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The launch platforms can feed the necessary positional data to the missile, which can switch to IR search mode as it approaches the area of the target. Most new
by jandrewrogers 5y ago
The launch platforms can feed the necessary positional data to the missile, which can switch to IR search mode as it approaches the area of the target. Most newer US platforms use a mix of inertial and IR imaging guidance. Even the longer range radar-guided missiles typically don't turn on their radar until they are relatively close to the target; effective long-range radar has power requirements that don't fit in a missile very well.
The dual-mode terminal guidance on the Chinese missile may be a response to the fact that the US has very good countermeasures for IR terminal guidance. IR guidance is cheap but it may not be reliable against some advanced targets.
- p_l 5y agoOr it could be something they picked up from Soviet defense forces, where the doctrine was to fire long range missiles in pairs - first an IR seeker then radar one p
- angry_octet 5y agoThe diameter of the missile also imposes significant limitations on the RADAR. IR sensors couldn't be in the nose cone, it's hard to see them being very sensitive or capable against active decoys. In contrast, the AIM-120D has bidirectional data link, so it can feed it's RADAR picture back to the launch platform.
- jasonwatkinspdx 5y agoMy understanding is multi mode seekers use a simple trick where they have a Gregorian telescope where the mirrors do double duty for both RF and IR. This allows simultaneous radar, IR, and laser seeking in one unit.