Track-via-missile

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Track-via-Missile (TVM) describes a method for guiding anti-aircraft missiles . The method is a mixture of semi-active radar steering ( Semi-Active radar homing , SARH) and radio remote control system of the missile.

technology

As with the SARH method, a ground-based radar illuminates the target. Sensors in the rocket register the radar energy reflected from it and use it to determine its own position relative to the target.

In contrast to the SARH method, the rocket does not calculate its interception course independently based on this data, but sends it back to a ground-based system. There they are processed - if not already by a processor in the rocket - converted with the data from the ground detection systems to create control data, and, as with radio remote control, but sent via radar to the rocket to guide it to its target .

advantages

  • The advantage over active radar steering is that the rocket itself does not emit any radar energy and therefore cannot be located by the target's radar warning receivers. The target therefore does not know whether a missile is already approaching.
  • The advantage over the SARH process is that the electronics that calculate the interception course do not have to be built into the rocket. This makes the rocket cheaper and makes it possible not to rely on restrictions on space, energy requirements and the like. Ä. To which electronics built into the rocket are subject to having to take into account.
  • The advantage over radio remote control is that the sensors that determine the position of the missile relative to the target are built into the missile and are therefore much closer to the target than if they were to remain on the ground. Among other things, this improves the resistance to interference.

Example systems

Many modern anti-aircraft missile systems employ TVMs. Examples are: