and deception
Notes
- ^ R. P. G. Collinson (2003). Introduction to Avionics Systems. Springer. ISBN 1402072783.
- ^ Carlo Kopp (1982). "Active and Semi-Active Radar Missile Guidance". Australian Aviation.
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