Exploring the Differences Between Infrared Guided Missiles and Other Types of Guided Missiles
A frequent misconception about missile guidance systems, especially regarding infrared (IR) guided ones, is that these missiles come with onboard cameras. In reality, the TOW (Tube-launched, Optically tracked, Wire-guided) missile, a widely used modern anti-tank weapon, employs a more sophisticated system utilizing correlator trackers. Let's delve into the details of these systems and their unique characteristics.
Understanding the TOW Guidance System
The TOW missile's guidance system has evolved significantly over the years. Initially, it used a back tracker with a single IR flare. However, advancements have led to dual-flare systems. The fire control system, not the gunner, controls the missile. The gunner tracks the target visually, while the fire control system tracks the IR flare through a correlator tracker. The system calculates the angle between the flare and the crosshair and sends signals to guide the missile towards the target. This process ensures that while the gunner aims, the fire control system is responsible for the precise guidance and launch.
Evolving from Wire-Guided to Wire-Free
One significant change in TOW missile technology is the transition from wire-guided to wire-free systems. The original TOW missiles are no longer equipped with the wire-tether, which was used for telemetry and guidance signals. This evolution enhances the missile's range and maneuverability, making it a more versatile and reliable weapon in modern combat scenarios.
Comparison with Other Guided Missiles
While the TOW missile employs an advanced correlator tracker, it is essential to understand that no single type of guided missile is universally the best. Different guidance systems are designed for specific purposes and performance profiles, ensuring that each type of missile is optimized for its intended use.
Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short-range, air-to-air missile used in air combat for shooting down a variety of aerial targets. It features a semi-active radar and infrared homing guidance system. This dual guidance system is particularly effective against aircraft, as the semi-active radar detects and tracks the target, providing initial guidance, while the infrared homing system takes over in the terminal phase, ensuring precision and lethality.
Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles: Agni-V
The Agni-V is an Indian intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) that utilizes a highly advanced guidance system comprising a ring laser gyroscope and an inertial navigation system (INS). Upon launch, the missile is pre-programmed with its launch and target coordinates. The gyroscope tracks the missile's orientation, while the INS continuously calculates the missile's location based on its acceleration. This system ensures that the Agni-V can maintain its course even if all Indian military assets and headquarters are destroyed, safeguarding its mission-critical task. While incredibly precise, this system is not suited for moving targets like tanks due to the limitations of inertial navigation.
Anti-Radiation Missiles: HARM
The AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) is an air-to-surface missile designed to neutralize ground-based radar sites. Its guidance system is a multi-layered approach including passive radar homing, home-on-jam, GPS/INS, and millimeter-wave active radar homing. These systems work together to ensure that the HARM can detect, lock onto, and destroy the enemy's radar site. The combination provides robust and flexible targeting capabilities, tailored to the ever-changing tactical environment.
Manually Guided Ground-Based Missiles: BGM-71 TOW
The BGM-71 TOW is a different beast altogether, designed for ground-based infantry use. Unlike other missiles, the TOW has a camera in front that sends a video feed back to the operator via wires that unravel as the missile flies. The operator manually guides the missile using a control unit, providing real-time visual feedback and precise control over the weapon. This system is versatile and adaptable but requires the operator to maintain visual contact with the target.
In conclusion, modern guided missiles like TOW, AIM-9, Agni-V, and HARM have evolved to meet specific tactical and operational needs. While some systems like IR homing are crucial components, no single system reigns supreme across all scenarios. The choice of guidance system depends on the mission's context and the target characteristics. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective utilization and deployment of missile systems in contemporary warfare.