Figure 3-2.Typical air-to-surface guided missile.
orders and the control system that carries them out. The
elements for missile guidance and missile control can
be housed in the same section of the missile, or they can
be in separate sections.
There are a number of basic guidance systems used
in guided missiles. Homing-type, air-launched, guided
missiles are currently used. They use radar or infrared
A homing guidance system is one in which the
missile seeks out the target, guided by some physical
indication from the target itself. Radar reflections or
thermal characteristics of targets are possible physical
influences on which homing systems are based.
Homing systems are classified as active, semiactive, and
ACTIVE. In the active homing system, target
illumination is supplied by a component carried in the
Figure 3-3.Active homing system.
missile, such as a radar transmitter. The radar signals
(fig. 3-3) transmitted from the missile are reflected off
the target back to the receiver in the missile. These
reflected signals give the missile information such as the
targets distance and speed. This information lets the
guidance section compute the correct angle of attack to
intercept the target. The missiles angle of attack is
controlled by the control section that receives electronic
commands from the guidance section. Mechanically
manipulated wings, fins, or canard control surfaces are
mounted externally on the body of the weapon. They
are actuated by hydraulic, electric, or gas generator
power, or combinations of these to alter the missiles
SEMIACTIVE. In the semiactive homing
system (fig. 3-4), the missile gets its target illumination
from an external source, such as a transmitter carried in
the launching aircraft. The receiver in the missile
Figure 3-4.Semiactive homing system.